Respect
Starshine Orchestra & Singers Lyrics
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How in the world do you think anybody's s'posed to respect you
If you don't give a heck 'bout the man with the bible in his hand, y'all
Just get out the way, and let the gentleman do his thing
You the kind of gentleman that want everything your way, yeah
Take the sheet off your face, boy, it's a brand new day
Respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself
Ain't nobody gonna give a good cahoot, na na na na
Respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself
If you're walking 'round think'n that the world owes you something 'cause you're here
You goin' out the world backwards like you did when you first come here yeah
Keep talkin' bout the president, won't stop air pollution
Put your hand on your mouth when you cough, that'll help the solution
Oh, you cuss around women and you don't even know their names, no
Then you're dumb enough to think that'll make you a big ol' man
Respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself
If you don't respect yourself
Ain't nobody gonna give a good cahoot, na na na na
Respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself
Respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself
Respect yourself, yeah yeah respect yourself, respect yourself yeah, respect yourself
You oughta you oughta respect yourself yeah, respect yourself
The lyrics of "Respect" by Starshine Orchestra & Singers convey a powerful message about the importance of self-respect and how it influences the way others perceive and treat us. The opening lines emphasize the idea that if you disrespect others, you cannot expect to receive respect in return. By pointing out the hypocrisy of wanting respect while disrespecting others, the lyrics challenge listeners to consider their actions and attitudes towards those around them.
The song highlights the significance of respecting oneself before expecting respect from others. It acknowledges that self-respect is fundamental in gaining the respect of others. The repetition of the phrase "respect yourself" serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing oneself and carrying oneself with dignity. The lyrics suggest that without self-respect, it is hard for others to care about or value an individual, emphasizing the importance of self-worth.
The lyrics also address societal issues such as entitlement and lack of consideration for others. The mention of thinking the world owes you something and complaining about problems without taking action to solve them alludes to a sense of entitlement and irresponsibility. The song encourages individuals to take accountability for their actions, such as practicing good manners and respecting others, rather than expecting special treatment or favors.
The final verses of the song reinforce the message of self-respect and the importance of being mindful of one's behavior towards others. The lyrics emphasize the significance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their gender or social status. By promoting the idea that true maturity and strength come from respecting oneself and others, the song encourages listeners to reflect on their behavior and strive to foster a culture of respect and understanding in their interactions with others.
Line by Line Meaning
If you disrespect anybody that you run in to
If you treat others with disrespect when you meet them
How in the world do you think anybody's s'posed to respect you
Why would anyone respect you if you don't show respect first
If you don't give a heck 'bout the man with the bible in his hand, y'all
If you don't care about those who hold moral values and beliefs
Just get out the way, and let the gentleman do his thing
Step aside and allow others to go about their business
You the kind of gentleman that want everything your way, yeah
You're the type who always wants things done your way
Take the sheet off your face, boy, it's a brand new day
Remove the mask of ignorance and start fresh each day
If you're walking 'round think'n that the world owes you something 'cause you're here
If you feel entitled to things simply because you exist
You goin' out the world backwards like you did when you first come here yeah
You're navigating life in a selfish and childish manner
Keep talkin' bout the president, won't stop air pollution
Talking about problems won't solve them
Put your hand on your mouth when you cough, that'll help the solution
Simple actions can contribute to solving bigger issues
Oh, you cuss around women and you don't even know their names, no
You use foul language around women without even knowing them
Then you're dumb enough to think that'll make you a big ol' man
You foolishly believe that such behavior makes you appear mature
You oughta you oughta respect yourself yeah, respect yourself
It's important to have self-respect and treat yourself well
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Luther Thomas Ingram, Mack Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind