The song was written by Stax Records singer Luther Ingram and Stax house songwriter Mack Rice. Ingram, who was frustrated with the state of the world at the time, told Rice "black folk need to learn to respect themselves." Rice liked the comment so much that he built a funk groove around it, then gave the song to the Staples, who were also signed to Stax. Producer Al Bell teamed the group with the storied Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, musicians who laid down classic tracks for Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin, and with engineer/musician Terry Manning for vocals, overdubs, and mixing, in Memphis. The horns were overdubbed by Manning after the vocals were recorded, and were played by The Memphis Horns. The confrontational song had resonance for a burgeoning self-empowerment movement for African-Americans during the post-civil-rights-movement 1970s, as well as women demanding more respect during those same years. The Staple Singers' long version featured Roebuck "Pops" Staples, nearly 57 at the time, on lead for more than two minutes.
Respect Yourself
The Staple Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 Staple Singers' song "Respect Yourself" speaks about the importance of self-respect and how showing respect to others is essential to gain respect in return. The lyrics suggest that disrespecting anyone would make it difficult for others to respect you in return. The song begins by asking the listener how they expect to be respected if they disrespect others they encounter in life. It then goes on to suggest that the man with the bible deserves respect and that it is essential to let him do his thing.
Furthermore, the song advises that people need to take off their mask, stop being arrogant, and start respecting others, making every effort to respect their beliefs and values. The lyrics condemn the behavior of those who believe that the world owes them anything as backward and that talking about a problem is not enough. Instead, one needs to take action to make a real positive difference. The song's central theme is that to receive respect, one must first respect themselves.
Overall, the song has a powerful message that still resonates with many people today. It highlights the importance of respect in our daily lives and encourages listeners to show respect to everyone they meet, not just those they deem worthy of it.
Line by Line Meaning
If you disrespect anybody that you run in to
If you treat others poorly and disrespect them when you meet them,
How in the world do you think anybody's s'posed to respect you
Why should anyone respect you if you do not show them respect and dignity?
If you don't give a heck 'bout the man with the bible in his hand, y'all
If you do not care about or listen to the people who have wisdom and guidance to offer,
Just get out the way, and let the gentleman do his thing
Step aside and let those who do care and want to make a difference take charge.
You the kind of gentleman that want everything your way, yeah
You are the type of person who only cares about their own interests and desires,
Take the sheet off your face, boy, it's a brand new day
Stop living in the past and move forward with a fresh start, free from outdated beliefs and values.
Respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself, respect yourself
Emphasizing the importance of treating yourself with respect and dignity.
If you're walking 'round think'n that the world owes you something 'cause you're here
If you expect others to cater to your every need simply because you exist,
You goin' out the world backwards like you did when you first come here yeah
You are not making progress and developing as a person, but rather regressing and acting immaturely.
Keep talkin' bout the president, won't stop air pollution
Focusing solely on the higher authority or government to solve problems will not address the root cause or help fix the issue at hand.
Put your hand on your mouth when you cough, that'll help the solution
Small actions and gestures can go a long way towards addressing larger, more complex problems.
Oh, you cuss around women and you don't even know their names, no
Talking disrespectfully to and about women without knowing or caring about their individuality or identity is inappropriate and wrong.
Then you're dumb enough to think that'll make you a big ol' man
Thinking that being rude and disrespectful to others is an indicator of strength or masculinity is foolish and misguided.
You oughta you oughta respect yourself yeah, respect yourself
Repeated emphasis on the importance of self-respect and dignity.
Respect yourself, yeah yeah respect yourself, respect yourself yeah, respect yourself
A final call to respect oneself and to prioritize treating oneself and others with respect and dignity.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Luther Thomas Ingram, Mack Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carolvaughandavis2391
This song can be played for many generations to come...it STILL applies 40 years later in 2022.
@humanbeing3337
And 50 years later ! ๐คญ๐โค
@iononcantomascrivo
For real! The song is very profound. I know that's a lot of the songs from the '60s and the '70s have some deep meaning in them. Even the '80s. You move on into the '90s and it's still somewhat prevalent but 2000 onwards, it's mostly cookie cutter, recyclable, bubble gum paper-thin claptrap.
@DeuceDevil
Now 2023 almost gonna be 2024 soonโค bless you all.
@stephenironmonger348
Indeed๐โค๏ธ
@tylerhackner9731
Still relevant!
@GamerecGame
I don't think the staple singers get their credit they really deserve I love this family and their music
@marionorr698
This is what we need in 2023
@TheDarkelflover
Respect, very much lost today. I don't even think the majority of people today even know what the word means, especially respecting themselves.
@kalaklah4848
"You're going out the world backwards like you did when you first come here"