The family began appearing in Chicago-area churches in 1948, and signed their first professional contract in 1952. They signed with United Records, then Vee-Jay, Riverside, Epic and, eventually, the black-owned indie Stax Records label where they hit their most fertile commercial peak.
In 1967, on Columbia subsidiary Epic, the Staple Singers first began moving into mainstream pop markets with "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" and "For What It's Worth" (written by Stephen Stills). In 1968, the Staple Singers signed to Stax and released two albums recorded with Steve Cropper of Booker T & the MG's fame - Soul Folk in Action and We'll Get Over. By 1970, Al Bell had become producer, and the family began recording at the famed Muscle Shoals studio, moving in a more funk and soul direction. The first Stax hit was "Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)". In 1972, the group had a No. 1 hit in the United States with "I'll Take You There." Their 1972 recording on Stax of "Respect Yourself," written by Luther Ingram and Mack Rice, was number 2 on the R&B charts and a Top 40 pop hit as well. The song's theme of self-empowerment had universal appeal, released in the period immediately following the intense American civil rights movement of the 1960s. During this Stax period they appeared at a 1972 summer concert at the LA Memorial Coliseum attended by 100,000 people and documented in the 1973 film and soundtrack album Wattstax.
The Staple Singers then signed to Curtom, Curtis Mayfield's imprint, and released the soundtrack to a comedy film co-starring Bill Cosby called "Let's Do It Again". The soundtrack was produced by Mayfield; and the title song was a huge hit in 1975. After this, however, they were not able to regain their commercial momentum, releasing occasional minor hits, and moving from label to label including Warner Brothers and 20th Century before returning to Epic in the mid 80s. Lead singer Mavis Staples began a fruitful solo career in earnest that continues to this day and involves live performing with her sister Yvonne Staples. The other daughters in the group who did not pursue solo careers were Pervis Staples, and Cleotha Staples.
In 1994, the family made this final recording of a duet with Mary Stuart (reprising their Last Watz style backing on a cover of "The Weight" by The Band), somewhat re-establishing an audience.
Pops Staples died in December 2000.
Cleotha Staples died in Chicago on February 21, 2013.
Yvonne Staples died in April 2018 and Pervis Staples in May 2021.
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 © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Luther Thomas Ingram, Mack Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dawn Paige
This is one true song by the staple singers Respect yourself!!! Do anyone out there know what the meaning of Respect Yourself? Especially the young generation today? They should sit down and listen to this song and get the true facts!!! Respect Yourself!!!
Mario Caffari
Wait and see, now every human has to learn what it means to have respect
Khadijah Al Husayn
Yes ma’am!! ❤
Sentimental Lady05
Timeless... A very important message then and now!! Peace and love to all..
Sky Waters Speaks 4 her
Love this song. My grandma use to play it everyday. Timeless
Mario Caffari
Hi, so listen to their perfect remake of < Grandmas Hands > and feel the great spirit of the staples family
Airbrush Ken
Just magic.... this group were masters from the music to the voices plus the words are soooo true!
Charles Coleman
The Staple Singers were a incredibly amazing and talented group of singers blessed with (voices) that blended amazingly (well) that gave their (songs) inspirations for generations of (everyone) 👥👥👥 whoever heard the songs they sung especially ones like "Respect Yourself" giving (all) the understanding of respecting the life you live & love to (all) see what it means to have & get the (respect) everyone (deserves) 💯💯💯✔
Pulane Mokgalabone
How relevant and ageless is the message of this song👌
Marcella Norfleet
"YOU BETTER KNOW IT"