10 Cover Versions That Are Absolute Masterpieces
4. Respect (Aretha Franklin)
Listening to Aretha Franklin's version of Respect you can clearly hear her strengths as an arranger and not just as a performer. Not only did she change the arrangement of this song, she also changed the meaning of the lyrics and added the "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" refrain turning the song into the classic we love today.
In Otis Redding's original, his lyrics come from the viewpoint of a hardworking man who demands respect for being the breadwinner of the household. His protagonist is desperate and the respect he receives from his wife is all he has to look forward at the end of the day.
Franklin made the inspired choice of turning the viewpoint of the lyrics around. It is she who demands the respect from her man. She never does him wrong and knows she has everything he wants. It is a declaration from a strong, confident woman. Another element she added was the backing line of "Sock it to me" which quickly became a household expression.
The song became a huge hit and earned her two Grammy Awards. It also became an anthem for the burgeoning Civil Rights and Women's Rights movements at the time.