R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Aretha Franklin's version of Otis Redding's Respect is a hugely popular song that really is great. It's an anthem that brings us together and makes us feel strong and hopeful. It makes me want to stand up and dance.

I was listening to Otis Redding's version of the song, and I noticed something.

Otis sings:

Do me wrong
Honey if you wanna
You can do me wrong
Honey while I'm gone
But all I'm asking for
Is for a little respect when I come home

Aretha's version:

I ain't gonna do you wrong
While you're gone
Ain't gonna do you wrong
'cause I don't wanna
All I'm askin'
Is for a little respect when you come home

My first interpretation was that Otis's version is edgier, with a touch of cynicism.

But listen to Aretha:

Ooo, your kisses
Sweeter than honey
And guess what?
So is my money

Otis's verse doesn't have that barb:

Hey little girl,
You're sweeter than honey
And I'm about to just give you
All my money

Aretha does get a little harsher near the end:

I get tired (just a little bit)
Keep on tryin' (just a little bit)
You're runnin' out of foolin' (just a little bit)
And I ain't lyin' (just a little bit)
(re, re, re, re) 'spect
When you come home (re, re, re ,re)
Or you might walk in (respect, just a little bit)
And find out I'm gone (just a little bit)

It's a great song no matter who sings it, but it's always been about money as power and buying not love, but the appearance of love. Aretha's guy, apparently, has already started to break the rule. Otis just assumes that his sweetheart will be unfaithful.

Otis's version works because it plays off the familiar scenario of a woman ingratiating herself to a man for his money. Otis's knowledge that she's there for the money gives him a touch of humility.

Aretha's song works because yay, she's a woman! She's a woman with enough money to take on the role that's usually masculine.

Mostly, though, it's just a great song.