Meaning “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
Aretha Franklin – (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman : A Celebration of Love’s Transformative Power
Unpacking the Magic of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
Ever heard a song that just gets you? Like it speaks directly to your soul? That’s how I feel about Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” It’s more than just a catchy tune; it’s a powerful anthem about love, self-discovery, and the incredible impact someone can have on your life. Let’s dive into the heart of this classic.
The song opens with a picture of someone looking out at the morning rain, feeling uninspired and tired. It sets a scene of emotional weariness, a sense of being lost. I think we’ve all been there, right? Those days when just facing another day feels like a monumental task. The lyrics “I used to feel so uninspired / And when I knew I had to face another day / Lord, it made me feel so tired” perfectly capture that feeling of being weighed down by the world.
From Uninspired to Inspired: The Turning Point
Then, the song takes a turn. The lines “Before the day I met you, life was so unkind / But you’re the key to my peace of mind” mark a clear shift. It’s the arrival of someone special, someone who changes everything. This person brings peace and solace, turning a life that felt unkind into something beautiful. It’s like finding the missing piece of a puzzle.
The chorus, “You make me feel / You make me feel / You make me feel like a natural woman,” is the heart of the song. It’s not just about romantic love; it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. It’s about feeling truly seen and understood. The phrase “natural woman” suggests a sense of authenticity, of being your true self without pretense or fear. It’s about embracing your femininity and feeling empowered by it. I see it as a celebration of the strength and resilience that comes from finding genuine connection.
The Journey from Lost to Found
The second verse delves deeper into this transformation. “When my soul was in the lost and found / You came along, to claim it” paints a vivid image of feeling lost and disconnected. Then, this person arrives and reclaims that lost part of you. They bring you back to yourself. The lyrics “I didn’t know just what was wrong with me / Til your kiss helped me name it” are particularly powerful. It’s like this person’s love provides clarity, helping you understand yourself in a new way. It’s not just a physical kiss; it’s a metaphorical awakening.
The line “Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for / And if I make you happy I don’t need to do more” speaks to a newfound sense of purpose. Finding love has given the singer a clear direction, a reason for being. The focus shifts outward, to making the other person happy. It’s a beautiful sentiment that highlights the selfless nature of true love. It’s about finding fulfillment in bringing joy to someone else.
A Feeling of Being Truly Alive
The bridge of the song, “Oh, baby, what you done to me? / You make me feel so good inside / And I just wanna be close to you / You make me feel so alive,” is pure emotion. It’s an expression of the overwhelming joy and vitality that love can bring. It’s about feeling a deep connection, a desire for closeness, and a renewed sense of life. It’s like being reborn, infused with energy and passion. This part of the song really captures the physical and emotional sensations of being in love. It’s that feeling of butterflies in your stomach and a constant desire to be near the person you care about.
The repetition of the chorus throughout the song emphasizes its central message. It’s a powerful affirmation of the transformative power of love. It’s a testament to the fact that finding the right person can make you feel whole, confident, and truly yourself. It’s not just about romantic love, though that’s a big part of it. It’s also about the love and acceptance we find in friendships, family, and even within ourselves.
More Than Just a Love Song
The song’s impact is amplified by Aretha Franklin’s incredible vocal performance. Her soulful delivery and powerful range bring an emotional depth to the lyrics that’s simply breathtaking. She doesn’t just sing the words; she embodies them. She makes you feel every ounce of joy, vulnerability, and strength expressed in the song. That’s why it has resonated with so many people for so long. It’s a universal message about the human experience, about the search for connection and the profound impact love can have on our lives.
- Meaning “You Send Me” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
- Meaning “Joy to the World” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
- Meaning “I Say a Little Prayer” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
- Meaning “Think” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
- Meaning “Son of a Preacher Man” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
- Meaning “Respect” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
- Meaning “Chain of Fools” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
- Meaning “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes
Inspirational Quotes from “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: Finding Strength and Authenticity
Following our exploration of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” let’s delve into some inspirational quotes we can glean from its powerful lyrics. This song offers more than just a beautiful melody; it provides words of wisdom about love, self-discovery, and the importance of feeling true to oneself. Let’s explore some of these lyrical gems.
Inspirational Quotes from “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: Finding Peace
The line “But you’re the key to my peace of mind” is a simple yet profound statement. It speaks to the power of connection and the solace we find in another person. It’s about finding someone who brings stability and tranquility into our lives. When things get tough, having that person who acts as our “key to peace” can make all the difference. This quote reminds us of the importance of nurturing healthy relationships and finding support in those we trust.
Inspirational Quotes from “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: Embracing Authenticity
The central message of the song, “You make me feel like a natural woman,” is perhaps its most impactful. It’s not just about feeling feminine; it’s about feeling authentic, comfortable in your own skin, and empowered by who you are. This quote encourages us to embrace our true selves, without pretense or fear. It’s a reminder that true connection allows us to be vulnerable and genuine. It’s about feeling accepted and loved for who we truly are, flaws and all.
Inspirational Quotes from “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: Discovering Purpose
The lyrics “Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for” speak to the clarity and purpose that love can bring. It’s about finding direction and meaning in life through connection with another person. This quote inspires us to seek out those relationships that give us a sense of purpose and motivate us to live a more fulfilling life. It suggests that love can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and growth.
Inspirational Quotes from “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: The Power of Connection
The phrase “You make me feel so alive” perfectly captures the invigorating effect of love. It’s about feeling energized, passionate, and fully present in the moment. This quote reminds us of the importance of cherishing those connections that bring us joy and make us feel truly alive. It emphasizes the transformative power of love to revitalize our spirits and inspire us to embrace life to the fullest.
Analyzing and Discussing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: A Deeper Dive
Now, let’s explore some of the deeper elements of this iconic song. We’ll examine its lyrical themes, emotional depth, production details, and cultural significance. We’ll also look at some interesting background information and fun facts.
Lyrical Themes and Emotional Depth in “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”
At its core, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is a song about transformation through love. It portrays a journey from feeling lost and uninspired to finding self-worth and joy through a loving relationship. The lyrics explore themes of acceptance, empowerment, and the profound impact another person can have on our lives. Franklin’s powerful vocals amplify these emotions, conveying both vulnerability and strength. The song’s message of feeling like a “natural woman” has evolved into an anthem of female empowerment, resonating with listeners across generations.
Production, Songwriters, and Background of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”
Released as a single in September 1967 and featured on the Lady Soul album, the song was produced by Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records. The lyrics were penned by Gerry Goffin, with music composed by Carole King. The story of its creation is quite interesting; Wexler conceived the idea and approached King and Goffin, who remarkably wrote the song in a single night. The recording took place at American Sound Studio in Memphis, capturing Franklin’s raw and powerful vocal performance.
Achievements, Chart Performance, and Fun Facts about “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”
The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has become one of Franklin’s signature songs, solidifying her status as the “Queen of Soul.” In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. After Franklin’s passing in 2018, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion, and Carole King included her own version on her album Tapestry. Franklin’s performance at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, which moved President Obama to tears, remains a particularly memorable moment.
This song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a powerful statement about love, self-discovery, and female empowerment. It’s a testament to Aretha Franklin’s incredible talent and the enduring power of music. What are your thoughts on this iconic song? Do you interpret its message differently? Let’s discuss!
