Meaning “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” Aretha Franklin: Lyric, Quotes

Aretha Franklin – (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman : Finding Strength in Love

Diving Deep into Aretha’s Anthem: ‘Natural Woman’ Explained

Hey everyone! Ever heard that classic tune “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin? Seriously, if you haven’t, you’re missing out! It’s one of those songs that just gets right into your soul. But have you ever really stopped to think about what it’s actually saying? Let’s unpack this gem together, shall we? Think of me as your friendly guide through the emotional landscape of this amazing song. No expert jargon here, promise!

Setting the Scene: A Dreary Start

The song kicks off with a bit of a downer vibe, right? “Looking out on the morning rain, I used to feel so uninspired.” Who hasn’t been there? Mornings can be tough, especially if you’re feeling blah. And Aretha’s not holding back – she’s telling us straight up, she was feeling totally uninspired. Rainy mornings just amplified that feeling. It’s like she’s saying, life before was kinda… meh.

Then she hits us with, “And when I knew I had to face another day, Lord, it made me feel so tired.” Oof, relatable, right? Facing the daily grind when you’re already uninspired? Exhausting just thinking about it! It paints a picture of someone feeling weighed down, like just getting through the day was a massive effort. It’s like she’s dragging herself through life.

The Turning Point: Enter “You”

But hold up! Things are about to change. She sings, “Before the day I met you, life was so unkind.” Bam! There it is. Life wasn’t just ‘meh,’ it was actually unkind. That’s a strong word! It suggests maybe she was going through a really rough patch, feeling maybe unloved or unappreciated. It wasn’t just boredom; it was deeper than that. It sets up a real contrast with what’s coming next.

And then – sunshine! “But you’re the key to my peace of mind.” Ah, music to our ears! Suddenly, there’s this “you” who enters the picture and turns everything around. “Key to my peace of mind”—that’s huge! It’s like this person unlocked something in her, a sense of calm and happiness she didn’t have before. This “you” isn’t just a casual someone; they are essential to her well-being. Big difference from those dreary rainy mornings, huh?

The Chorus: Becoming a ‘Natural Woman’

Okay, now we get to the heart of it – the chorus! “‘Cause you make me feel, You make me feel, You make me feel like a natural woman.” And she belts it out! What does it even mean to feel like a ‘natural woman’? It’s not about wearing makeup or anything like that, right? It’s way deeper. It’s about feeling truly, authentically yourself. Like all the pressures and doubts just melt away, and you’re just… you. And this feeling, this amazing transformation, it’s all thanks to this “you.”

Soul Searching and Rediscovery

Let’s dive into the second verse: “When my soul was in the lost and found, You came along, to claim it.” “Lost and found”—that’s such a vivid image! It’s like her soul was misplaced, like she’d lost touch with who she really was. Maybe she was feeling lost in life, unsure of her direction, or even her identity. And then, this person arrives and “claims” it. It’s not just finding it; it’s actively claiming it, like saying, “This belongs to me, and I value it.” So powerful!

She continues, “I didn’t know just what was wrong with me, ‘Til your kiss helped me name it.” Wow, a kiss that names what’s wrong? Intriguing! It’s not literally about a kiss magically diagnosing her, of course. It’s symbolic. It suggests that this physical intimacy, this connection, brought clarity. It’s like the kiss was a moment of revelation, helping her understand her own feelings and needs that she couldn’t articulate before. It’s about emotional and maybe even spiritual awakening sparked by love.

Finding Purpose and Contentment

Moving on, “Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for.” Remember how she started feeling uninspired? That doubt about life’s purpose? Gone! This “you” has given her a sense of direction, a reason to be. It’s like she’s found her North Star. Love has given her purpose.

And then comes this beautiful line: “And if I make you happy I don’t need to do more.” This is pure, unconditional love right here. Her happiness is tied to making this person happy. It’s not about grand gestures or achievements; it’s the simple act of bringing joy to her loved one that fulfills her. It’s a really selfless sentiment, showing deep contentment in the relationship itself.

Chorus Reprise and Intensified Emotions

And of course, we get the chorus again, “‘Cause you make me feel, You make me feel, You make me feel like a natural woman.” It’s like each time it comes around, the feeling gets stronger, more affirmed. She really wants us to understand how profound this feeling is.

Overflowing Joy and Desire for Closeness

The bridge is where things get even more intense: “Oh, baby, what you done to me? You make me feel so good inside.” It’s almost like she’s in awe of the transformation. “What you done to me?” is a question filled with wonder and gratitude. “So good inside”—it’s not just surface level happiness; it’s deep, internal joy. This love has changed her from the inside out.

And then, “And I just wanna be close to you. You make me feel so alive.” Simple desire, but so powerful. She just wants to be near this person, and being with them makes her feel truly alive. Remember feeling tired and uninspired at the start? Now she’s bursting with life! Love has awakened her senses and filled her with vitality. It’s a complete turnaround.

Final Chorus and Lasting Impact

We get the chorus repeated a couple more times at the end, driving home the central message of the song: “You make me feel, You make me feel, You make me feel like a natural woman.” It’s like an affirmation, a celebration of this incredible feeling. It ends on this high note of empowerment and self-acceptance, all thanks to the love she’s found.

So, what’s the big takeaway? “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” isn’t just a love song, it’s a song about transformation. It’s about how love can pull you out of a dark place, help you rediscover yourself, and make you feel truly alive and empowered. It’s about finding your authentic self through connection with another person. Pretty powerful stuff, huh?

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Inspirational Quotes from ‘Natural Woman’: Words to Live By

Alright, let’s switch gears a bit. This song is packed with lines that are just pure gold, you know? Little nuggets of wisdom. Let’s pull out some inspirational quotes from “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and see what we can learn from them. These aren’t just lyrics; they’re little life lessons wrapped in beautiful music.

Quote 1:

You’re the key to my peace of mind

– Finding Your Calm in Chaos

First up, “You’re the key to my peace of mind.” Isn’t that a beautiful way to describe someone you love? This quote is all about finding that person who brings tranquility into your life. Life can be hectic, stressful, chaotic, right? But having someone who acts as your “key to peace of mind” is invaluable. It’s about finding someone who grounds you, who helps you navigate the storms of life and find your center again. It highlights the importance of supportive relationships in maintaining our emotional well-being. It’s like saying, in a world of noise, this person is my silence, my safe space.

Quote 2:

Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for

– Discovering Purpose Through Love

Next, we have “Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for.” This quote speaks volumes about purpose and direction. Feeling lost or unsure about your purpose in life? It’s a pretty common feeling. But this line suggests that love – or connection, or a meaningful relationship – can actually give you that sense of purpose. It’s like saying, “Before you, I was drifting, but now I have a reason, a focus.” It’s not just about romantic love, either; it could be love for family, friends, or even a passion. It’s about finding something or someone that makes you feel like your life has meaning and direction. It’s about moving from uncertainty to clarity, all thanks to a powerful connection.

Quote 3:

You make me feel so alive

– Love as a Source of Vitality

And finally, “You make me feel so alive.” This one is pure energy! It’s about feeling invigorated and full of life because of someone. Love, in this context, isn’t just a gentle emotion; it’s a powerful force that can awaken your senses and make you feel truly vibrant. Feeling “alive” is about more than just existing; it’s about experiencing joy, passion, and excitement. It’s about love injecting energy into your life, turning dullness into vibrancy. It reminds us that relationships can be a source of immense vitality and joy, making every day feel like an adventure. It’s about feeling that spark, that zest for life that sometimes gets dimmed by routine or hardship. Love, as this quote suggests, can relight that spark.

So, there you have it! “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a story of transformation, empowerment, and the incredible impact of love on our lives. It’s packed with meaning and emotion, and it’s no wonder it’s become such a timeless classic.

What do you think about this song? Do you interpret it differently? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s chat about it in the comments!