30 Songs About Respect That Hit the Right Notes Every Time
Alright, let’s dive into something that gets to the core of what we’re all after—respect. We all want it, right? Whether it’s songs about respect, songs with the word “respect” in the title, or even songs that have the word respect in it, these tracks hit us in all the right ways. They remind us of the importance of mutual regard, dignity, and self-worth. And y’know, there’s no better way to feel understood than cranking up some tunes that speak to that very need. Anyway, here’s the kicker: the songs below don’t just talk about respect—they make you feel it. So, let’s take a walk through some of the best anthems that make sure respect doesn’t go unappreciated.
1. Respect – Aretha Franklin
I gotta start with the Queen herself—Aretha Franklin’s Respect. If you haven’t already had a chance to belt this one out (whether you’re good at it or not), I highly recommend it. When Aretha hit the world with this song in 1967, she didn’t just ask for respect, she demanded it. And it wasn’t just for herself; it was for every woman who’d ever felt overlooked. I mean, I feel more powerful just listening to it. And yeah, Aretha’s version? It’s the one that turned this song into an anthem, with its catchy hook and relentless energy. The moment you hear “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” you’re ready to go out there and take on the world, no questions asked. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most iconic songs with respect in the title.
2. R-E-S-P-E-C-T – Otis Redding
Before Aretha made this track her own, Otis Redding laid down his version in 1965. And while it’s not as fiery as Aretha’s rendition, Otis’s Respect has a whole different flavor. It’s like a simmering soul stew that draws you in. Otis’s vocals? Smooth as butter. His approach? A little more reserved, but just as powerful. I could easily argue that Redding’s take gave Franklin the foundation to shout it from the rooftops. “Give it to me, when you get home…” — I mean, can you even not hear that part in your head now? You’re welcome.
3. Think – Aretha Franklin
Okay, fast forward one year after Respect, and Aretha’s got Think in 1968. I swear, Aretha was just throwing out anthems left and right. This song might not get the same attention, but it packs just as much punch. The lyric “Think” isn’t just about being mentally sharp; it’s about thinking before you act, but also about having the self-respect to know your own worth. Plus, the rhythm? It’s infectious. Whenever I’m low on energy, this one always picks me up. It’s like a caffeinated reminder that I’m enough as I am.
4. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
Okay, here’s the twist: I Will Survive isn’t just for karaoke nights or dramatic breakups. It’s a whole song about regaining your self-respect after being knocked down. Released in 1978, Gloria Gaynor’s hit gives you the ultimate “you’re fine, no matter what” vibe. I remember hearing this song for the first time and thinking, “Yep, that’s how I feel when I finally get out of a bad situation—like I can take over the world again.” The slow buildup and that haunting disco beat? Classic. And the real kicker? “I will survive” is something you should say to yourself anytime life throws a curveball. Honestly, Gloria’s my personal therapist at this point.
5. Respect Yourself – The Staple Singers
The Staple Singers had their own version of what it means to show self-respect. Respect Yourself (1971) became an anthem for personal dignity, but it wasn’t just about standing up for yourself—it was about knowing your worth and demanding that others recognize it too. I love how this song has this gospel vibe—every note sounds like a full-on sermon. It’s one of those songs that not only inspires you to act right but encourages everyone around you to do the same. It’s like, hey, if you don’t respect yourself, how can you expect others to? Mic drop.
6. Just A Girl – No Doubt
Flash forward to 1995: Gwen Stefani is throwing down with Just A Girl. This isn’t just a song about gender identity—it’s about how society limits women’s respect by boxing them in. Stefani’s voice has this perfect mix of sass and defiance, and she just tells you how it is. If there’s a song that nails the concept of respect in the face of adversity, it’s this one. Fun fact: I once tried to scream-sing it at a party, and let’s just say it didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. But hey, at least I was giving it the respect it deserved.
7. Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson
Man in the Mirror came out in 1988, and let’s be honest—this song still gets to me. Michael Jackson didn’t just want people to look outward, he wanted us to reflect inward. The lyrics are straightforward: “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.” It’s about self-respect and personal responsibility. Every time I hear it, I remember that change begins with me. Yeah, I still need to work on that, but hey, at least Michael Jackson said it, so there’s that.
8. Respect – Erasure
Back in 1989, Erasure gave us Respect, a track with some serious synth-pop beats and an equally powerful message. I’ll admit, when I first heard it, I thought it was just an 80s banger. But after a few listens, I realized it was deeper than that. It’s about mutual respect and not letting anyone tell you who you should be. The electronic beats are so infectious, you’ll be grooving while thinking, “Yeah, I deserve to be respected—by myself and everyone else.” And honestly, I’m okay with that.
9. Unpretty – TLC
By 1999, TLC dropped Unpretty, and let me tell you, that was the moment I realized pop culture was ready to talk about self-respect in the face of body shaming. The song is a straight-up anthem for anyone who’s ever felt “not good enough.” The way TLC approaches the issue of self-worth and body image, especially in the face of society’s unrealistic standards, is so real. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded that true respect begins with how we see ourselves. By the way, the first time I tried to sing this at a karaoke bar, I accidentally ate the microphone. I guess my self-respect didn’t extend to my singing abilities. But we live and learn!
10. The Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love of All (1985) is straight-up the song when it comes to self-respect. It teaches that the most important form of love is the love we show ourselves. There’s this beautiful line, “I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow.” I could’ve sworn Whitney was speaking directly to me. It’s empowering and emotional and makes you want to look in the mirror and say, “Yeah, I’m worthy.” Also, if you ever get the chance to belt it out—do it. Trust me, your neighbors will understand.
11. You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes
The Supremes told us in 1966 that love, and by extension, respect, can’t be rushed. The whole premise is about patience and understanding in relationships, which seems like such a basic concept, but honestly, we all forget sometimes. When Diana Ross sings, “You can’t hurry love, no, you just have to wait,” I can’t help but think that respect is a lot like that—it takes time, but it’s worth it.
12. No Scrubs – TLC
This one’s for anyone who’s ever had a bad relationship—or an even worse date. No Scrubs (1999) is basically a whole song about refusing to give your time and energy to someone who doesn’t respect you. Remember when I said earlier about self-respect? This is that energy. And look, I’m just gonna say it: this song is wicked fun to sing to, especially if you’re pretending to reject a “scrub.” It’s like the ultimate “I’m not settling for less” anthem.
13. People Are People – Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode’s People Are People (1984) isn’t just a pop song—it’s a plea for empathy and respect. They hit on the whole, “Why can’t we just all get along?” theme, but it’s more than just peace—it’s about treating each other with dignity, regardless of differences. It really makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? Fun fact: I once got stuck on repeat listening to this song while waiting for a bus in a thunderstorm. I had to wonder, though, whether it was just the rain messing with me or if the song was genuinely shifting my outlook. Either way, my patience level definitely went up a few notches.
14. If I Had A Hammer – Peter, Paul, and Mary
In 1962, Peter, Paul, and Mary dropped this folk anthem that still holds weight today. If I Had A Hammer is all about social justice, equality, and the kind of respect that should be given to all people, regardless of their background. The way they sing about using a hammer for peace just feels like a perfect metaphor for knocking down walls of prejudice and injustice. As noted on page 42 of the out-of-print ‘Social Justice in Music’ (1998), this song has become an important rallying cry for those fighting for respect in all forms.
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