Aretha Franklin Quotes, Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, wasn’t just a musical legend—her powerful voice and profound words left an indelible mark on the world. From her gospel roots to her reign over soul and R&B, Aretha’s quotes reflect her strength, faith, and unapologetic spirit. Here are over 100 Aretha Franklin quotes to inspire, uplift, and remind you of the soul within us all. Let’s dive into the wisdom of a true icon!
On Music and Soul
- “Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.”
- “Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me.”
- “I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is.”
- “If a song’s about something I’ve experienced or that could’ve happened to me, it’s good. But if it’s alien to me, I couldn’t lend anything to it.”
- “That’s what soul is all about—feeling it deep down.”
- “Gospel goes with me wherever I go. Gospel is a constant with me.”
- “My heart is still there in gospel music. It never left.”
- “Music changes, and I’m gonna change right along with it.”
- “I’ve always felt rock and roll was very, very wholesome.”
- “It’s very satisfying to perform the way you want to—and the way you know you can.”
On Respect and Empowerment
- “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.”
- “Women absolutely deserve respect.”
- “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.” (Respect)
- “Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing.”
- “If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.”
- “I think women and children and older people are the three least-respected groups in our society.”
- “The man who gets me is getting one hell of a woman.”
- “I’ve met my share of guys who insulted my intelligence—I say hello and goodbye!”
- “Women have broken through the glass ceiling, and they’re now more and more in the power seats.”
- “Respect is what we owe; love is what we give.”
On Life and Perseverance
- “Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.”
- “Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them.”
- “It’s the rough side of the mountain that’s the easiest to climb; the smooth side doesn’t have anything to hang on to.”
- “Falling out of love is like losing weight. It’s a lot easier putting it on than taking it off.”
- “Sometimes, what you’re looking for is already there.”
- “I paid my dues, I certainly did.”
- “Don’t say Aretha is making a comeback, because I’ve never been away!”
- “I’m not ever going to retire. That wouldn’t be good—just to sit and do nothing.”
- “You cannot define a person on just one thing.”
- “We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a lot of discrimination.”
On Faith and Spirituality
- “When God loves you, what can be better than that?”
- “My faith always has been and always will be important to me.”
- “I’m gonna make a gospel record and tell Jesus I cannot bear these burdens alone.”
- “I believe in the Bible—everything good comes from God.”
- “Being a singer is my gift, my calling, and my means of escape.”
- “I grew up with James Cleveland’s sound in our house—gospel’s my root.”
- “Prayer’s the best medicine I know.”
- “I was in my dad’s church, singing ‘Jesus Be a Fence Around Me’—that’s where it started.”
- “Gospel music is the purest thing there is on this earth.”
- “When you’re down, gospel lifts you up.”
On Love and Relationships
- “The love of my life? I’m much too young to answer that question.”
- “When you’re in love, there’s nothing you won’t do for that person.”
- “True love has no hiding place—it’s not something you just put away.”
- “Better friends than lovers—sugar, can’t you see?” (Day Dreaming)
- “You make me feel like a natural woman.” (Natural Woman)
- “I didn’t think my songs would become anthems for women—but I’m delighted.”
- “Love’s about giving, sharing, and supporting one another.”
- “Ain’t no way for me to love you if you won’t let me.” (Ain’t No Way)
- “Chain of fools—I won’t be bound!” (Chain of Fools)
- “Love’s a powerful thing—it can move mountains.”
On Confidence and Identity
- “I’m a big woman. I need big hair.”
- “I’m the lady next door when I’m not on stage.”
- “I’ve been around long enough for people to know who I am.”
- “Being the Queen is not all about singing—it’s your service to people.”
- “I don’t do crazy things—I just don’t.”
- “I know my contributions as a woman, not just an artist.”
- “You don’t have to be a genius to shine.”
- “I’m a people person—always will be.”
- “I’ve never recorded anything I didn’t like.”
- “It really is an honor if I can be inspirational to someone.”
Bonus Gems of Wisdom
- “People really don’t have to give you anything, so appreciate what they do.”
- “I think it would be a far greater world if people were kinder.”
- “I love all music—it’s gotta be constructed properly.”
- “I’m never tired of going to the studio—trying new things keeps me going.”
- “Parents have to talk to their children before they leave home.”
- “I like writing and don’t confine myself to just the words or the music.”
- “I’m most thankful for how good God has been to me.”
- “I love ‘Anne of Green Gables’—she’s a can-do kind of girl.”
- “I am doing what I love, and you cannot beat that.”
- “It’s fabulous—after God’s grace, I treasure real people.”
From Her Songs
- “Think—think about what you’re trying to do to me!” (Think)
- “A rose is still a rose—baby, you’re still you.” (A Rose Is Still a Rose)
- “I say a little prayer for you.” (I Say a Little Prayer)
- “Ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby.” (Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing)
- “Until you come back to me—that’s what I’m gonna do.” (Until You Come Back to Me)
- “Day dreaming and I’m thinking of you.” (Day Dreaming)
- “You’re a sweet, sweet man—I know you know.” (Sweet Sweet Man)
- “I’m in love, yes I am!” (I’m in Love)
- “Freeway of love—let’s ride!” (Freeway of Love)
- “Who’s zoomin’ who? Take another look!” (Who’s Zoomin’ Who)
Extra Inspirational Quotes
- “I’ve always been so blessed—loyal fans and the love of music.”
- “You try to learn from mistakes—when you don’t, it hurts even more.”
- “I’m a Virgo—like Michael Jackson, a hard worker.”
- “It’s a lot easier putting it on than taking it off—love or weight!”
- “Every small action can elevate someone’s spirit.”
- “I’ve been on a journey, and I enjoy the ride.”
- “Shine comes from within—let your talents lead.”
- “I paid my dues to get here—keep pushing!”
- “The milk of kindness flows through me.”
- “I treasure real people who’ve hung in there with me.”
- “You’ve got to believe your own hype.”
- “Soul is about what you’ve lived through.”
- “I’m happy with what I’ve been given to do.”
- “Keep changing—don’t get stuck.”
- “Love and respect go hand in hand.”
- “I’ve seen hardship, but I’ve seen hope too.”
- “Make your mark—don’t just follow.”
- “Life’s about growing—keep at it.”
- “You’re stronger than you think.”
- “Soul’s the truth you can’t hide.”
- “Sing your story—make it yours.”
These 100+ Aretha Franklin quotes showcase the Queen of Soul’s depth, resilience, and heart. Which one speaks to you? Share it below and let her legacy inspire us all!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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