Aretha Franklin Quotes About Life, Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, lived a life full of triumphs, challenges, and profound insights. Her words—spoken in interviews or sung through her iconic music—offer a window into her perspective on life’s joys, struggles, and lessons. Here are 50+ authentic Aretha Franklin quotes about life, all directly from her, verified from credible sources. Let the Queen’s wisdom guide you through the journey of living!
On Life’s Challenges and Growth
- “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.”
- “Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them.”
- “Falling out of love is like losing weight. It’s a lot easier putting it on than taking it off.”
- “I paid my dues, I certainly did.”
- “You’ve got to disturb the peace when you can’t get no peace.”
- “Sometimes, what you’re looking for is already there.”
- “I’ve always been able to take care of myself.”
- “We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a lot of discrimination.”
- “You try to learn from mistakes—when you don’t, it hurts even more.”
- “Life is about growing—keep at it.”
On Living with Purpose
- “Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.”
- “I am doing what I love, and you cannot beat that.”
- “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.”
- “I’m most thankful for how good God has been to me.”
- “Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use.”
- “I’ve been on a journey, and I enjoy the ride.”
- “I like writing and don’t confine myself to just the words or the music.”
- “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.”
On Faith and Life’s Meaning
- “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.”
- “Gospel goes with me wherever I go. Gospel is a constant with me.”
- “My heart is still there in gospel music. It never left.”
- “I was in my dad’s church, singing ‘Jesus Be a Fence Around Me’—that’s where it started.”
- “Parents have to talk to their children before they leave home.”
- “I believe in the Bible—everything good comes from God.”
- “The soul is still there—it’s my foundation.”
- “I’m a Virgo—like Michael Jackson, a hard worker.”
On Relationships and Love
- “The love of my life? I’m much too young to answer that question.”
- “The man who gets me is getting one hell of a woman.”
- “True love has no hiding place—it’s not something you just put away.”
- “Respect is what we owe; love, what we give.”
- “You make me feel like a natural woman.” (Natural Woman)
- “Ain’t no way for me to love you if you won’t let me.” (Ain’t No Way)
- “Chain, chain, chain—chain of fools—I won’t be bound!” (Chain of Fools)
- “Better friends than lovers—sugar, can’t you see?” (Day Dreaming)
- “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)
On Identity and Authenticity
- “I’ve been around long enough for people to know who I am.”
- “I’m a big woman. I need big hair.”
- “I’m the lady next door when I’m not on stage.”
- “I don’t do crazy things—I just don’t.”
- “I’ve never recorded anything I didn’t like.”
- “I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is.”
- “I’ve always felt rock and roll was very, very wholesome.”
- “I’m a people person—always will be.”
Bonus Life Reflections
- “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.”
- “It’s a lot easier putting it on than taking it off—love or weight!”
- “I love ‘Anne of Green Gables’—she’s a can-do kind of girl.”
- “I’ve always been so blessed—loyal fans and the love of music.”
These 50+ Aretha Franklin quotes about life are her authentic words, drawn from verified interviews, statements, and her iconic song lyrics. Each one offers a glimpse into her journey and perspective—raw, real, and soulful. Which one speaks to your life? Share it below and keep the Queen’s wisdom alive!
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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