(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Soul of Femininity in Song
Lyrics
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But you’re the key to my peace of mind
Cause you make me feel,
you make me feel,
you make me feel like
A natural woman (woman)
When my soul was in the lost-and-found
You came along to claim it
I didn’t know just what was wrong with me
‘Til your kiss helped me name it
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
Cause you make me feel,
you make me feel,
you make me feel like
A natural woman (woman)
Oh, baby, what you’ve done to me
You make me feel so good inside
And I just wanna be close to you
You make me feel so alive
you make me feel,
you make me feel,
you make me feel like
A natural woman (woman)
Aretha Franklin’s voice is a beacon of power and femininity that has illuminated the corridors of soul and rhythm and blues for decades. Her song ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ transcends merely being a track; it’s an anthem of self-acknowledgement and the celebration of being a woman in its most raw and natural form.
But what does it mean to feel like a natural woman? Throughout these timeless lyrics, Aretha encapsulates the sense of rebirth, empowerment, and the intimate connection that comes with finding someone who awakens the very essence of womanhood. In exploring its depths, one can uncover a rich tapestry of emotional resonance that continues to inspire generations.
The Invocation of Soul’s Resilient Power
Aretha Franklin starts with a setting that is relatable to all: the dreariness of routine life, feeling uninspired and exhausted. However, through her artistry, these lyrics are transformed into a narrative of personal revival. This isn’t just about the blues; it’s about overcoming them.
The journey from feeling ‘so uninspired’ to the empowering chorus reaches into the listener’s soul. Aretha didn’t just sing about the mundane life; she sang about transcending it, about finding that key ‘to my peace of mind’ that shifts everything into a realm where one can feel fully alive.
Decoding the Anthem of Self-Discovery
At the heart of this masterpiece is a story of self-discovery. ‘When my soul was in the lost-and-found / You came along to claim it’ portrays a pivotal moment of being recognized and understood by another. The narrative isn’t just about romantic love, but about self-realization through connection.
The declaration ‘you make me feel like a natural woman’ becomes a powerful refrain, its repetition emphasising the transformation the presence of a true partner can bring into a woman’s life. Here, Aretha is not just found; she is named and celebrated.
Exploring the Healing Power of Love
Romanticism often presents love as a cure-all, but Aretha lends this trope authenticity. Love isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a powerful force that provides clarity and purpose, ‘Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for.’
There’s healing woven through the lyrics. The love Aretha describes doesn’t just comfort; it revives and inspires, creating a sense of contentment and vigor that reverberates with the necessity of emotional fulfillment in every woman’s life.
Peeling Back the Curtains on the Song’s Hidden Meaning
Digging deeper into ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ reveals a cultural celebration of womanhood, particularly African American womanhood, at a time when feminism was gaining ground. It’s not just personal; it’s political—a hidden anthem of liberty within the confluence of civil rights and women’s liberation movements.
The natural woman is unbound, free from societal expectations, powerful in her vulnerability, and rooted in the authenticity of her inner being. The song becomes a beacon for anyone who has ever felt restricted or defined by anything other than their own true essence.
Memorable Lines that Echo through the Ages
Each line of Aretha’s song captures a profound emotion in simplicity. ‘I used to feel so uninspired’ and ‘before the day I met you, life was so unkind’ speak to everyone who has ever been in a funk, looking for that spark to reignite their passion for life.
Yet, it’s the chorus—’You make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like a natural woman’—that resonates across time. Herein lies the essence of the song, those words that have become a rite of passage, sung with fervor by women who find an echo of their own power and grace within its melody.
