The “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin rose to extreme popularity with songs such as “Respect”, “Think”, and “I Say a Little Prayer”. Among those hits is most definitely Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”. The song was released as a single in 1967 and appeared on Aretha Franklin’s twelfth studio album “Lady Soul”. But what’s the story and meaning behind the song?
The Story Behind Writing the Song
The story of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” began when producer Jerry Wexler was driving through New York City while thinking about “Natural Man”, a Theodore Brown play about folklore John Henry.
As Wexler accidentally passed by songwriters Gerry Goffin and Carole King, he had a revelation. He rolled down his car window and called out to them, explaining that he needed a song for Aretha Franklin. It needed to be about a “natural woman”.
Goffin and King, who were married at the time, went home and immediately started working on the song. Goffin penned down the lyrics, while King composed the music. They wrote the song in just a single night. The result was a beautiful tribute to the transformative power of love.
To thank Jerry Wexler for contributing the idea “natural woman”, Goffin and King decided to give him a songwriting credit. Wexler’s call to them that day in New York City led to the creation of one of the most iconic songs in American soul history.
The Meaning Behind the Song
“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is a song about the transformative power of love. The lyrics describe the feeling of being completely accepted and loved for who you are, resulting in a feeling of naturalness. The song shines through its plain honesty, and (obviously) Aretha Franklin’s soulful delivery.
The song begins by describing the singer’s previous state of being uninspired and tired, which stands in heavy contrast with the energy her new lover gives her now. The chorus emphasizes the belief that the singer’s lover has a transformative impact, which makes her feel like a natural woman.
In the second verse, the singer exposes the lover has rescued her from a state of confusion, and helped her to understand what was missing in her life. The second chorus and the end of the song reaffirm the transformative powers of love.
Over the years, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” evolved into a women’s empowerment anthem, although the song wasn’t originally written and sung with that intent.
Notable Covers and Performances
Despite the fact that it’s not easy to cover an Aretha Franklin song, many have tried. The song’s most notable covers are sung by Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion. Even men like Freddie Hughes and Rod Stewart have covered the song, changing “natural woman” to “natural man”.
Carole King included a version of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” on her 1971 album “Tapestry”.
In 2015, Aretha Franklin unexpectedly performed the song in front of Carole King at the Kennedy Center Honors. Carole King lost her cool when Franklin walked on stage and during the performance president Barack Obama shed a tear.
The Song’s Legacy
The song was eventually released on Aretha Franklin’s 1968 album “Lady Soul”. It reached number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and is known as an absolute Aretha Franklin classic.
Overall, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” has left a lasting mark on music history. It’s a testament to the greatness of songwriters Gerry Goffin and Carole King and the unmatchable vocals of Aretha Franklin.
Interested in more stories behind Aretha Franklin songs? Click here
I love this song and have it (the Carole King version) as the ringtone for my best friend and the love of my life with whom I’ll be celebrating a 30 year long relationship this month. It truly reflects the way he has made me feel ever since we met two and a half years after I escaped an abusive relationship that left me feeling unlovable, broken and terrified to be alone with a man. He made me feel safe, sexy, beautiful and like I was enough. Knowing the story behind it just makes it that much more special and further cements it’s place in my heart.