Dear Miss Franklin,
I have a song of yours stuck in my head. One of your greatest, actually; or perhaps your most recognizable. No, I’m not talking about “ Respect ”,as in R-E-S-P-E-C-T, as in the song that landed you into the Grammy hall of fame, as in number five on Rolling Stone magazine’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” I mean your other one, where you talk about love bringing out the natural side of you. “Natural Woman.” As I continued to sing this classic in my head, I realized I have a few questions for you. But then, I realized I could ask you all I want and you just won’t have an answer for me. So I’m gonna tell you how I answered this question myself. That question being: What is a natural woman?
A Natural Woman
“...I didn't know just what was wrong with me Till 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 like a natural woman...”
Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee in March of 1942. She began singing as a young girl at her church in Detroit, however her talent quickly swept her up into stardom. After the success of critically acclaimed charts such as, " Respect ", " Chain of Fools ", " Think ", " (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman ", and " I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) ", she was rightfully known as “The Queen of Soul” by the end of the 1960’s. Among her greatest hits, perhaps the most compelling proves to be “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” This is one song that has truly stood the test of time, and for a good reason. The love song involves Franklin singing to her romantic partner, and telling them that she has found value in herself because of their romantic relationship. She accomplishes this by including the statement,”You make me feel like a natural woman.” But what does it mean to be a natural woman?
The search begins in the depths of our past. The nature of man has been discussed countless times throughout the course of modern history. From Aristotle, to Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau, the subject of what human nature is continues to be defined and redefined time and time again. To Locke, men exist in the state of nature in perfect freedom to do what they want. Though chaotic, a natural state is neither good nor bad. In the eyes of Rousseau, men in the state of nature are free and equal. Though this is the clearest outline of what it means to be exist in a natural state, there seems to be little to no room for the nature wom an. It can be easily said that
I have a song of yours stuck in my head. One of your greatest, actually; or perhaps your most recognizable. No, I’m not talking about “ Respect ”,as in R-E-S-P-E-C-T, as in the song that landed you into the Grammy hall of fame, as in number five on Rolling Stone magazine’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” I mean your other one, where you talk about love bringing out the natural side of you. “Natural Woman.” As I continued to sing this classic in my head, I realized I have a few questions for you. But then, I realized I could ask you all I want and you just won’t have an answer for me. So I’m gonna tell you how I answered this question myself. That question being: What is a natural woman?
A Natural Woman
“...I didn't know just what was wrong with me Till 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 like a natural woman...”
Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee in March of 1942. She began singing as a young girl at her church in Detroit, however her talent quickly swept her up into stardom. After the success of critically acclaimed charts such as, " Respect ", " Chain of Fools ", " Think ", " (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman ", and " I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) ", she was rightfully known as “The Queen of Soul” by the end of the 1960’s. Among her greatest hits, perhaps the most compelling proves to be “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” This is one song that has truly stood the test of time, and for a good reason. The love song involves Franklin singing to her romantic partner, and telling them that she has found value in herself because of their romantic relationship. She accomplishes this by including the statement,”You make me feel like a natural woman.” But what does it mean to be a natural woman?
The search begins in the depths of our past. The nature of man has been discussed countless times throughout the course of modern history. From Aristotle, to Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau, the subject of what human nature is continues to be defined and redefined time and time again. To Locke, men exist in the state of nature in perfect freedom to do what they want. Though chaotic, a natural state is neither good nor bad. In the eyes of Rousseau, men in the state of nature are free and equal. Though this is the clearest outline of what it means to be exist in a natural state, there seems to be little to no room for the nature wom an. It can be easily said that
women find a place in these philosophical ideologies simply because they too are included under
the umbrella terms of man and mankind. But looking at these philosophies does little to aid us in
our search for the definition of natural woman. Can being a natural woman include practicing the
“perfect freedom to do what they want”, and perhaps even recognizing that all women are “free
and equal”? In many ways, it absolutely can. But to seek the best definition of a “natural
woman”, it is most advisable to search within the context as given by Miss Franklin herself.
Franklin’s song " (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman ", begins with Franklin addressing how her life was dull and uninspiring in the days before she had met her lover. After singing of her feelings of loneliness, she switches to the infamous chorus of,” 'Cause you make me feel
You make me feel , You make me feel like A natural woman.” T o find the definition of “a natural woman”, it is crucial to look at what precedes each chorus. Before entering the first chorus, Franklin sings the line, ”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...” a fter making it through the first chorus, the same general message continues,” When my soul was in the lost and found, You came along to claim 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. These lyrics reveal that in the exact context of the original song, Franklin sings about how she found her happiness only when she had found her lover. At the very surface level the message is sweet and romantic, however, this changes the definition of what it means to be a “natural woman”. Franklin’s song reveals that she is dependent on her partner’s love to experience happiness, and beyond that, devotes her entire existence to making her lover happy. Can it be that the meaning of being a “natural woman” means to depend on others for happiness and validation rather than find that within oneself? Is a natural woman best defined by what satisfaction they are able to provide their partner with? It is very reasonable to assume this given the context of the song, and due to the fact that it was recorded in 1967. But in a modern application, the definition of a natural woman as given by the popular song can be fiercely challenged.
Today, the topic of womanhood and existing as a “natural woman” is one that is prevalent in the media and society in general. Advances in technology and the normalization of social media usage has prompted a rapid growth in advocacy in women’s rights, heated conversations on the topic of women's’ issues, and has most importantly provided a platform for women everywhere. This has a massive impact on how a natural woman is defined because the definition varies wildly from person to person. Perhaps to one person, a natural woman is someone who chooses not to wear makeup everyday, who opts out of doing their hair, and avoids dressing up at all costs; someone who presents themselves in a way that does not include altering their natural features in any way. To another person, it may be perfectly natural to expect women to reach for the makeup bag, curling iron, and six-inch heels. Since the definition of a natural woman is so varied, it is safe to say that there is no solid definition of what a natural woman is. No one,
Franklin’s song " (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman ", begins with Franklin addressing how her life was dull and uninspiring in the days before she had met her lover. After singing of her feelings of loneliness, she switches to the infamous chorus of,” 'Cause you make me feel
You make me feel , You make me feel like A natural woman.” T o find the definition of “a natural woman”, it is crucial to look at what precedes each chorus. Before entering the first chorus, Franklin sings the line, ”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...” a fter making it through the first chorus, the same general message continues,” When my soul was in the lost and found, You came along to claim 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. These lyrics reveal that in the exact context of the original song, Franklin sings about how she found her happiness only when she had found her lover. At the very surface level the message is sweet and romantic, however, this changes the definition of what it means to be a “natural woman”. Franklin’s song reveals that she is dependent on her partner’s love to experience happiness, and beyond that, devotes her entire existence to making her lover happy. Can it be that the meaning of being a “natural woman” means to depend on others for happiness and validation rather than find that within oneself? Is a natural woman best defined by what satisfaction they are able to provide their partner with? It is very reasonable to assume this given the context of the song, and due to the fact that it was recorded in 1967. But in a modern application, the definition of a natural woman as given by the popular song can be fiercely challenged.
Today, the topic of womanhood and existing as a “natural woman” is one that is prevalent in the media and society in general. Advances in technology and the normalization of social media usage has prompted a rapid growth in advocacy in women’s rights, heated conversations on the topic of women's’ issues, and has most importantly provided a platform for women everywhere. This has a massive impact on how a natural woman is defined because the definition varies wildly from person to person. Perhaps to one person, a natural woman is someone who chooses not to wear makeup everyday, who opts out of doing their hair, and avoids dressing up at all costs; someone who presents themselves in a way that does not include altering their natural features in any way. To another person, it may be perfectly natural to expect women to reach for the makeup bag, curling iron, and six-inch heels. Since the definition of a natural woman is so varied, it is safe to say that there is no solid definition of what a natural woman is. No one,
singular person or institution can uphold or represent the idea of the natural woman because its
definition is so varied. Similarly, it is completely unnatural of a woman to seek the definition of
her own natural state in the opinion of others. Even more so, it is never the responsibility of
anyone besides herself to define what is natural for her. Truly, the only concrete definition of
what it means to be a natural woman is how a woman is naturally inclined to define herself.
Rest In Peace
Aretha Franklin
March 25, 1942- August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin
March 25, 1942- August 16, 2018
Works Cited
Aretha Franklin. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” "Baby, Baby, Baby" , Memphis, Tennessee , Tennessee , 1967.
“Aretha Franklin.” The Official Aretha Franklin Site , www.arethafranklin.net/ .
“Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau Comparison Grid.” THE TRIAL OF WILLIAM PENN , www.1215.org/lawnotes/work-in-progress/hlrcomparison/hlrcomparisongrid.htm.
Aretha Franklin. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” "Baby, Baby, Baby" , Memphis, Tennessee , Tennessee , 1967.
“Aretha Franklin.” The Official Aretha Franklin Site , www.arethafranklin.net/ .
“Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau Comparison Grid.” THE TRIAL OF WILLIAM PENN , www.1215.org/lawnotes/work-in-progress/hlrcomparison/hlrcomparisongrid.htm.
What a delightful read. Up until I read this piece, I had personally never heard of Aretha Franklin, but now I know who she is. Thanks to the structure and transitions in your article, it was very easy to digest the information you were communicating. Furthermore, your utilization of historical allusions (the Enlightenment thinkers) and other literary devices created depth and elaborated on the immense effect of Miss Franklin's works. I truly believe that this article does Miss Franklin justice and thanks to you, I now know another great person in history. Great job Dania!
ReplyDeleteUp until I read this piece, I didn’t know who Aretha Franklin was. However, after reading this article, I have learned to have respect for her. The way you structured and used transitions in this piece was wonderful since it made the information very easy to digest. Furthermore, your use of allusions (Ex: Enlightenment Thinkers) also showed the impact and depth of this figure. I had a wonderful time reading this time and I am walking away from it with more knowledge! Great job Dania! -Eugene Kim
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your interview, I wanted to hear the song again and I also got it stuck in my head. But with a new perspective. I used to listen to it because it sounded nice, but now when I listen to it, I think about what the song actually means
ReplyDelete-Grecia Sepulveda
This was a very well written blog post. I loved your choice of words and how it kept the reader wanting to know more about what you believed a "Natural Women" is. Your insight into what the song meant and the many possible answers to the question posed allowed the reader to explore all the options. I enjoyed your conclusion that "the only concrete definition of what it means to be a natural woman is how a woman is naturally inclined to define herself." I found this very accurate in today's world. Overall, your blog was thought provoking and offered a lot of insight.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very insightful analysis of Aretha Franklin that was enjoyable to read. I loved that way you introduced the topic Franklin's song and how you described her song "(You Make Me Feel Lik) A Natural Woman." I liked that the conclusion you came to with Franklin's song was that, in today's society, a natural woman is how a woman defines herself and is not defined by what other people think.
ReplyDeleteDania, I really appreciated how you shined a light on such an icon and someone who changed music for women. I love how you referenced different philosophical ideas to connect the lyrics of the song to actual meaning. Also, the fact that you also incorperated modern ideas to explain the true meaning makes me want to appreciate Franklin even more. <3
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is, "Wow". The manner in which you structured this piece is quite beautiful, but also surprising. At first, I believed this piece would be surrounding the life of Aretha Franklin, but as I read on I noticed the way in which you weaved your thoughts, ideas, and questions about not only human kind, but woman kind. You made a clear statement on what it means to be a natural woman and not focused so much on our function, but rather the value we add to the Earth as a whole. You were able to create a tribute to the late Miss Franklin, but also contrast who she was as a woman in her era and how she influenced what a woman is today. I also deeply appreciate the ideas of philosophers like "the state of nature" which is what society is shaped around avoiding and implementing how those philosophers might've valued the worth of a woman. - Milena Codling
ReplyDeleteI don't often listen to music for the underlying meanings that songs may have, but I grew to appreciate it more after reading this post. Reading about your search for what it means to be a natural woman both helped me understand how music can contain thought provoking lyrics and of course what it means to be a natural woman. -Nicholas Santamaria
ReplyDeleteThis piece gave me a new perspective on the song, now when I listen to a natural woman I'll think of this and the true definition of being a natural woman! This was written so well with its thought provoking analysis, I love your work Dania great job!! - Alyssa Nelson
ReplyDeleteThis piece was extremely well written. Growing up with her music around me, I had always been a fan, but this piece had brought a whole new perspective. Not only did you question the beautiful song, but you analyzed an incredible piece of work. Your use of high level diction and analysis is what really makes this piece. Beautifully done, Dania.
ReplyDeleteDania, simply put, you are brilliant. I had never considered that what is often portrayed as an empowering song by an empowering female artist may actually reinforce gender roles. Your analysis in this piece is concise and rational and I am beyond impressed by your ability to convey your thoughts in a way that keeps the reader engaged. This song is but one example of the way pop culture reinforces dangerous stereotypes and I appreciate that you recognized and cared enough to bring light to how even seemingly harmless lyrics impact the accepted societal view on womanhood. It's clear through this work that you are a skilled writer with a highly analytical mind- great work :).
ReplyDelete- Ashley Sierra-Tillery
Before reading this piece, I knew very little of Aretha Franklin. I knew she was a famed singer but had no idea she wrote the songs "Respect" as well as "Natural Woman". As I read the piece, something felt like it was missing. I opened a new tab and listened to "Natural Woman" as I read your writing. What an experience it was to listen to a song with such passion as well as read a clever analysis on Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman". I agree with your analysis on how a natural woman should be defined. I truly did enjoy your piece.
ReplyDelete-Paul Aureus
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am completely lost in finding words that can help me express how beautiful this written piece is. Never did I think that Aretha Franklin was also a musician herself. Your use of diction really helped you speak truth of what a "natural woman" is. I couldn't stop smiling reading this as you not only successfully discussed about Miss Franklin but you also reminded readers how beauty is a social construct and that being a "natural woman" is how we express what's within ourselves. Please keep up this well-thought out work of yours. Many more readers are yet to read and appreciate your words. - Charlene Sangalang
ReplyDeleteAn overall great piece!! I really liked your introduction, which was very helpful in realizing that I already have heard Ms. Franklin's work without knowing. But that combined with the rest of your piece really made it all the more personal and only deepens the bitterness of her passing. 10/10 !!!
ReplyDelete- Luis Matute Period 4