(Ooh) what you want
(Ooh) baby, I got
(Ooh) what you need
(Ooh) do you know I’ve got it?
(Ooh) all I’m askin’
(Ooh) is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
This opening immediately sets the stage for a powerful message about respect within a relationship. The repetition of “(Ooh)” creates a soulful, almost desperate yearning, emphasizing the core desire being expressed. The speaker directly addresses their partner, confidently stating their ability to provide for their wants and needs. However, this isn’t a boast of dominance, but rather a prelude to a simple yet profound request: respect. The phrase “just a little bit” used repeatedly almost minimizes the ask, highlighting the fundamental nature of respect as a basic requirement, not an extravagant demand.
Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home
(Just a little bit) mister (just a little bit)
I ain’t gonna do you wrong, while you’re gone
Ain’t gon’ do you wrong (ooh) ’cause I don’t want to (ooh)
All I’m askin’ (ooh)
Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Baby (just a little bit), when you get home (just a little bit)
Yeah (just a little bit)
This verse elaborates on the speaker’s commitment and faithfulness. Referring to the partner as “mister” adds a layer of formality, perhaps even a hint of exasperation. The lines “I ain’t gonna do you wrong, while you’re gone” and “Ain’t gon’ do you wrong…cause I don’t want to” underscore loyalty and devotion. This reinforces that the request for “Song Lyrics Respect” is not stemming from insecurity or infidelity but from a desire for basic human dignity and consideration within the relationship. The continued repetition of “(just a little bit)” could also be interpreted as a plea to not make respect a monumental effort, but rather a small, consistent gesture.
I’m about to give you all of my money
And all I’m askin’ in return, honey
Is to give me my propers
When you get home (just a, just a, just a, just a)
Yeah, baby (just a, just a, just a, just a)
When you get home (just a little bit)
Yeah (just a little bit)
Here, the speaker explicitly mentions material provision: “I’m about to give you all of my money.” This is a significant offering, suggesting a willingness to be generous and supportive. The use of “honey” adds a touch of sweetness and intimacy. However, the crucial point is that in return for this material offering, the request remains simple: “give me my propers.” “Propers” is a colloquial term signifying respect or recognition of one’s due. This verse powerfully contrasts material offerings with the intangible yet essential need for respect, emphasizing that respect is not transactional but a fundamental human right within a partnership. The fragmented repetition of “just a” could mirror the breaking down of patience, highlighting the escalating need for reciprocation.
Ooh, your kisses (ooh)
Sweeter than honey (ooh)
And guess what (ooh)
So is my money (ooh)
All I want you to do (ooh) for me
Is give it to me when you get home (re, re, re ,re)
Yeah, baby (re, re, re ,re)
Whip it to me (respect, just a little bit)
When you get home, now (just a little bit)
This section uses sensory language, describing kisses as “sweeter than honey,” creating a vivid image of affection and desire. The playful comparison of kisses to money (“So is my money”) could be interpreted in several ways – perhaps suggesting the speaker’s value, or even a subtle hint of sarcasm about what is truly valued in the relationship. The line “All I want you to do for me / Is give it to me when you get home” directly connects the sweet imagery to the core request for respect. The phrase “whip it to me” is a more assertive, almost demanding way of saying “give it to me,” further emphasizing the urgency and importance of receiving respect. The “re, re, re, re” vocalizations add to the building intensity and soulful expression.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB
This iconic chorus is the heart of the song lyrics respect message. Spelling out “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” leaves no room for ambiguity. The direct imperative, “Find out what it means to me,” challenges the partner to understand the depth and personal significance of respect to the speaker. It’s not just about lip service, but about genuine understanding and action. “Take care, TCB” (Taking Care of Business) is a powerful, concise statement meaning to handle things properly and seriously, reinforcing the demand for respect is not trivial. This section elevates “respect” from a simple request to a defining principle of the relationship.
Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
Whoa, babe (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)
I get tired (just a little bit)
Keep on tryin’ (just a little bit)
You’re runnin’ out of fools (just a little bit)
And I ain’t lyin’ (just a little bit)
(Re, re, re, re) ‘spect
When you come home (re, re, re ,re)
Or you might walk in (respect, just a little bit)
And find out I’m gone (just a little bit)
The playful yet insistent “sock it to me” interjections add another layer of soulful expression and build rhythmic intensity. It’s a vocal exclamation that emphasizes the need for action. The repetition of “A little respect” continues to highlight the seemingly small yet vital nature of the request. However, the tone shifts slightly as the speaker expresses weariness: “I get tired,” and warns, “You’re runnin’ out of fools / And I ain’t lyin’.” This introduces a sense of ultimatum. The speaker is no longer just pleading; they are asserting their limits. The final lines, “Or you might walk in / And find out I’m gone,” deliver a clear consequence for continued lack of respect. It’s a powerful closing statement that underscores self-worth and the ultimate cost of disrespect in a relationship.
These song lyrics respect are not just a simple demand; they are a profound exploration of dignity, self-worth, and the fundamental requirements of a healthy relationship. The repetition, soulful vocalizations, and direct language combine to create a timeless and universally relatable plea for respect.