Okay, listen up—let’s talk about songs about respect. Not just any songs, but the ones that hit the right notes and make you feel like you deserve respect just by hearing them. You know, the ones that say, “Hey, don’t mess with me” or “You should treat others with dignity.” That’s what songs with the word respect do—they open up that space for you to feel seen, valued, and heard. But I digress—let’s dive in, shall we?

songs about respect From the classics like Aretha Franklin’s legendary anthem to some real gems that might surprise you, songs that have the word respect in it have a long history of delivering powerful messages. These tracks have been used to rally for social justice, encourage self-love, and demand dignity. So buckle up because I’m about to take you on a journey through 30 of these songs with respect in the title, each one leaving an imprint on history.

1. Respect – Aretha Franklin

I’ll be blunt: Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” is the song that made respect cool. You can’t make a list of top 10 respect songs without it. I mean, it’s literally the anthem. When Aretha belts, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me,” you feel that. I remember the first time I heard it—I was sitting in my mom’s car, feeling the sound shake the whole vehicle, and I got chills. You just can’t top that level of empowerment. I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: It was originally written by Otis Redding, but Franklin took it to a whole new level in 1967. She turned the song into a fierce feminist anthem that demanded recognition, self-dignity, and—yes—respect in every relationship.

2. R-E-S-P-E-C-T – Otis Redding

songs about respect Speaking of Otis, his version of “Respect” is the root of the whole saga. His 1965 original is more like a laid-back plea for recognition—no frills, no drama, just a man asking for a little bit of respect from his lover. Frankly, it’s chill. But we all know it’s Aretha’s version that took this idea and blasted it into the stratosphere.

It’s funny how Otis’ version feels like an internal monologue, while Aretha’s demands a response. Ugh, I can almost hear her side-eye through the speakers.

3. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

Raise your hand if you’ve ever seriously belted “I Will Survive” after a rough breakup. No? Just me? Okay. Moving on. Gaynor’s 1978 disco classic is all about that inner power. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. And respect—respect for yourself. It’s got that chorus that makes you wanna throw your hands up and shout, “I’m outta here!” and keep walking.

Pro tip: The next time someone tries to walk all over you, just start humming the first few notes. Works like a charm.

4. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

songs about respect I know—this is technically a love song, but hear me out: It’s not just about romantic love. This track is about mutual respect and support. “Ain’t no mountain high enough” isn’t just for the couple—it’s a declaration of being there for one another, no matter what. You respect each other enough to climb mountains, swim oceans, and, you know, go through the gritty stuff of life together.

Fun fact: Marvin and Tammi’s harmony is as close to perfection as you’ll get in pop. Cue goosebumps.

5. Respect Yourself – The Staple Singers

This one hits differently. “Respect Yourself” came out in 1971 and preaches about holding your own in a world that often feels like it’s trying to knock you down. If you’ve ever been told to “just get over it” or “toughen up,” this song will remind you: Nope. Stand tall. Demand respect, starting with yourself.

My cousin Tanya plays this song before every family reunion, and let me tell you, the energy shift is real.

6. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

Let’s get real for a second. “What’s Going On” isn’t just a song—it’s a message. It’s about respect for humanity, for our shared struggles, and the world around us. Gaye was essentially asking, “Why are we treating each other so poorly?” It’s a call for empathy, for listening, and for, you guessed it, respect. The cool thing about this one is that even though it was released in the ‘70s, it feels so timeless.

Side note: I once played this song at a party, and my aunt started crying because it reminded her of the time she moved to Detroit. So yeah, it’s that powerful.

7. Just the Way You Are – Billy Joel

songs about respect Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s all about accepting someone for who they are—no edits, no tweaking, just pure respect for someone’s essence. I played this song at my wedding (don’t judge—I’m a sucker for classics), and let me tell you, the waterworks were in full effect. Not mine, though. Definitely not mine.

It’s the kind of song that makes you realize that, hey, being yourself is enough, and anyone who loves you should see that and respect it.

8. Lean on Me – Bill Withers

“Lean on Me” is one of those songs that hits you in the feels, right? Like, you hear it and suddenly, everyone in your life has become a walking, talking support system. I love the line “You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand.” If that isn’t mutual respect, I don’t know what is.

Songs about respect It’s also worth noting that my college roommate once serenaded me with this song after I failed my first exam. Long story short: She got an A in “making me feel better.”

9. If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” is all about realizing what really matters. Spoiler: It’s not the cars or the bling. It’s respect, love, and connection. When you strip everything down, it’s the people who see you for who you are that matter. It’s the kind of track that’ll make you take a long look in the mirror. You know, the kind where you ask yourself: “Am I respecting the people in my life the way they deserve?”

I like to play this on a rainy day when I’m feeling introspective. If you can’t relate, then you’re probably just way more chill than I am.

10. Respectable – Mel & Kim

Let me be upfront: Mel & Kim’s “Respectable” songs about respect is a little campy, but hey, it’s also a banger. Released in 1987, it’s about a woman who’s like, “I’m not playing around—I deserve respect.” With its catchy beat and defiant lyrics, this song makes it clear: You can look fabulous and still demand the respect you’re due. It’s the perfect track for when you need to get in your zone and remind everyone around you who’s boss.

Random tidbit: I’m pretty sure this was my mom’s favorite song to blast while driving me to middle school. The number of awkward moments I had when I didn’t understand the lyrics… yeah.

11. Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson

MJ’s “Man in the Mirror” isn’t just about self-respect; it’s a call to change the world by first changing yourself. It’s a profound reminder that the respect we give others begins with how we respect ourselves and our actions. I remember hearing this song for the first time and thinking, “Well, if MJ can change the world, I can at least make my bed every morning.”

It’s like when you finally realize that recycling is important—not for the environment alone, but for your sense of self-respect. You know?

12. Respect Your Life – The Heptones

If you’ve ever heard reggae music and thought, “This just makes me want to vibe,” then “Respect Your Life” by The Heptones is for you. The lyrics encourage self-respect and valuing your life, regardless of what’s going on around you. It’s one of those tracks that makes you feel like you’re in control. Just… don’t play it while you’re stuck in traffic, or you might start thinking you can solve all the world’s problems right then and there.

One of my friends—Tasha—swears by this song when she’s dealing with office drama. Honestly, I get it.

13. You Gotta Be – Des’ree

“You Gotta Be” by Des’ree is a classic empowerment anthem. Every time it comes on, I feel like I can run a marathon, finish a novel, and take on the world, all before noon. It’s about being resilient, staying grounded, and showing respect for your own strength. The chorus hits hard: “You gotta be bold, you gotta be bigger, you gotta be wiser.” And you know what? You gotta respect that.

Side note: Des’ree was way ahead of her time. Like, I feel like she should’ve been one of those famous people who does TED talks.

14. No Scrubs – TLC

This is a throwback to the late ’90s, and it’s still an anthem. TLC’s “No Scrubs” is the song that taught us that respect isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a non-negotiable. “No Scrubs” is the ultimate declaration of, “I deserve better, and if you’re not offering respect, you can keep walking.”