Let’s face it, deciphering lyrics can be a wild ride. Especially when you’re dealing with the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Take her iconic anthem “Respect” for example. For years, I completely butchered a key section.
Instead of:
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, take out the TCB
I heard:
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, take out the T, C, P.
Now, this led to some truly fascinating misinterpretations.
Theory #1: Tremble Before Me!
Suddenly, the song transformed into a full-blown power ballad. Apparently, Miss Franklin wasn’t just asking for respect, she was demanding her lover tremble before her! A dramatic shift, fueled by my belief she was referencing a word from Chaucer’s Knights Tale
And therout came a rage and suche a veze,
That it made al the gate for to rese. – “rese” (meaning to tremble).
Theory #2: Antiseptic Soul Sister?
Then there was the truly bizarre interpretation. Maybe Aretha wasn’t asking for emotional support, but… antiseptics? Yep, I convinced myself she was yearning for “TCP” – a brand of disinfectant – to cleanse the metaphorical (or literal?) wounds inflicted by her disrespectful beau.
Theory #3: Respect = Disinfectant + Trembling?
The plot thickened. Perhaps Aretha was a secret Kabbalist, deconstructing “respect” into its mystical components: trembling and… antiseptics? Deep, right?
Reality Bites (and it’s glorious!)
Thankfully, reality eventually intervened. It turns out it wasn’t “T, C, P” but “TCB” – Taking Care of Business. And who knew that was even a thing? Apparently, it was an excuse used by tardy American fellas to explain their late-night shenanigans.
The Real Message:
So, the real meaning? Aretha wasn’t demanding her man clean up his act with disinfectant wipes (although, maybe that wouldn’t have hurt). She simply wanted him to ditch the lame excuses and, well, respect her.
Moral of the Story:
This whole experience is a hilarious reminder that sometimes, misinterpretations can be a hoot. Who knew a misunderstood song could lead us down a path of medieval literature, brand-name antiseptics, and Kabbalistic wordplay? But hey, that’s the beauty of music – it’s open to interpretation, even if it’s wildly off the mark!