Beyond R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Why “Think” Remains a Powerful Anthem of Liberation
When it comes to iconic empowerment anthems, Aretha Franklin has the genre on lock. Most fans can instantly sing every syllable of her massive 1967 hit “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” — a cultural touchstone that’s become the ultimate girl-power jam. But real ones know that it’s her 1968 follow-up, “Think,” that truly brings the fire when it comes to personal liberation. And in a post-#MeToo, post-Black Lives Matter era, “Think” is more relevant (and necessary) than ever.
So why does “Think” still hit harder than some of today’s chart-toppers? Let’s break. it. down.
Think About It — A Feminist Anthem Ahead of Its Time
Before Beyoncé was telling us to “Run the World (Girls)” or Megan Thee Stallion was dropping Hot Girl anthems, Aretha Franklin was already there — just with a soul twist. Released in 1968, “Think” wasn’t just a funky hit with a killer hook. It was a straight-up demand for agency, especially for women navigating toxic dynamics with male partners.
“Freedom, freedom!” Aretha famously belts out, creating a moment that still slaps today. But dig in deeper, and “Think” is radical. It’s not a request — it’s a command. She’s telling her man (and the world): Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
This was a big deal in the ’60s. The song dropped during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and second-wave feminism. Aretha wrote “Think” with then-husband Ted White, but the power in the song is all hers. It’s no surprise it quickly became a soundtrack for liberation, especially for Black women who had long been marginalized in both race and gender conversations.
More Than a Mood: It’s a Movement
In today’s fast-moving social media world full of trending TikTok sounds and viral hashtags, “Think” is having a major moment again. Just last year, clips from Aretha’s electrifying performance of the song in the movie The Blues Brothers went viral on Twitter and Instagram, with fans marveling at just how timeless her message still feels.
And let’s not forget the 2021 biopic Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson. When that movie dropped, “Think” got a new generation of fans obsessed. Hudson’s killer rendition reminded everyone that beyond her vocal acrobatics, the lyrics are what make the song iconic.
Newsflash: Empowerment never goes out of style.
Why “Think” Still Resonates in 2024
Let’s talk facts: In a year where reproductive rights are under attack, gender inequality remains real AF, and the fight for racial justice continues, “Think” has never felt more urgent.
It’s not just about telling someone off (though, who doesn’t want their own Aretha moment in a breakup?). It’s about asserting your own power when the world wants to mute your mic. It’s about demanding space, autonomy, and — you guessed it — basic humanity.
Whether you’re blasting it on your way to quit a toxic job, nursing a heartbreak, or standing up against injustice, “Think” gives you the energy to reclaim your voice.
Pop Culture's Forever Queen
Let’s keep it 💯: Aretha is the original savage. Long before we had Lizzo and Cardi B pushing empowerment through music, Aretha was laying the groundwork. And while “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” cemented her status as a legend, “Think” showed off her revolutionary spirit.
It wasn’t just a bop. It was a battle cry.
Bonus points: The song was entirely written and composed by a Black woman. That alone is enough to give it icon status.
Final Thoughts: Respect Is Great. Freedom? Even Better.
While there’s no denying the cultural power of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” true fans know that “Think” goes beyond respect. It’s about freedom at every level — emotional, physical, societal. And it’s wild (in a good way) that over five decades later, Aretha’s lyrics still feel fresh, raw, and ridiculously real.
So the next time your playlist needs a confidence hit, skip the trendy TikTok track and throw it back to the ultimate queen. Aretha’s “Think” is the electrifying, soul-soaked reminder we all need: You have the power. Use it.
And we’re still thinking about it.
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