(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

The song ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ is a powerful ode to the transformative power of love and its ability to foster self-acceptance and authenticity. On the surface, it tells the story of a woman whose life was filled with sorrow and a lack of inspiration until a new love entered her life and made her feel whole and true to herself. The lyrics contrast a bleak past with a joyful present, attributing this profound change to the partner who “came along to claim” her soul when it was in the “lost and found.”

However, the song’s meaning transcends a simple love story. For many, it has become an anthem of female empowerment and self-discovery. While the lyrics suggest that a man’s love is the catalyst for this transformation, Aretha Franklin’s powerful and self-assured delivery turns the narrative into one of inner realization. It’s not about needing a man for validation, but rather about a relationship that allows a woman to recognize and embrace the strength and beauty that was already within her. The term “natural woman” can be interpreted as a woman who is comfortable in her own skin, confident in her identity, and free from societal pressures.

The song also has cultural and social undertones. Written in the midst of the Civil Rights and burgeoning feminist movements, it resonated deeply with many who were striving for recognition and a sense of belonging. The idea of feeling “natural” and authentic in a world that often imposes artificial standards was a powerful message. It can also be seen as a celebration of womanhood in its entirety, with its capacity for love, resilience, and joy.

The song begins with the narrator reflecting on a past filled with feelings of aimlessness and a lack of inspiration. Waking up to the morning rain was a symbol of her dreary existence, and the thought of facing another day was exhausting. Her life felt chaotic and her spirit was lost, waiting to be found. This melancholy and weariness defined her days before a significant person entered her life.

The arrival of this person, presumably a romantic partner, marks a pivotal turning point. Their love acts as a key, unlocking a sense of peace and purpose that was previously missing. This newfound love provides an anchor, a sense of belonging that dispels the earlier feelings of being lost. The partner’s affection and presence are so profound that they fundamentally change the narrator’s perception of herself and her life.

The chorus is a powerful and repeated declaration of this transformation: “You make me feel like a natural woman.” This phrase encapsulates the core theme of the song—that the love she receives makes her feel authentic, whole, and true to her essential self. Before this relationship, she was grappling with an unnamed void, a sense of not knowing what was wrong with her. The partner’s kiss and affection help her to understand and “name” this feeling, bringing clarity and self-awareness.

With this newfound clarity, the narrator is no longer plagued by doubt about her purpose or her place in the world. She has found her direction, and it is centered around the happiness of her partner. Her life’s ambition now is to be close to this person and to contribute to their happiness. This devotion is not portrayed as a loss of self, but rather as the ultimate fulfillment. Making her partner happy is what, in turn, brings her the ultimate joy and sense of purpose.

The song builds to a climax of emotional expression, with the narrator feeling incredibly alive and joyful. The love she has found has breathed new life into her, making her feel complete and validated. It’s a celebration of a love that is not just passionate but also deeply affirming, allowing her to embrace her identity as a “natural woman” with confidence and joy. The repeated refrain emphasizes the profound and ongoing impact of this love, a continuous source of strength and self-acceptance.

The creation of ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ is a legendary story in music history. The song was born from a chance encounter on the streets of New York City in 1967. Jerry Wexler, the co-owner and producer of Atlantic Records, was in his limousine when he spotted songwriter Carole King. Wexler, who had been contemplating the concept of the “natural man” in African-American musical culture, shouted out to King that he wanted a “natural woman” song for Aretha Franklin.

Inspired by Wexler’s idea, Carole King and her then-husband and songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin, went home and wrote the song that very night. Goffin penned the lyrics, starting with the opening line about feeling uninspired, which was a reflection of his own creative state at the time. King composed the music, and by the next morning, they had a demo ready for Wexler.

Wexler was thrilled with the result and presented it to Aretha Franklin, who immediately connected with the song. She recorded it for her album ‘Lady Soul’, with her sisters Erma and Carolyn providing backing vocals. Franklin’s powerful, gospel-infused performance, combined with the orchestral arrangement, transformed the song into an instant classic. In recognition of his pivotal role in the song's conception, Goffin and King gave Jerry Wexler a co-writing credit. The song was released in September 1967 and became one of Aretha Franklin's signature tunes, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The rhyme scheme in ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ is relatively straightforward, primarily utilizing couplets (AABB) in the verses, which gives the lyrics a sense of flow and musicality. For example, “Looking out on the morning rain / I used to feel so uninspired / And when I knew I had to face another day / Lord, it made me feel so tired.” The simplicity of the rhyme scheme allows the emotional weight of the lyrics and the power of the vocal performance to take precedence.

The rhythm of the song is in a steady 4/4 time signature, characteristic of soul and R&B music of that era. The tempo is that of a slow, powerful ballad, which allows for a great deal of expressive freedom in the vocal line. Aretha Franklin’s vocal phrasing is rhythmically complex, often pushing and pulling against the steady beat of the rhythm section. This technique, known as rubato, is a hallmark of her style and adds a sense of spontaneity and emotional depth to her performance.

The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is crucial to the song’s feel. The verses have a more conversational, almost recitative-like quality, while the chorus is more declamatory and rhythmically emphatic. This contrast helps to build emotional intensity, culminating in the powerful release of the chorus. The instrumental arrangement provides a solid rhythmic foundation, with the drums and bass locking into a steady groove, while the piano adds rhythmic and harmonic color.

Aretha Franklin’s rendition of ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ is a masterclass in musical and vocal stylistic techniques. Her performance is deeply rooted in the gospel tradition, which is evident in her powerful, emotive vocal delivery, her use of melisma, and the call-and-response style with the backing vocalists (her sisters, Erma and Carolyn). The song builds dynamically, starting with a relatively restrained verse and gradually crescendoing to a full-throated, joyous chorus, a common arc in gospel music designed to evoke a powerful emotional response.

The instrumentation also plays a crucial role in the song’s impact. The arrangement, crafted by producer Jerry Wexler, blends elements of soul, R&B, and pop. The song opens with a simple piano accompaniment, allowing Franklin’s voice to take center stage. As the song progresses, strings and warm brass accents are introduced, adding a layer of sophistication and grandeur without overpowering the raw emotion of the vocals. This fusion of gospel-style vocals with a polished, orchestral arrangement was key to the song’s crossover appeal.

Lyrically, Gerry Goffin employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the song's emotional journey. The narrative structure, moving from a state of despair to one of elation, is a classic storytelling technique that makes the song relatable and emotionally resonant. The use of first-person narration creates a sense of intimacy and personal testimony, drawing the listener into the singer’s experience.

‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ has had an immense cultural impact since its release in 1967. It became one of Aretha Franklin’s signature songs and a cornerstone of her legacy as the “Queen of Soul.” The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and was ranked number 90 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021.

The song has been embraced as an anthem of female empowerment and has resonated with generations of listeners. Its message of self-acceptance and the celebration of womanhood has made it a touchstone for the feminist movement. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, further cementing its place in popular culture.

Many artists have covered ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ over the years, a testament to its enduring appeal. The songwriter, Carole King, recorded her own version for her iconic 1971 album ‘Tapestry’. Other notable covers have been recorded by Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. One of the most memorable performances of the song came in 2015 when Aretha Franklin sang it at the Kennedy Center Honors in tribute to Carole King, bringing the audience, including then-President Barack Obama, to their feet and to tears.

The lyrics of ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ are rich with symbolism and metaphors that elevate the song from a simple love ballad to a profound statement on personal transformation.

The opening verse uses the imagery of “looking out on the morning rain” to symbolize a life of sadness and lack of inspiration. Rain often represents melancholy and gloom, and the singer’s feeling of being “so uninspired” sets a tone of emotional dreariness. This is further emphasized by the line, “When my soul was in the lost and found, you came along to claim it.” This powerful metaphor portrays her spirit as a lost object, waiting to be rediscovered and given a sense of belonging. The lover, in this context, is not just a romantic partner but a savior who brings her soul back to where it truly belongs.

The central metaphor of the song is the concept of being a “natural woman.” This doesn’t necessarily refer to a rustic or unadorned state, but rather to a state of authenticity and self-acceptance. The love she receives makes her feel true to her essential self, stripped of the insecurities and doubts that previously plagued her. It’s a feeling of being effortlessly and completely herself. This is reinforced by the line, “I didn't know just what was wrong with me 'til your kiss helped me name it.” The kiss becomes a symbol of revelation and clarity, a moment of awakening where she finally understands what was missing in her life.

The song also uses the metaphor of a key to describe her lover's impact: “your love was the key to my peace of mind.” This suggests that her inner turmoil was a locked door that only his love could open, leading to a state of tranquility and contentment.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is, of course, the title line: “You make me feel like a natural woman.” This phrase functions as the song’s central thesis and its emotional anchor. Its repetition throughout the song serves to reinforce the profound and transformative effect of the lover’s presence. Each time the phrase is repeated, it gains in emotional weight and significance, becoming a powerful mantra of self-acceptance and joy.

Another recurring lyrical motif is the contrast between the past and the present. The song repeatedly juxtaposes the singer’s former life of sorrow and inspiration with her current state of happiness and fulfillment. This is evident in lines like “Before the day I met you, life was so unkind” and “When my soul was in the lost and found, you came along to claim it.” This before-and-after narrative structure is a classic storytelling device that makes the song’s message of transformation clear and impactful.

Musically, the song features a recurring piano motif that introduces the verses and provides a gentle, supportive accompaniment to the vocals. The swelling string and brass lines in the chorus also serve as a recurring musical element, adding to the song’s sense of grandeur and emotional release. The backing vocals, with their soulful “oohs” and “aahs,” are another recurring motif that adds to the song’s gospel-infused sound and feel.