About the song
“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” stands as a timeless anthem of soul and empowerment, originally performed by the legendary Aretha Franklin in 1967. Penned by the prolific songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song was conceived from an idea sparked by Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler. Wexler, inspired by the concept of a “natural man,” expressed his desire for a song that would celebrate the essence of womanhood for Franklin’s upcoming album.
Carole King and Gerry Goffin swiftly responded to Wexler’s request, crafting lyrics that resonated deeply with Franklin’s soulful delivery and dynamic vocal range. Released as a single on the Atlantic label, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” swiftly ascended to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place as one of Aretha Franklin’s signature songs. Its impact on the charts was profound, and decades later, the song re-entered the UK Singles Chart, following Franklin’s passing, demonstrating its enduring popularity and cultural relevance.
Carole King herself recorded a version of the song for her seminal 1971 album “Tapestry,” showcasing its versatility and universal appeal across different musical interpretations. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including notable renditions by Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion, underscoring its status as a beloved standard in popular music.
In 1999, Aretha Franklin’s original recording of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” was rightfully inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its timeless quality and impact on the music industry. Additionally, the song earned a place in Rolling Stone’s prestigious list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, solidifying its legacy as an essential piece of American musical history.
With its powerful lyrics, soul-stirring melody, and Aretha Franklin’s unparalleled vocal prowess, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” remains an enduring tribute to the strength and beauty of womanhood, continuing to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.
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Lyrics
… Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
… Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But your love was the key to my peace of mind
… ‘Cause you make me feel, you make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman
… When my soul was in the lost-and-found
You came along to claim it
I didn’t know just what was wrong with me
‘Til your kiss helped me name it
… Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for
‘Cause if I make you happy I don’t need to do more
… And you make me feel, you make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman
… Oh, baby, what you’ve done to me
You make me feel so good inside
And I just wanna be close to you
You make me feel so alive
… And you make me feel, you make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman
… You know you, you make me feel
You know you make me feel like a natural woman
You know you make me
You make me
You make me feel
You know you make me feel
… I said you make me
You make me, you make me
You know you
You know you make me feel like a natural woman
A natural woman