Aretha Franklin performs during the Festival of Families - World Meeting of Families 2015 Featuring: Aretha Franklin Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States When: 26 Sep 2015 Credit: IPA/WENN.com **Only available for publication in UK, USA, Germany, Austria, Switzerland**
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, lost her lengthy battle with cancer on Thursday, Aug. 16. Franklin was 76 years old at the time of her passing. The legendary singer died at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit, surrounded by her friends and family.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds,” Franklin’s family said in a statement.
“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
To remember Franklin’s incredible career, let’s take a look back at lyrics from her most iconic songs and quotes that will leave you inspired.
The best lyrics and quotes from Aretha Franklin can be seen below.
Aretha Franklin Lyrics: Best Quotes & Most-Famous Sayings
Chris Kleponis/picture-alliance/Cover Images
“I say a little prayer for you/The moment I wake up/Before I put on my makeup (makeup)/I say a little prayer for you/While combing my hair now/And wondering what dress to wear now (wear now)/I say a little prayer for you”
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/Before the day I met you/Life was so unkind/You’re the key to my piece of mind/ Because you make me feel/You make me feel/You make me feel/Like a natural woman”
“Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.”
“Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don’t, it hurts even more.”
R-E-S-P-E-C-T/Find out what it means to me/R-E-S-P-E-C-T/Take care, TCB/Oh
“Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.”
A rose is still a rose/Baby girl, you’re still a flower/He can leave you and then take you/Make you and then break you/Darlin’, you hold the power (what I am is what I am)
“Soul is a constant. It’s cultural. It’s always going to be there, in different flavors and degrees.”
“We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.”
