About the song
Background
- A Funk Masterpiece: “Rock Steady” is a landmark funk and soul song released in 1971 as part of Aretha Franklin’s acclaimed album Young, Gifted and Black.
- Southern Soul Roots: The song was produced by Jerry Wexler and Tom Dowd, and recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, a hotbed of Southern soul music.
- The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section: The backing musicians were the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, known for their tight playing and irresistible grooves.
- Chart Success: “Rock Steady” hit #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the R&B charts,
Lyrics
The lyrics to “Rock Steady” are a mix of playful, suggestive lines and calls for a rhythmic connection:
- The Call of the Groove: The song opens with the iconic lines, “Call me, call me. Let’s get it on…rock steady, baby.” This is Aretha inviting both her lover and the listener to embrace the power of the groove.
- Sensual Metaphors: The song uses driving metaphors like “Sock it to me, sock it to me” and references to dancing to convey a sense of energetic release and connection.
- The Power of Repetition: “Rock Steady” thrives on repetition, its simple phrases building in intensity as the music becomes more powerful.
Themes
- Rhythm as Release: The core theme of “Rock Steady” is the transformative power of rhythm and music. Aretha is asking the listener to give into the groove, let it consume them, and find release.
- Connection and Intimacy: While the song has strong sexual undertones, it also highlights the intimacy created by shared movement and a rhythmic connection.
- Celebration of Self: Beneath it all, “Rock Steady” is a celebration of Aretha’s powerful voice and presence. She’s in control, commanding the music and setting the beat for everyone else to follow.
Legacy
“Rock Steady” is one of Aretha Franklin’s most popular and enduring songs. Its tight funk groove and infectious energy have made it a party anthem that has been covered and sampled countless times in the decades since its release.
Video
Lyrics
Rock steady, babyThat’s what I feel nowLet’s call this song exactly what it isStep and move your hips with a feeling from side to sideSit yourself down in your car and take a rideAnd while you move and rock steadyRock steady, baby
Let’s call this song exactly what it is(What it is, what it is, what it is)It’s a funky and low down feeling’ (what it is)In my hips from left to right (what it is)What it is, is I might be doing (what it is)This funky dance all night, oh(Wave your hands up in the air) oh(Got the feeling and ain’t got a care) oh(What fun to take this ride)(Rock steady will only slide)
Rock steady, rock steady, babyRock steady, rock steady, baby
Step and move your hips with a feeling from side to sideSit yourself down in your car and take a rideWhile you move and rock steadyRock steady
Let’s call this song exactly what it is(What it is, what it is, what it is)It’s a funky and low down feeling’ (what it is)In my hips from left to right (what it is)What it is, is I might be doing (what it is)This funky dance all night, oh(Wave your hands up in the air) oh(Got the feeling and ain’t got a care) oh(What fun to take this ride)(Rock steady will only slide)
Rock steady, babyRock steady, woo!Rock steady
It’s a funky and low down feeling’ (what it is)In my hips from left to right (what it is)What it is, is I might be doing (what it is)This funky dance all night, oh(Wave your hands up in the air) oh(Got the feeling and ain’t got a care) oh(What fun to take this ride)(Rock steady will only slide)
Rock steadySteady, babyRock, rock steady, babyBaby (what it is)Baby, baby (what it is)Baby (what it is)Baby…