About the Song
Background
- Original Composition: Written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart and featured on their 1985 album Be Yourself Tonight.
- Iconic Collaboration: In the same year, Aretha Franklin added her powerhouse vocals and soulful touch, creating the quintessential version. It appeared on her album Who’s Zoomin’ Who?.
- Feminist Anthem: The song quickly became a timeless feminist anthem, resonating with a message of strength and independence for women everywhere.
Themes
- Female Empowerment: At its core, the song celebrates the power of women to stand on their own, take charge of their lives, and break free from societal expectations.
- Sisterhood: It highlights the importance of female solidarity and support, encouraging women to uplift and champion each other.
- Rejection of Traditional Roles: The lyrics challenge outdated gender roles and call out a world designed by men, suggesting that women can achieve great things without relying on traditional relationships or structures.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some key lyrics and their meaning:
- “Now there was a time when they used to say that behind every great man there had to be a great woman…” This line directly confronts the idea that women’s success is intrinsically tied to the men in their lives.
- “Oh, sisters are doin’ it for themselves / Standin’ on their own two feet / And ringin’ on their own bells…” The chorus is a powerful declaration of independence and self-reliance.
- “And designed for men, this world, well, honey who needs it. / Sisters are doin’ it for themselves…” This points to the inherent inequalities built into societal structures and asserts that women can thrive without bending to the expectations of a world created without them in mind.
Legacy
“Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” remains a potent reminder of the collective strength and determination of women. It continues to be an anthem sung by women of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring:
- Self-assurance
- Determination
- The importance of female solidarity
Video
Lyric
[Annie Lennox (Aretha Franklin) {Both}:]
Now there was a time
When they used to say
That behind every “great man”
There had to be a “great woman”
(But in these times of change)
(You know that it’s no longer true)
{So we’re coming out of the kitchen}
{‘Cause there’s something we forgot to say to you (we say)}
[Annie Lennox & Aretha Franklin:]
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Standing on their own two feet
And ringing on their own bells
Sisters are doing it for themselves
[Annie Lennox (Aretha Franklin) {Both}:]
Now this is a song to celebrate
{The conscious liberation of the female state}
(Mothers, daughters and their daughters too, yeah)
Woman to woman
{We’re singing with you}
(The “inferior sex” got a new exterior) yeah
We got doctors, lawyers, politicians too – oo
(Everybody, take a look around)
Can you see? Can you see? Can you see?
There’s a woman right next to you
[Annie Lennox & Aretha Franklin:]
Sisters are doing it for themselves (oh yes we are)
Standing on their own two feet
And ringing on their own bells
Sisters are doing it for themselves
[Annie Lennox (Aretha Franklin) {Both}:]
(Now we ain’t making stories)
(And we ain’t laying plans)
‘Cause a man still loves a woman
And a woman still loves a man
{Just the same though}
[Annie Lennox & Aretha Franklin:]
Sisters are doing it for themselves
[Annie Lennox (Aretha Franklin) {Both}:]
There was a time
(When they used to say)
That behind every great man
(There had to be a great woman)
(But in these times of change)
(You know that it’s no longer true)
(So we’re coming out of the kitchen)
(‘Cause there’s something we forgot to say to you (we say))
[Annie Lennox & Aretha Franklin:]
Sister are doing it for themselves
Standing on their own two feet
And ringing on their own bells
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Sisters are doing it for themselves (yeah, yeah)
Sisters are doing it, doing it for themselves (doing it, doing it)
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Sister are doing it for themselves
Standing on their own two feet
And ringing on their own bells
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Sister are doing it for themselves
Standing on their own two feet
And ringing on their own bells
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Thank you, I’ll get it myself