The Staple Singers - Respect yourself - 1972
The Staple Singers - "Respect Yourself" (1972)
Respect Yourself is a classic song by the American gospel/soul group The Staple Singers, released in 1971 and becoming a hit in 1972. This song is not only a piece of music but also a reflection of the social and cultural changes of the early 1970s. It's a powerful anthem for respect and self-empowerment.
Background and Impact
The Staple Singers, led by Roebuck "Pops" Staples and his daughters Cleotha, Mavis, and Yvonne, were initially a gospel group. Their transition into soul music came with a focus on songs delivering messages of social justice and empowerment. Respect Yourself was written by Luther Ingram and Mack Rice and became one of the most notable songs of The Staple Singers. Its release during the civil rights movement gave it a special resonance, as it emphasized the importance of self-respect and respect for others amidst the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
Musical Style and Lyrics
The song's blend of gospel and soul, marked by the prominent use of electric guitar by "Pops" Staples and the powerful lead vocals of Mavis Staples, creates a distinctive sound. The lyrics of Respect Yourself promote a message of self-respect and mutual understanding, reflecting the ethos of the civil rights movement.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Respect Yourself" released? (1971) (!1969) (!1973) (!1967)
Who wrote "Respect Yourself"? (Luther Ingram and Mack Rice) (!Isaac Hayes and David Porter) (!Curtis Mayfield) (!Berry Gordy)
What musical styles does "Respect Yourself" combine? (Gospel and Soul) (!Jazz and Blues) (!Rock and Roll) (!Funk and R&B)
Which member of The Staple Singers played the electric guitar in the song? (Roebuck "Pops" Staples) (!Mavis Staples) (!Cleotha Staples) (!Yvonne Staples)
In what movement did "Respect Yourself" find special resonance? (The civil rights movement) (!The feminist movement) (!The anti-war movement) (!The environmental movement)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Who led The Staple Singers? (Roebuck "Pops" Staples) (!Sam Cooke) (!Al Green) (!Otis Redding)
Which of the following was not a member of The Staple Singers? (!Yvonne Staples) (Mahalia Jackson) (Cleotha Staples) (Mavis Staples)
In which genre did The Staple Singers initially perform before moving to soul music? (Gospel) (!Jazz) (!Blues) (!Rock)
What is Mavis Staples known for in addition to her work with The Staple Singers? (Her powerful lead vocals) (!Playing the drums) (!Songwriting) (!Playing the keyboard)
The Staple Singers were known for songs delivering messages of... (Social justice and empowerment) (!Love and romance) (!Party and fun) (!Travel and adventure)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the key theme of "Respect Yourself"? (Self-respect and mutual understanding) (!Overcoming hardship) (!Romantic love) (!Political protest)
Which of these lines is from "Respect Yourself"? ("If you don't respect yourself, ain't nobody gonna give a good cahoot") (!"I know a place, ain't nobody cryin'") (!"I'm talking 'bout the midnight gambler") (!"We're a winner, and never let anybody say")
The lyrics "You're walking around thinking that the world owes you something 'cause you're here" emphasize... (The importance of self-reliance) (!The joy of living) (!The value of love) (!The pain of loss)
What do the lyrics of "Respect Yourself" encourage the listener to do? (To respect themselves and others) (!To fight against oppression) (!To seek true love) (!To celebrate life)
The line "Take the sheet off your face, boy, it's a brand new day" can be interpreted as a call for... (Change and renewal) (!Remembering the past) (!Romantic awakening) (!Resistance against authority)
Memory
| The Staple Singers | Respect Yourself |
| Roebuck "Pops" Staples | Electric Guitar |
| 1971 | Year of Release |
| Gospel and Soul | Musical Style |
| Civil Rights Movement | Movement Resonated With |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research The Staple Singers: Find out more about the early gospel period of The Staple Singers.
- Listen and Reflect: Listen to "Respect Yourself" and think about what the lyrics mean to you.
- Musical Genres: Explore other songs that combine gospel and soul, and compare them to "Respect Yourself".
Standard
- Interview Reflection: Interview someone who lived through the 1970s about their memories of "Respect Yourself" and its impact.
- Song Analysis: Analyze the musical structure of "Respect Yourself" – consider aspects like melody, rhythm, and instrumentation.
- Historical Context: Research the civil rights movement in the early 1970s and discuss how "Respect Yourself" reflected or influenced the social issues of that time.
Difficult
- Creative Writing: Write a short story or poem inspired by the themes of "Respect Yourself".
- Music and Social Change: Create a presentation on how music has been used as a tool for social change, using "Respect Yourself" as a key example.
- Musical Performance: Learn to play or sing "Respect Yourself", and consider how its musical style influences its message.
- Comparative Study: Compare "Respect Yourself" to a modern song with similar themes. Discuss the evolution of the message and its relevance today.
- Documentary Making: Make a short documentary about The Staple Singers, focusing on their transition from gospel to soul music.
- Art Project: Create an art piece that represents the themes of "Respect Yourself" and the era in which it was popular.
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Oral Exam
- Reflect on Influence: Discuss how "Respect Yourself" might have influenced the listener's perception and behavior during the civil rights movement.
- Music and Identity: Explore how music like "Respect Yourself" can shape or reflect a person's identity.
- Historical Analysis: Analyze the significance of The Staple Singers' transition from gospel to soul in the context of the cultural and social changes of the 1970s.
- Message and Medium: Discuss how the medium of music can be particularly effective in conveying messages of social change and empowerment.
- Contemporary Relevance: Reflect on how the message of "Respect Yourself" remains relevant in today's society.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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