Respect is a fundamental value that transcends cultures, relationships, and personal boundaries.
Whether it’s respect for oneself, others, or the world around us, music has long been a powerful way to express this essential virtue.
In this list, we’ve compiled 30 songs that celebrate the importance of respect—from timeless classics to modern hits. Each track brings its own unique perspective on what it means to be respected and to show respect.
Whether you’re seeking empowerment, love, or equality, these songs will resonate with you and remind you of the power that respect holds in all our lives.
1. Respect – Aretha Franklin
This iconic song by Aretha Franklin is perhaps the most well-known anthem about respect. Originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, Franklin’s version became a symbol of empowerment, particularly for women, and remains a timeless classic in pop culture.
2. R-E-S-P-E-C-T – Otis Redding
Otis Redding’s original version of “Respect” was a plea from a man asking for recognition and love from his partner. Though overshadowed by Aretha Franklin’s version, Redding’s take remains a powerful song about the need for respect in relationships.
3. Respect Yourself – The Staple Singers
“Respect Yourself” is a soulful track that encourages self-respect as the key to gaining the respect of others. The Staple Singers delivered a timeless message about dignity, empowerment, and personal responsibility.
4. You’ve Got to Earn It – The Temptations
This Motown classic by The Temptations speaks to the idea that respect is something you have to work for. With its catchy rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, it remains a powerful reminder of mutual respect in relationships.
5. Respect – Pink
In her rebellious and confident style, Pink’s “Respect” offers a demand for self-respect and equality. The song echoes themes of independence and strength, reinforcing the idea of standing up for oneself.
6. Little Respect – Erasure
Erasure’s “A Little Respect” is an upbeat, synth-pop anthem that addresses the need for respect in love. The song is a plea for mutual understanding and respect in relationships, highlighting the emotional aspect of being treated fairly.
7. Treat People with Kindness – Harry Styles
This positive anthem by Harry Styles speaks to respecting others by showing kindness and empathy. It encourages a world where people are treated with compassion, highlighting the power of kindness and respect in everyday life.
8. Respect – Melanie Amaro
Melanie Amaro’s rendition of “Respect” was performed on “The X Factor,” where she showcased her powerful voice and echoed the timeless message of demanding respect. Her version resonates with a new generation of listeners.
9. Show Some Respect – Tina Turner
Tina Turner’s “Show Some Respect” demands that love be reciprocated with care and respect. With her signature energy and strong vocals, Turner delivers a powerful message about maintaining mutual respect in relationships.
10. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” spells out the need for consideration and fair treatment. With his soulful voice, Wonder reinforces the idea of respect as a basic human right that should be extended to everyone.
11. Give a Little Respect – Andy Bell
This song by Andy Bell emphasizes the emotional side of respect, particularly in relationships. It’s a heartfelt request for equal consideration and understanding, showcasing the importance of respect in love.
12. I Will Not Bow – Breaking Benjamin
Breaking Benjamin’s “I Will Not Bow” is a powerful rock anthem about self-respect and standing up for one’s beliefs. It reflects the idea of personal strength and resilience in the face of adversity, demanding respect from others.
13. Show Some Respect – Beverley Knight
Beverley Knight’s soulful performance in “Show Some Respect” urges listeners to honor the value of love and commitment by showing proper respect. Her powerful delivery makes the song a compelling call for respect in relationships.
14. Respect Me – Lil’ Kim
Lil’ Kim’s “Respect Me” reflects on her journey and the challenges she’s faced in earning respect in the music industry. The song highlights her resilience and determination to demand respect despite the odds.
15. Treat Her Right – Roy Head
Roy Head’s “Treat Her Right” is an upbeat track that focuses on the importance of showing respect and care in romantic relationships. The song became a hit in the 1960s and still resonates with listeners today.
16. Respect My Conglomerate – Busta Rhymes ft. Lil Wayne & Jadakiss
Busta Rhymes delivers a powerful message about demanding respect in the hip-hop industry with “Respect My Conglomerate.” Featuring Lil Wayne and Jadakiss, the song highlights the importance of standing strong in the face of competition and adversity.
17. Respect Is Earned – Cormega
Cormega’s “Respect Is Earned” emphasizes that respect is not freely given but must be earned through hard work and integrity. This track resonates within the hip-hop community and beyond, reflecting the struggle for acknowledgment and respect.
18. Treat ‘Em Right – Chubb Rock
Chubb Rock’s hit “Treat ‘Em Right” is a call to treat people, especially women, with dignity and respect. It’s a feel-good anthem with a deeper message about equality and mutual respect in relationships and society.
19. No Respect – Kool G Rap & DJ Polo
Kool G Rap’s “No Respect” tells a story of betrayal and how respect can be lost when trust is broken. The song carries a strong narrative about maintaining respect in personal and professional relationships.
20. Respect – Train
Train’s “Respect” emphasizes self-worth and standing up for yourself in the face of adversity. The song combines an upbeat melody with lyrics that demand respect in relationships and everyday life.
21. Treat Me Right – Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar’s “Treat Me Right” is a rock anthem that speaks directly to the need for respect in relationships. With her powerful vocals and bold lyrics, Benatar delivers a strong message about demanding fair treatment.
22. You Don’t Have to Worry – En Vogue
En Vogue’s “You Don’t Have to Worry” speaks to the importance of mutual respect and trust in relationships. The group’s harmonious vocals emphasize how respect goes hand-in-hand with love and loyalty.
23. Stand Up for Something – Andra Day ft. Common
This empowering song by Andra Day and Common highlights the idea of standing up for what you believe in, including respect. It’s an anthem for social justice, calling for integrity and respect for all people.
24. Gimme Some Respect – Nina Simone
Nina Simone’s demand for respect in “Gimme Some Respect” is both personal and political. Known for her powerful voice and social activism, Simone delivers a timeless message about the fundamental need for respect in society.
25. Respect the Power of Love – Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ song “Respect the Power of Love” speaks to the strength that comes from respecting love. The track highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating love’s ability to heal and empower.
26. Have a Little Respect – Journey
“Have a Little Respect” by Journey asks for fairness and understanding in a relationship. The song reminds listeners that respect is essential for love to thrive.
27. Respect Yourself – Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis’ cover of “Respect Yourself” brings a fun and unique twist to the original Staple Singers hit. Willis maintains the core message that self-respect is essential for earning the respect of others.
28. Show Some Respect – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s soulful vocals in “Show Some Respect” make this song a standout in her discography. It’s a strong reminder that mutual respect is the foundation of any healthy relationship.
29. Treat Me Like Somebody – Tink
Tink’s “Treat Me Like Somebody” is a heartfelt plea for respect and love in a relationship. Her smooth delivery and emotional lyrics make this a modern anthem for anyone seeking to be treated with care and respect.
30. RESPECT – Alliance Ethnik
Alliance Ethnik’s “RESPECT” is a French hip-hop track that demands respect in every aspect of life. The group blends catchy beats with meaningful lyrics, making it an international anthem for respect and equality.