About the song
“A Deeper Love” by Aretha Franklin, released in 1994, stands as a testament to the Queen of Soul’s timeless ability to blend gospel, pop, and R&B into powerful, deeply emotional music. This song was featured on her album “Greatest Hits Volume 2,” which marked a significant moment in Franklin’s career. While she was already a legendary figure by this point, “A Deeper Love” introduced her music to a new generation, thanks in part to its fusion of contemporary dance beats and her gospel-rooted soul voice.
Lyrically, “A Deeper Love” speaks to a universal theme of unconditional love, its transformative power, and its ability to heal. Franklin’s soulful voice delivers a message of love that transcends boundaries—whether they be personal, emotional, or even societal. The song’s chorus, with its repetition of “What the world needs now is love, sweet love,” ties it back to a desire for greater unity and compassion, highlighting the deep, universal longing for a love that goes beyond superficialities. This anthem of love not only speaks to romantic relationships but also to the kind of compassion and empathy that are essential in a broader social context.
When Aretha Franklin first recorded “A Deeper Love,” it resonated with listeners not just because of its soulful melody and rhythm but because of the social significance it carried. The early 1990s were a time when people were grappling with the challenges of an increasingly divided world, and Franklin’s powerful voice, paired with the song’s optimistic message, was like a rallying cry for unity and healing. Released during a time when many were seeking solace in the wake of political tensions and economic instability, the song became an anthem for peace and understanding. In many ways, “A Deeper Love” was both a personal reflection and a societal call to action.
The impact of the song was significant both in terms of its cultural influence and commercial success. It found success on the dance charts and became a club hit, introducing Franklin’s classic sound to younger audiences and to the burgeoning dance and electronic music scenes. The track’s blend of contemporary dance beats with Franklin’s unmistakable vocal power created a perfect fusion that appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. This marked a shift in how Franklin’s music was presented to the world, showing her adaptability and relevance even in the 1990s.
“A Deeper Love” also stands out for its production, with Franklin’s emotive vocals paired with uplifting, upbeat rhythms that make it both a soulful ballad and a dance anthem. The song’s combination of strong, empowering lyrics and energetic tempo reflects the essence of Aretha Franklin’s musical legacy, which always intertwined personal strength with spiritual depth. Whether in a dance club or a more reflective, intimate setting, “A Deeper Love” encourages listeners to embrace love that is profound, transformative, and healing—qualities that Franklin embodied in her personal life and musical career.
In conclusion, “A Deeper Love” is much more than a song; it is a call for social change, an invitation to embrace a higher form of love that transcends borders and divides. Aretha Franklin, with her unmatched vocal ability, delivered a message that still resonates today, making this song not just an enduring classic, but also an important cultural touchstone of the 1990s. Her ability to communicate the depth of love, both through her voice and her lyrics, ensures that “A Deeper Love” will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.
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Lyrics
RockRockIt’s time to jam, y’allFreaks, get up against the wallAnd let’s rock, heyNo longer will I doAll the things that I used to doStood by your side in innocenceFor my love was just for youWell, I’m a big girl nowWith big needs and desiresSo don’t you come aroundIf you can’t take me higherI like to rock a lotThrow my love awayOn on only one boyI like to rock a lotThat’s how it is of latelyHey, hey, yeahI like to rock a lotI’ll take a path and stayYes, I will nowI like to rock a lotBig boy, or young man?Oh, yeah, I like to partyOh, yeahI think it’s my turn this timeNot a soul gets byGames never had no place with meJamming is my concernJust give me one good manTo keep me satisfied, ohHave you gone undergroundAnd if so, where will you hideSweet thing, heyI like to rock a lotThrow my love awayOh no, I won’tI like to rock a lotThat’s how it is of latelyYeah, babyI like to rock a lotI’ll take a path and stay, oh babyI like to rock a lotBig boy, or young man?Step on the funk nowWell, freeze the funk, y’allIt’s time to rock with RebeYes, it isRocking is my soul’s desireAnd I’m going to set you on fireI like to rock a lotBig boy, or young man?Step on the funk nowWell, well, freeze the funk, y’allIn front, on your head!I’m trying to warn youI’m trying to warn youI like it, I like itI need you to do nowI like it, I like itI like it, I like itI like it, I like itOh yeah, I like itI’m gonna make doPutting in overtime, babyComin’ down on youYeah! Put it in front for me‘Cause I like itI like it, I like it