Today’s Song of the Day is dedicated to the irreplaceable, phenomenal Aretha Franklin. Forever the queen of soul. Her music has always meant so much to me, and her voice was just beyond amazing. Since it is Female Friday, and since this week everyone’s hearts and minds are on Aretha, it seemed fitting to choose my favorite Aretha song for today’s Song of the Day. This track has always meant so much to me since the very first time I heard it. And now, listening to it today, I realize that its meaning has expanded, grown, and become even more meaningful to me as the love I have in my life is bigger and more immense, and really more everything, than any love I’ve ever known. I honestly have never loved a man the way I love the man I’m lucky to share my life with now.
Finding a love like this, it is life-changing and beyond amazing. But, it can also be terrifying. The vulnerability and that realization that there is something you could lose – that I could lose – that would be far beyond heartbreaking is pretty scary. It can bring on irrational emotions and reactions. It can shake up and wake up deep-rooted insecurities, and abandonment issues. Ones that I thought were long gone or at least kept in check. But somedays there is no stopping their impact. Feelings take over, whether warranted or sensical, and the fear takes over. I’m beyond grateful that the love in my life is patient with me, as I try to be with him, and holds tight to me when I feel that frightened. And before I know it he helps to bring the joy back in, the feeling of home and safety, passion, and desire, and all that bigger than anything love. I’m forever grateful for him, and this love we’ve found.
“I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” by Aretha Franklin
from the album, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) (1967)
Song of the Day
“Don’t ya never,
never say that we’re through.
Cause I ain’t never.
never,
never, no, no,
loved a man,
the way that I,
I love you.”
Thank you, Aretha, for all the music. You will always be missed, and you will forever be remembered. Thank you especially for this song.
