Written by Goffin & King for Aretha Franklin at Jerry Wexler's suggestion, the Muscle Shoals recording fused Southern soul with explosive gospel fervor. It became a soul anthem symbolizing civil rights and women's liberation.
In 1971, co-writer Carole King reclaimed the song on 'Tapestry' as a self-cover. Stripping away brass and gospel harmonies, she distilled it into gentle piano and acoustic ensemble — re-anchoring the anthem in Laurel Canyon as an authentic celebration of everyday womanhood.