Aretha Franklin – You Send Me. Lyrics & Meaning

Aretha Franklin – You Send Me : A Love That Literally Lifts You Off Your Feet

Ever been so completely smitten with someone that just thinking about them makes you feel… well, a bit floaty? It’s that goofy, unstoppable grin you wear all day, that little skip in your step when you walk down the street. It’s a feeling that goes way beyond a simple crush; it’s a warmth that spreads from your chest all the way to your fingertips. Well, there’s a song that perfectly bottles up this exact emotion, and Aretha Franklin’s take on “You Send Me” might just be the most soulful, heartfelt expression of it ever recorded. Let’s dive into what makes this seemingly simple track an absolute masterpiece of pure, unadulterated affection.

Decoding the Soulful Confession in Aretha Franklin’s “You Send Me”

• Aretha Franklin – (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman : Finding Your True Self in Love’s Embrace
• Aretha Franklin – Joy to the World : A Soulful Call for Universal Happiness
• Aretha Franklin – Son of a Preacher Man : Finding Love in the Most Unexpected Place
• Aretha Franklin – I Say a Little Prayer : A Soundtrack for All-Consuming Love
• Aretha Franklin – Think : A Powerful Anthem of Self-Respect and Freedom
• Aretha Franklin – Respect : The Ultimate Anthem for Demanding What You Deserve
• Aretha Franklin – Chain of Fools : The Powerful Anthem for Breaking a Toxic Cycle
• Aretha Franklin – You Send Me : A Love That Literally Lifts You Off Your Feet

Right from the get-go, the song hits you with a line that’s both simple and incredibly profound. It doesn’t waste any time with flowery poetry. Instead, it’s a direct, almost breathless admission:

Darling you send me. I know you send me
Honest you do
Honest you do
Honest you do

What does it even mean to be “sent”? It’s not about being mailed somewhere, obviously! It’s a classic, beautiful piece of slang that means to be thrown into a state of ecstasy or euphoria. This person’s very existence is enough to transport her. And look at the repetition: “Honest you do.” This isn’t just a casual compliment. It feels like she’s trying to convince not only her lover but also herself of the sheer power of this feeling. It’s a raw, vulnerable confession, as if she’s looking them right in the eyes, needing them to understand the sincerity behind her words.

From a Simple Thrill to a Lifelong Promise

The song builds on this initial rush. After being “sent,” she describes being “thrilled.” This is a more grounded, physical reaction. It’s the butterflies, the racing heart, the tingle you get when they’re near. But the true genius of the song lies in its narrative progression. Aretha lays out the entire journey of falling in love in just a few lines.

At first I thought it was infatuation

Bam! Right there. That’s the emotional core of the entire song. It’s that universal moment of realization we’ve all felt. You meet someone, you get that initial spark, and you think, “Okay, this is fun, it’s just a crush.” But then weeks turn into months, and the feeling doesn’t fade. In fact, it gets deeper, stronger, and more real. Aretha captures that transition perfectly. It’s the shift from a fleeting “thrill” to the profound, life-altering desire for a future. The line “to marry you and take you home” is such a beautifully straightforward and domestic declaration of ultimate love. It’s not about grand adventures; it’s about wanting to build a life, a home, with this one person.

What Does It Feel Like to Be ‘Sent’?

The song is a masterclass in showing, not just telling. It paints a picture of what this love feels like in day-to-day moments. Being “sent” isn’t a one-time event; it’s a constant state of being whenever this person is around. Aretha makes it clear that this isn’t just an abstract idea; it’s tied directly to their physical presence and affection.

Whenever I’m with you
Whenever I’m near you
Honest you do
I know when you hold me,
whenever you kiss me

You can almost see it, can’t you? You can imagine her world turning from black and white to vibrant color the moment they walk into the room. Their touch, their kiss, their very proximity is the catalyst for this incredible feeling. It’s a love that’s both emotionally overwhelming and deeply comforting. The repetition of “honest you do” throughout the song acts like a heartbeat, a steady rhythm of reassurance. It’s the song’s central truth, the anchor to which all these wonderful, dizzying emotions are tied.

The beauty of “You Send Me,” especially with Aretha’s powerful and soul-drenched vocals, is its unwavering positivity. It’s a celebration of finding that one person who just… fits. It teaches us that true love isn’t complicated or dramatic; sometimes, it’s as simple as finding someone whose presence alone is enough to send you soaring. The song is a beautiful reminder to cherish those feelings and to have the courage to express them with pure, unashamed honesty.

Ultimately, this track is a timeless anthem for anyone who has ever been completely, utterly, and blissfully in love. It captures the journey from that first flutter of attraction to the deep, secure feeling of wanting to build a forever. But that’s just my take on it. What does Aretha Franklin’s “You Send Me” make you feel? Does it remind you of a special someone or a particular time in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts!