Respect
Lucky Dube · Life & Times [2012]
When you flash that badge
You want everyone to shiver
When you flash that badge
You want everyone to worship you
I got no time to worship human kind
I only worship the All Mighty
Through his prophets I have learned
To give respect to everything he created
I give love to those who gimme love
Love those who gimme war
I love those who hate me
I bless even those who curse me year x 2
Chorus
Gimme gimme respect
Show me show me respect.
You could be the president
You could be his deputy
You don't even have to know
My political affiliation
You don't even have to know
My religious affiliation
Respect me, for who I am
And not what I am
Nobody even cares about your dollars
Nobody even cares about your bling bling
Give love to those who give you love
Love to those who hate you
Bless even those who curse you, yeah x 2
Chorus
Gimme respect
Show me show me respect
Chorus till fade.
You want everyone to shiver
When you flash that badge
You want everyone to worship you
I got no time to worship human kind
I only worship the All Mighty
Through his prophets I have learned
To give respect to everything he created
I give love to those who gimme love
Love those who gimme war
I love those who hate me
I bless even those who curse me year x 2
Chorus
Gimme gimme respect
Show me show me respect.
You could be the president
You could be his deputy
You don't even have to know
My political affiliation
You don't even have to know
My religious affiliation
Respect me, for who I am
And not what I am
Nobody even cares about your dollars
Nobody even cares about your bling bling
Give love to those who give you love
Love to those who hate you
Bless even those who curse you, yeah x 2
Chorus
Gimme respect
Show me show me respect
Chorus till fade.
Respect - Lucky Dube
Lucky Dube's 'Respect' stands as a cornerstone of South African hip-hop, blending traditional township rhythms with modern production to deliver a message of dignity and social justice. Released on the 2012 album 'Life & Times', the track exemplifies Dube's signature ability to weave political commentary into accessible, danceable beats. The song reflects the broader ethos of the genre, addressing themes of equality and community resilience while maintaining a melodic flow that resonates across generations. As a defining work in his discography, it showcases the artist's commitment to using music as a vehicle for empowerment and cultural preservation within the Engeni (English-speaking) hip-hop scene.