This Bitter Earth
Aretha Franklin · Take A Look: Complete On Columbia [2011]
What fruited past
What good is love
That no one wants to share
And if my life, my life is like the dust
That haunts the [unclear]
Tell me what good am I
Heaven, heaven, heaven, heaven only knows
Oooooo
This, this bitter
Well, I found it can be, be so, be so cold
Today, oh
And before you know it
Too soon you've grown old
But while a voice within me cries
Someone, someone may answer my call
And this bitter earth, this bitter, bitter earth
May not, may not be so bitter after all
While a voice, while this voice within me cries
Someone, someone may answer my call
And this, this bitter, this real cold earth
Mmmmm may not be so bitter after all
Mmmmmm
This Bitter Earth
Aretha Franklin's 'This Bitter Earth' stands as a powerful testament to her mastery of gospel-infused soul. Recorded during the height of her career, the track exemplifies her ability to blend raw emotional intensity with complex musical arrangements. As part of her extensive discography, the song showcases her signature vocal range and phrasing, drawing from the rich traditions of Southern gospel that deeply influenced her artistry. The recording captures a moment where Franklin transformed spiritual themes into a secular anthem of resilience, resonating with audiences across generations. It remains a defining piece in her catalog, reflecting her commitment to exploring the depths of human emotion through her unique voice and the timeless quality of her compositions.