Don't Play That Song - Aretha Franklin

Don't Play That Song - Aretha Franklin

3:02

Spirit In the Dark, 1970

Written by Ahmet Ertegün and Betty Nelson

Obviously the narrator of this song is not as steely as Humphrey Bogart.  ("Play it, Sam!  If you can play it for her, you can play it for me. If she can take it, so can I.")  The song was co-written by Ben King's wife and released by him in 1962.  This version transforms it into a gospel-soaked soul anthem with fire and heartbreak. Her voice — soaring, pleading, utterly commanding — turns the song's simple premise into high drama: the pain of hearing a song that reminds her of a lover's lies: "I was only seventeen / I'd never dream he'd be so mean."  The arrangement blends classic Atlantic soul with churchy piano and call-and-response backing vocals that elevate the emotional stakes.