Respect Yourself

by The Staple Singers

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Lyrics

If you (Cm)walk in’ a round think in’ that the world y owes yuh some thing ’cause you’re

you go in’ out the world you back wards ev ’ry bod y s’posed to re spect first come

Keep you talk in’ ’bout the pres i bout the man with the air ble pol lu hand,

Put your hand o’er your mouth and when you cough tle that ’ll help the so lu

Oh, you cuss a round of gen tle man want ev ’ry thing your way.

Take the dumb e nough to think it ’ll make you a brand new big ol’ day.

man.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

If you (G7)don’t re spect your self, ain’t no bod y gon na give a good, good (G)hoot!

Re (Cm)spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

If you’re (Cm)walk in’ a round think in’ that the world y owes yuh some thing ’cause you’re

you go in’ out the world you back wards like you did y when you re spect first come

Keep you talk in’ ’bout the pres i dent the won’t stop the air ble pol lu tion.

Put your hand o’er your mouth and when you cough tle that ’ll help the so lu

Oh, you cuss a round of wom en folk, don’t e ven know their name.

Take the dumb e nough to think it ’ll make you a brand new big ol’ day.

man.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

If you (G7)don’t re spect your self, ain’t no bod y gon na give a good, good (G)hoot!

Re (Cm)spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

If you’re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Re spect your self.

Respect Yourself by The Staple Singers — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Respect Yourself by The Staple Singers in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Ab at 100 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Respect Yourself" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Respect Yourself"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Respect Yourself" use?
Just 4 chords: Cm, Cm7, G7, Gaug. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other The Staple Singers songs work for kids?
Try "LET'S DO IT AGAIN", "I'LL TAKE YOU THERE", "Respect Yourself". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.