Aretha Franklin, Spirit in the Dark

In the 41^st edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, performing “Spirit in the Dark.”

Welcome to Music Lifts, featuring songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 41^st edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “Spirit in the Dark” as performed by Aretha Franklin.

“I, I’m getting the spirit in the dark / (Um-hum-hum) / I’m getting the spirit in the dark.”

Amen, Aretha Franklin (1942 – 2018)!  The Queen of Soul certainly lifts the spirit on her gospel-tinged soul gem, “Spirit in the Dark”. “People moving, oh, and they grooving,” she continues singing in the first verse, “Just getting the spirit / (Um-hum-hum) in the dark.” “Spirit in the Dark” is the sixth track off of Franklin’s 1970 album, Spirit in the Dark. That album features another Aretha favorite, “Don’t Play That Song”. Franklin penned “Spirit,” while Tom Dowd (1925 – 2002), Jerry Wexler (1917 – 2008), and Arif Mardin (1932 – 2006) produced it.

“(Doot-doot)

It’s like Sally Walker

(Do-do-doot-doot)

Sitting in a saucer

(Do-do-do-do-do-do)

That’s how ya (Doot) do it.”

“Spirit in the Dark” begins with bluesy, gospel-tinged piano. After those keys make the initial statement, Aretha Franklin sets the tone with her own bluesy vocal run. She shines, delivering soulful, gospelized lead vocals. No, the song never dives deep spiritually, but it feels spiritual from the beginning.  And, to be fair, Franklin does encourage us to “Go on and move / Move with the spirit.” Amen! Beyond her powerful lead vocals, there are superb background vocals.  Also, beyond the piano, the organ packs a punch as it enters the mix.  After exhibiting subtlety early on, those background vocals up the ante, truly turning up and catching fire during the double time, vamping section that concludes the track.

“(I think I’ve got it!)

All of my brothers

(Move with the spirit)

All of my sisters

(Move with the spirit)

Move

(Move with the spirit)

With the spirit

(Move with the spirit).”

Ooh-wee! Aretha Franklin is spirited to the nth degree from start to finish on “Spirit in the Dark”.  There is no way you won’t feel something on this deep soul classic!