Meaning of Respect That You Earn (feat. Ne-Yo & Wale)

by Yo Gotti · 2024

The song “Respect That You Earn” by Yo Gotti (feat. Ne-Yo & Wale) is about the idea that respect in relationships, especially towards women, should be based on actions and character rather than expectations or appearances, with the artists expressing that they will give respect only when it is genuinely earned.

This song has been Shazamed over 185,696 times. As of this writing, Respect That You Earn (feat. Ne-Yo & Wale) is ranked 200

‘Respect That You Earn (feat. Ne-Yo & Wale)’ by Yo Gotti is a hip-hop and R&B song that talks about how people should get respect based on what they show and do. We’re going to break down the lyrics and feelings in this track to see what lessons we can learn. ⬇️

The song paints a world of nightlife, social media, and fleeting connections, where image often outweighs substance. There’s a constant tension between wanting recognition and needing to prove yourself to truly deserve it.

The chorus hits us right in the gut: “Girl, I’m gonna give you the respect that you earn from me.” It’s not about automatic admiration, but about reciprocity—what you put out is what you get back. We hear a mix of caution, skepticism, and maybe even disappointment, as if the singer is both warning and pleading, balancing judgment with vulnerability.

️‍♂️ The verses pull back the velvet curtain and show the underbelly of relationships built on appearances—“Want me to buy you a bag, but is you worth it?” asks Gotti, blunt and unfiltered, then Wale spins through contradictions about affection, lust, and labels, exposing the confusion of modern dating. “She lives for the night life… but she wants to be treated like somebody wife” is a lyric that perfectly illustrates the push-pull between lifestyle and longing, painting a picture of people caught between who they are and what they want others to see.

At its core, the song challenges both men and women to reflect on their actions and intentions, suggesting respect isn’t just given—it’s earned through honesty, self-awareness, and genuine connection, not just showmanship or desire.

Writer(s) of Respect That You Earn (feat. Ne-Yo & Wale):