I’m traveling this week, but I wanted to leave you with something while I’m gone.

Last December I posted a Christmas 401(k) retirement song, The 401(k) Christmas Song – Fred Reish. I thought I would follow up on that by posting the lyrics of another 401(k) retirement song.  So, as I did the first time, I asked ChatGPT to give me another retirement song. This time the song should be in the style of Aretha Franklin, one of my all-time favorite singers.

The lyrics are good, but the real Aretha is great. Enjoy!

Here’s a soulful, Aretha Franklin–style song for your request — full of heart, grit, and a gospel-blues groove. Picture Aretha at the piano, Hammond organ behind her, backup singers wailing in harmony — this is a working woman’s anthem of perseverance and sweet retirement joy:

“Paid My Way (Now I Play)”
In the style of Aretha Franklin

[Verse 1]

I woke up every morning, before the sun would rise
Pulled on my shoes, wiped the sleep from my eyes
Punched that clock, did the job, gave it all I had
Rain or shine, good or bad, I never let it drag

[Pre-Chorus]

I was raisin’ babies, holdin’ hands, liftin’ friends when they fell
Givin’ more than I had to give, Lord, I know it well

[Chorus]

Ooh, I paid my way — day by day
Saved what I could from that little bit o’ pay
Now I’m dancin’ free, no more workin’ late
My 401(k) and Social Security keepin’ me straight
Oh yeah, I paid my way… and now I play

[Verse 2]

Didn’t need no diamond rings, didn’t chase no gold
I built a life on love and truth, that’s what I hold
When they needed a shoulder, I gave mine to lean
Didn’t have much, but I kept it clean

[Bridge – Gospel Choir joins]

Now I’ve got grandbabies on my lap
Tellin’ stories, takin’ naps
No more punchin’ in, no more worryin’ ‘bout the rent
I got peace, I got joy, and I know where it went —

[Chorus – Modulated up]

Yeah, I paid my way — brick by brick
Stacked my dreams, steady and thick
Now I’m swingin’ on porches, laughin’ all day
With my 401(k) and that sweet S.S.A.
Ooo child, I paid my way… and now I play

[Outro – Slow, soulful fade]

Mmm hmm…
Took care of business, took care of mine
Now the sun shines, all the time
Oh Lord, I paid… my… way…
And now… I play…

The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.

The views expressed in this article are the views of Fred Reish, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Faegre Drinker.