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…