Song Clearance Sheet
3 sources citedChain of Fools
See all Aretha Franklin in the catalogue →
Soul1960s117BPM
A♯ majKey
More around 120 BPM → · More in A♯ major →
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The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriter of record (Don Covay), no formal dispute found. A real but evidentially thin claim that it rewrites an earlier gospel song (“Pains of Life”) is presented honestly as unresolved — with stronger indication Covay’s song came first — not asserted.
Quick Facts
Released1967
AlbumLady Soul
GenreSoul, R&B
LabelAtlantic Records
ProducerJerry Wexler
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriter of record — Don Covay
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — originally Atlantic; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
A much-covered, much-sampled soul standard; the “Pains of Life” priority claim is unresolved (see Rights Status).
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriter of record and no formal dispute.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
Same artist (already in this catalog)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Don Covay
An unresolved “Pains of Life” claimSome have claimed this is an unauthorized rewrite of an obscure gospel song, “Pains of Life” (Rev. E. Fair & The Sensational Gladys Davis Trio) — sharing melody and a “Pain, Pain, Pain” vs “Chain, Chain, Chain” device. But this appears to lack solid published evidence, and there’s actually stronger indication Covay’s song came first. Presented honestly as a real but unresolved, evidentially-thin claim — not asserted either way.
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
A poignant personal context, stated factually
The “Lady Soul” sessions were emotionally hard for Franklin — enduring the collapse of an abusive marriage to manager Ted White (Wexler recalled her arriving with a visible black eye) and processing Otis Redding’s recent death. Her sister Carolyn, on backing vocals, said that although Aretha didn’t write it, “she might as well have.” No lyrics reproduced.
Songfacts · read it →
A last-minute backing vocalist
Pop songwriter Ellie Greenwich was a last-minute addition to the backing vocals — Wexler played her the pre-mastered track, she spontaneously sang along, and he brought her into the studio on the spot.
Songfacts · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
A much-covered soul standard
Covers
—
First flip
Who to Contact
CF
Don Covay (estate) / Atlantic
The confirmed songwriter of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 10)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass