About the song
Lesley Gore – You Don’t Own Me: A Timeless Anthem of Female Empowerment
Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” is not just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone. Released in 1963, this powerful ballad transcended the typical teen pop of the era to become an anthem for female empowerment, its message resonating across generations.
Gore, just 17 at the time, delivered the song with a conviction that belied her years. Her voice, at once vulnerable and defiant, perfectly captured the song’s message of self-determination. “You Don’t Own Me” was a bold statement in an era when societal expectations often confined women to submissive roles. It challenged the prevailing norms, proclaiming a woman’s right to autonomy and independence.
The song’s lyrics are striking in their directness. Lines like “Don’t tell me what to do / Don’t tell me what to say / And please, when I go out with you / Don’t put me on display” 1 are clear declarations of a woman refusing to be controlled or objectified. This assertive tone resonated with women who yearned for a voice in a society that often silenced them.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message. In a world where women still face challenges to their autonomy and equality, “You Don’t Own Me” remains a powerful reminder of the importance of self-determination and the right to live one’s life on one’s own terms. It is a song that continues to inspire and empower women, reminding them that they are not defined by the expectations of others.
Beyond its social significance, “You Don’t Own Me” is also a musically compelling piece. The song’s arrangement, with its dramatic strings and soaring vocals, perfectly complements the lyrics’ intensity. The melody is both memorable and emotionally resonant, ensuring that the song stays with the listener long after it has ended.
In conclusion, “You Don’t Own Me” is more than just a pop song; it is a cultural artifact that speaks to the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Its message of self-empowerment and autonomy remains as relevant today as it was in 1963, ensuring that Lesley Gore’s powerful ballad will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.
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Lyrics
You don’t own me
I’m not just one of your many toys
You don’t own me
Don’t say I can’t go with other boys..Don’t tell me what to do
Don’t tell me what to say
Please when I go out with you
Don’t put me on display.‘Cause – you don’t own me
Don’t try to change me in any way
You don’t own me
Don’t tie me down ’cause I’d never stay..I-I – don’t tell you what to say
I-I – don’t tell you what to do
So just let me be myself
That’s all I ask of you.I’m young and I love to be young
https://www.versuri.ro/w/5wd5
I’m free and I love to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please.A-and don’t tell me what to do
Ah-ah-ah don’t tell me what to say
Please when I go out with you
Don’t you dare put me on display.Hey, I don’t tell you what to say
I-I don’t tell you what to do
So just let me be myself
That is all that I ask of you.I am young and I love to be young
I-I’m free and I love to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please (fade)
