About the song
Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” is a timeless feminist anthem that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1963, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing Gore’s powerful vocals and her ability to address social issues through her music.
The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a driving beat and a confident guitar riff. Gore’s vocals then come in, delivering the lyrics with a sense of defiance and independence. The lyrics challenge traditional gender roles and assert a woman’s right to control her own life and destiny.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its empowering chorus, which features the line, “You don’t own me.” The chorus’s repetitive refrain further reinforces the song’s central theme of female empowerment.
The song’s production is simple yet effective, with Gore’s vocals taking center stage. The arrangement allows her voice to shine, while the instrumental accompaniment provides a solid foundation for the song.
“You Don’t Own Me” is a testament to the power of music to inspire and challenge. Its timeless melody, powerful lyrics, and Gore’s passionate performance have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Gore’s talent and her ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
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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
And 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 ’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 don’t tell you what to say
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
I’m free and I love to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please
And don’t tell me what to do
Oh, don’t tell me what to say
And please, when I go out with you
Don’t put me on display
I don’t tell you what to say
Oh, 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
I’m free and I love to be free