About the song
“You Don’t Own Me” stands as a seminal pop song that not only marked a significant moment in the career of Lesley Gore but also resonated deeply with listeners as a powerful declaration of independence and empowerment. Written by Philadelphia songwriters John Madara and David White, the song was recorded by Gore in 1963 when she was just 17 years old, becoming one of her most iconic and enduring pieces.
Upon its release, “You Don’t Own Me” garnered immediate attention for its message of female autonomy and defiance against gender norms. In the early 1960s, it served as a bold statement of women’s empowerment, challenging societal expectations and advocating for individual agency. This thematic resonance led to the song being hailed as an early feminist anthem, a role it continues to fulfill decades later.
Lesley Gore herself regarded “You Don’t Own Me” as her signature song, describing it as a powerful expression that grew stronger with each performance. She emphasized the significance of standing on stage and defiantly proclaiming independence at such a young age, reflecting the song’s impact on both her career and the broader cultural landscape.
In 2015, the song experienced a resurgence when singer SayGrace’s rendition featuring rapper G-Eazy topped the charts in Australia, reintroducing the timeless message to a new generation of listeners. The song’s enduring popularity was further solidified when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in recognition of its cultural and historical significance.
“You Don’t Own Me” climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it Gore’s second most successful hit after “It’s My Party.” Despite narrowly missing the top spot due to competition from The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” the song’s impact was undeniable, cementing its place in music history and in the hearts of listeners who embraced its message of independence and self-assertion.
As a throbbing, multi-track ballad-with-a-beat, the song showcases Gore’s emotional delivery and the timeless relevance of its lyrics, which continue to inspire and empower listeners across generations. Lesley Gore’s legacy lives on through “You Don’t Own Me,” a song that remains as indelibly defiant and relevant today as it was at its debut over six decades ago.
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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