You Don't Own Me
"You Don't Own Me" is a popular song. This single was recorded by Lesley Gore when she was 17 years old in 1963. It was written by Philadelphia songwriters David White and John Madara. The song hit #2 on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart in the United States. It was #2 for three straight weeks during February 1964.
The song is about a woman telling her man he should never tell her what to do or what to say. The man should also not put her on display. [1] It is considered to be a feminist anthem with a connection to the civil rights movement.[2]
Other singers have covered the song, like Dusty Springfield, Joan Jett and Grace Sewell.[3]
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
References
- "You Don't Own Me". Song Facts. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
- "'You Don't Own Me,' A Feminist Anthem With Civil Rights Roots, Is All About Empathy". NPR.org. Retrieved 2021-03-23.
- "You Don't Own Me". All Music. Retrieved May 21, 2016.