About the song
In 1963, a 17-year-old Lesley Gore recorded a song that would become an iconic anthem of women’s empowerment, “You Don’t Own Me”. Written by Philadelphia songwriters John Madara and David White, this pop song was Gore’s second most successful recording and her last top-ten single. Over five decades later, “You Don’t Own Me” remains a powerful symbol of female independence and a testament to the enduring legacy of Lesley Gore.
When “You Don’t Own Me” was first released, it was a bold statement of emancipation, with Gore’s lyrics asserting her autonomy and individuality in the face of patriarchal norms. The song’s message was simple yet revolutionary: a woman’s body and mind were her own, and she would not be objectified or controlled by anyone. This defiant declaration resonated with young women everywhere, inspiring a generation to stand up for their rights and challenge the status quo.
Gore herself considered “You Don’t Own Me” to be her signature song, and its impact has only grown over time. In 2015, a new version of the song featuring rapper G-Eazy and singer SayGrace reached number one in Australia, introducing the classic hit to a new audience. The following year, “You Don’t Own Me” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its place in music history.
The song’s influence extends beyond the music world, with “You Don’t Own Me” being hailed as an early feminist anthem. Its lyrics have been cited as a factor in the development of the second wave feminist movement, which sought to challenge societal norms and fight for women’s equality. Gore’s song was a powerful call to action, encouraging women to assert their independence and demand respect.
Lesley Gore’s legacy is inextricably linked to “You Don’t Own Me”, a song that has become synonymous with female empowerment. Her passing in 2015 was met with tributes from around the world, with The New York Times describing “You Don’t Own Me” as “indelibly defiant”. American music magazine CashBox praised the song as “a throbbing, multi-track, ballad-with-a-beat on which [Gore] emotionally declares her independence.”
The chart performance of “You Don’t Own Me” was equally impressive, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Although it was unable to overcome the Beatles’ hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, the song remained at number two for three consecutive weeks, beginning on February 1, 1964.
Today, “You Don’t Own Me” remains a timeless classic, a powerful anthem that continues to inspire new generations of women and girls. Its message of empowerment and independence is just as relevant now as it was in 1963, a testament to the enduring legacy of Lesley Gore and her iconic song.
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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