You Don't Own Me Lyrics
Lesley Gore
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
To live
Song & Lyrics Facts
Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me" is a classic pop song released in 1963. It was written by John Madara and David White, produced by Quincy Jones, and recorded on Mercury Records.
The song has been covered numerous times since its release and continues to be popular today. Lesley Gore was the lead singer of her band which included keyboardist/guitarist Les Cauchi, bassist Tony Mottola, drummer Gary Chester, and saxophonist Steve Marcus. The song became an anthem for female empowerment and charted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its lyrics speak of independence from men who try to control women, making it one of the first feminist songs ever written. In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Lesley Gore's version of You Don't Own Me remains a timeless classic that will continue to inspire generations with its powerful lyrics.