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. It is considered to be a feminist anthem with a connection to the civil rights movement.

Other singers have covered the song, like Dusty Springfield, Joan Jett and Grace Sewell.

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