Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me (lyrics)

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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

A-a-a-nd don't tell me what to do
Oh-h-h-h 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-h-h-h 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...

[sandella]

Omg...I’ve been humming this song lately. I’m 72 yrs. young anymore, when this song was so popular. I haven’t heard it in ages. I live alone now...almost..two cats and one 28 yr old grandson moving out soon. I’ve lost many loved ones over the years. I’m not who I used to be when it was 1963/1964. I’ve raised my girls on my own, worked hard most of my adult life, helped to raise all 5 of my grandchildren and never remarried. I think I’m just a loner and I enjoy my solitude...even tho I didn’t get to experience much solitude in my younger life. I lost one of my daughters to heart disease 9 years ago. She was only 37 yrs old. My older daughter (49) is married. Doesn’t live too far from me. All the grandkids are grown ups now. I love animals so I adopted two older cats. 🤷🏼‍♀️. With age, comes crows feet, wrinkles and frown lines....but, I think, I’m soooo much wiser now. I never really had the energy or time for another relationship after I divorced. I felt free again. Even tho I had my two little girls with me. I think I’ve only met one guy in my life who made me feel like I could settle down with him and be happy. We were both very young, in love, but it was the wrong time for us we eventually both just moved on. Then I got married to an immature, irresponsible guy... gosh I was so stupid. But...we learn from our mistakes. I know I did. I’m still on my own, in fairly good health, and I think this song really sums up the way I’ve always felt my whole life.... and the way I still feel. Even after all these years. 👍

[ΑνδρέαςΧούνδρης]

it's incredible how much this song is ahead of its time

[lizdavis]

She changed my life at the age of about 12 or 13, I knew then that no one person would ever control my life, and they haven't. I loved my husband, still love my children, but I am as headstrong as they come. Thanks Leslie I am 62 yrs old now. 2013 (63 in Aug). Happy Birthday, so glad to know you are still with us. 1946-present age 66

[margricks]

This song was ahead of it's time!

[thomasgarbe]

the lyrics send a strong, much needed message

[BigTonyPhoenix]

All keep thinking is Harley. Her intro in the film with this playing was perfect.

[ashleygomez]

RIP Lesley Gore. God has gained another beautiful angel.

[edansimoes]

"Just let me be myself, that's all I ask of you..."

[penelopebaker]

Leslie Gore Thank You for feeding our souls with great music... R.I.P. and of course you will be missed, but never forgotten.

[rapid]

R.I.P. Lesley - You brought a lot of fun to a LOT of people!

[mariopandy]

As a Dad and former school teacher this really got me. I silently cried on the couch as my wife and daughter sang aloud. I dressed just like this teacher back in the 00s. Bought my daughter her dressy shoes fornher upcoming middle school dance. Just yesterday I WAS buying her crayons. Time flies . Cherish it.

[crazymakerpleasestop]

It's all about power and control....great song and lyrics

[tjmancini]

WOW!...heard it from watching the First Wives Club...heard and knew of Lesley Gore. I know Quincy Jones wrote and produced her #1 It's My Party (1963)...but hearing this song...DAMN!...this woman was ahead of her time with this anthem...when I read up on this song ..it remains at #2 for 3 weeks in the middle of The Beatles invasion in 1964...not to shabby for Lesley...outstanding!

[aryanakurillo]

This is a possessive world we live in. I appreciate this song. Every single lyric. It was perfectly written. How I live my life. #freedom #individuality #freetobeyou #notowned

[Dani-zqvv]

First heard it in a radio station and feel in love instantly. You see, since english is not my native language I had a hard time tipping the lyrics. Worth it!

[cookieceo]

This song makes me want to cry. It was so true at the time it was released. Leslie gore you are missed. I was about 18 when this song came out. One of my all time favorites

[jesusisking]

This is my perfect song....I've been the Captain of my own ship for many years...wouldn't change a thing...thanks to experiencing such a bad, abuse relationship in my younger days....he taught me what not to accept in a relationship without knowing it.
I'll be forever grateful ....a lesson well learned and never to be repeated. 🤗❤

[FATBAZ]

Brave song from 1963 when gals were supposed to do as they were told... Thankful that times have changed and a nice dress or a fine perfume get the job done... This is tongue in cheek of course. Lesley sang this song as she meant it. Strong pushback against the times and a lovely singer. She done good...

[mossgore]

i love this way more than Grace the new singer in suicide squad!!

[stevemichaels]

Great no. 2 song from Lesley, 1964. From her 2nd Mercury album, LESLEY GORE SINGS OF MIXED-UP HEARTS.