You Don't Own Me
City Sneakerz Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You Don't Own Me
Lani Misalucha

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

Oh 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 my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please
Oh




You dont Own Me
You dont Own Me

Overall Meaning

The song "You Don't Own Me" by City Sneakerz, originally performed by Lesley Gore, has been covered by many artists including Lani Misalucha. The empowering lyrics of the song promote a message of individuality and independence. The singer is asserting her autonomy and reminding her partner that she will not be controlled or owned by anyone.


The lyrics begin with a straightforward statement of ownership and independence. The singer asserts that they cannot be owned or controlled as if they are a toy. They are an individual with their own thoughts, feelings, and desires. The second verse drives this point home by rejecting the idea of being displayed or changed by their partner.


The chorus repeats the refrain "You don't own me" and reinforces the message that the singer will not be tied down or told what to do. They ask their partner to respect their autonomy and let them be themselves. The final verse celebrates the freedom of youth and the ability to live life on one's own terms.


Overall, the lyrics of "You Don't Own Me" promote empowerment and individuality. The singer is asserting their independence and rejecting any attempts to control or change them. The song has become a feminist anthem and continues to empower listeners to this day.


Line by Line Meaning

You don't own me
I am not your possession or property


I'm not just one of your many toys
I am not an object for your amusement or manipulation


Don't say I can't go with other boys
Do not restrict me from spending time with other males


And don't tell me what to do
Do not give me orders or commands


Don't tell me what to say
Do not attempt to control my speech or expression


And please, when I go out with you
Kindly, when we venture out together


Don't put me on display
Do not showcase me like a possession or object


Don't try to change me in any way
Do not attempt to modify or alter my personality or behavior


Don't tie me down 'cause I'd never stay
Do not constrain me because I would not tolerate it


I don't tell you what to say
I do not dictate or direct your speech


I don't tell you what to do
I do not impose orders or commands on you


So just let me be myself
Allow me to express my true self


That's all I ask of you
This is my only request of you


I'm young and I love to be young
I am youthful and I relish this stage of life


I'm free and I love to be free
I value my independence and autonomy


To live my life the way I want
To make my own choices and decisions


To say and do whatever I please
To express myself and act in any way that I desire


Oh And don't tell me what to do
Once again, do not give me orders or commands


Oh, don't tell me what to say
Once again, do not attempt to control my speech or expression


And please, when I go out with you
Repetition of a previous line


Don't put me on display
Repetition of a previous line


I don't tell you what to say
Repetition of a previous line


Oh, don't tell you what to do
Repetition of a previous line


So just let me be myself
Repetition of a previous line


That's all I ask of you
Repetition of a previous line


I'm young and I love to be young
Repetition of a previous line


I'm free and I love to be free
Repetition of a previous line


To live my life the way I want
Repetition of a previous line


To say and do whatever I please
Repetition of a previous line


Oh
Interjection indicating emphasis


You don't own me
Repetition of opening line


You don't own me
Repetition of opening line




Writer(s): Frank Knebel, Erich Schmeier, Robin Felder, Niels Elterer

Contributed by Jordan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions