You Don't Own Me
Diane Keaton Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You don't own me
I'm not juss one of your many toys
You don't own me
Don't say I can't go with other boys
Bababababababaaaaa

Don't tell me what to do
And don't tell me what to say
And when I go out with you
Don't put me on display

You don't own me
Don't try to change me in any way
You don't own me
Don't drag me down ,
'Cause ill 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 from you

I'm young
And I love to be young
I'm free
And I love to free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please
(reapeat)

No no
You don't own me
No no
You don't own me
No no
You don't own me

Young n free
Young n free
Young n free

You don't own me
(repeat *4)

Young n free
Young n free
Young n free




You don't own me
(repeat *5)

Overall Meaning

The song "You Don't Own Me" by Diane Keaton is a feminist anthem that highlights a woman's desire for independence and autonomy. The lyrics assert that women are not mere possessions of men and that they have the right to live their lives on their own terms. Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes her desire to be free from the control of her lover; she resents being told how to dress, how to behave, and who to associate with.


The song's lyrics address gender inequality and societal pressure that women face regularly. The line "don't put me on display" signifies women are not accessories of men and that men should not take pride in the behavior of women they control. The song speaks to the idea of women breaking free from the traditional roles assigned to them and embracing their independence.


Overall, the song "You Don't Own Me" is a powerful message about women taking control of their lives and refusing to be treated as subordinates in a patriarchal society.


Line by Line Meaning

You don't own me
I am an independent person and cannot be controlled by you.


I'm not just one of your many toys
I am a human being and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.


Don't say I can't go with other boys
I have the freedom to choose who I spend time with and it's not up to you to decide.


Don't tell me what to do
I am capable of making my own decisions and do not need your input.


And don't tell me what to say
My thoughts and feelings are my own and I have the right to express them freely.


And when I go out with you, don't put me on display
I am not a possession to be shown off to others and deserve privacy in our relationship.


Don't try to change me in any way
I am happy with who I am and it's not up to you to alter my personality or behavior.


Don't drag me down, 'cause I'll never stay
I will not tolerate being treated poorly or controlled and will leave if that happens.


I don't tell you what to say
I respect your autonomy and do not try to control your words or actions.


I don't tell you what to do
I trust that you are capable of making your own decisions and do not try to control your behavior.


So just let me be myself, that's all I ask from you
I want to be accepted for who I am as an individual, without any pressure to conform to your expectations.


I'm young and I love to be young
I am enjoying my life and youthfulness to the fullest extent possible.


I'm free and I love to be free
I value my independence and autonomy and do not want to be tied down by anyone.


To live my life the way I want, to say and do whatever I please
I want the freedom to live my life on my terms without anyone trying to control or manipulate me.


No no, you don't own me
I am a person with my own rights and autonomy, and you cannot control or own me.


Young and free
I am enjoying my youth and all the freedom that it brings.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David White, John Madara

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@meganpenner3052

Who’s here because they genuinely love this movie

@marilyns8497

ME!! And also because I am a first wife . . . !

@ravenpate9547

Megan’s Cloud me

@jonnathan1869

I've never watched the movie but I like the song lol 😅😅😅

@liner011f7

Goldie sounded a lot like Cher

@persil2343

Megan’s Cloud I’m showing it to my friends at our musical society the first week we’re back at uni.

58 More Replies...

@CraigFarangBa

God, I love this clip. Perfect ending to the film -- I love all 3 ladies. I must have watched this excerpt 100 times, it never gets old.

@rosebrown9265

It's brilliant 😀

@viola4990

🤣🤣👍👍🙌🙌

@premsiripupipat5381

Me too. I really love this part and have watched many, many times (with tears in my eyes.)

More Comments

More Versions