You Don't Own Me
Dusty Springfield Lyrics

The song You Don't Own Me by Dusty Springfield is an anthem of independence and strength, particularly for women. The lyrics convey a message that the singer is not just a possession or toy of someone else, and she demands to be treated as an independent individual. There is a sense of frustration behind the message that the singer is trying to convey, where she wants to be allowed to be herself without any limitations imposed by another person.

The repetition of the phrase "You don't own me" emphasizes the singer's point that she cannot be controlled or treated as an object of someone else's possession. She insists on being able to go out with other boys, and not having to be put on display as someone's trophy. The line "Don't try to change me in any way" resonates strongly with the idea that women were often expected to conform to certain societal expectations, and the singer is rejecting that notion.

The song’s message of feminism and empowerment resonated with many female listeners, and became an instant classic. It has been covered and sampled by various artists, and is often referenced as a symbol of female empowerment. The lyrics also serve as a reminder of the important strides that women have made in gaining equal rights and autonomy.