You Don't Own Me
Louise Adams Lyrics


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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
And 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'll 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 that I want
To say and do whatever I please

And, don't tell me what to do, yeah
Don't, don't you 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
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 that I want
To say and do whatever I please

Overall Meaning

"You Don't Own Me" is a powerful feminist anthem that speaks to a woman's independence and autonomy in a relationship. The lyrics convey a woman's need for respect and the desire to be treated as an equal rather than as an object. In the first verse, the singer asserts that she is not a possession or a toy and emphatically declares that her partner does not have the right to dictate who she spends her time with. She demands that she be allowed to make her own decisions and to express herself freely, without being subject to her partner's control.


As the song progresses, the singer's intensity and conviction become increasingly apparent. With each repetition of the chorus, she becomes more insistent and determined, making it clear that she is not willing to give up her freedom for the sake of a relationship. She rejects the notion that her partner has any ownership over her, and insists that she be allowed to be herself and to live her life on her own terms.


The song's message is clear: women are not objects to be owned, but individuals with their own desires, passions, and ambitions. When partners try to control or restrain them, they are denying them their fundamental human rights. "You Don't Own Me" is a powerful reminder of the importance of autonomy, freedom, and equality within relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

You don't own me
I refuse to be commoditized and controlled by you


I'm not just one of your many toys
I am a human being with my own desires and agency


Don't say I can't go with other boys
I am not bound to your exclusive possession or control


And don't tell me what to do
I have the right to make my own choices and decisions


And don't tell me what to say
I am entitled to my own thoughts and opinions


And, please, when I go out with you, don't put me on display
I am not an object to be shown off or flaunted


'Cause, you don't own me
I am not your possession or property


Don't try to change me in any way
I am not subject to your manipulation or coercion


Don't tie me down 'cause I'll never stay
I am free to leave and pursue my own path


So, just let me be myself
I am entitled to my own identity and self-expression


I'm young and I love to be young
I am embracing the unique experience of youthfulness


I'm free and I love to be free
I am celebrating my autonomy and independence


To live my life the way that I want
I am responsible for making choices that align with my own goals and values


To say and do whatever I please
I am empowered to express myself authentically and boldly




Contributed by Alexander R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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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.)

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