You Don't Own Me
Nomi Klaus Lyrics
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You don't own me, don't say I can't play with other boys
And don't tell me what to do, don't tell me what to say
Please when I go out with you, don't put me on display
Because you don't know me, don't try to shame me in any way
You don't own me, don't tie me down 'cause I never stay
And don't tell me what to say, don't tell me what to do
I'm young and I like to be young
I'm free and I like to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please
You don't know me, I'm not just one of your little toys
You don't own me, don't say I can't play with other boys
And don't tell me what to do, don't tell me what to say
Please when I go out with you, don't put me on display
I'm young and I like to be young
I'm free and I like to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please
"You Don't Own Me" is a song that was originally recorded by Lesley Gore in 1963, but has been covered by various artists over the years. Nomi Klaus's interpretation of the song speaks to the theme of autonomy and independence. Klaus is essentially telling her partner that she cannot be controlled, that she is her own person, and that she is not going to be treated as a possession. In the first verse, Klaus asserts her agency by stating that she is not just a toy to be played with or controlled. She then goes on to emphasize her need for freedom by telling her partner not to interfere with her choices or put her on display. The second verse reiterates these same themes, with Klaus making it clear that she wants to live her life on her terms and not be restrained by someone else's expectations.
The message of the song has a strong feminist undertone, reflecting the idea that women should be able to have agency and independence, despite societal expectations. The song has been interpreted in various ways, from a warning against toxic relationships, to an anthem of female empowerment. The song was also popularized during the second wave of feminism and has become a staple in the feminist movement.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't know me, I'm not just one of your little toys
I am an individual and not a plaything for you to control
You don't own me, don't say I can't play with other boys
I am not your possession and you have no right to dictate who I interact with
And don't tell me what to do, don't tell me what to say
I am capable of making my own decisions and expressing myself without your interference
Please when I go out with you, don't put me on display
I do not wish to be objectified or shown off like a trophy when I am with you
Because you don't know me, don't try to shame me in any way
You do not truly understand me, and therefore, you should abstain from criticizing or humiliating me
You don't own me, don't tie me down 'cause I never stay
I am an independent person who values freedom and will not tolerate being restricted or controlled
Just let me be myself, that's all I ask from you
I am content with being authentic and request that you do not attempt to change or mold me into something else
I'm young and I like to be young
I am in my formative years and enjoy embracing the youthfulness of my existence
I'm free and I like to be free
I am drawn to the beauty of autonomy and the ability to make choices without chains
To live my life the way I want
I desire the chance to create my own path in life and follow it on my own terms
To say and do whatever I please
I wish to express myself in whatever way I see fit and engage in activities that bring me joy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David White, John Madara
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
âVyme yt
Klaus Nomi - You don't own me
[L Y R I C S]
You don't know me, I'm not just one of your little toys
You don't own me, don't say I can't play with other boys
And don't tell me what to do, don't tell me what to say
Please when I go out with you, don't put me on display
Because you don't know me, don't try to shame me in any way
You don't own me, don't tie me down 'cause I never stay
And don't tell me what to say, don't tell me what to do
Just let me be myself, that's all I ask from you
I'm young and I like to be young
I'm free and I like to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please
You don't know me, I'm not just one of your little toys
You don't own me, don't say I can't play with other boys
And don't tell me what to do, don't tell me what to say
Please when I go out with you, don't put me on display
I'm young and I like to be young
I'm free and I like to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please
Ashur Darkstarr
This is by far the best version of this song. It’s a pity Klaus never really got the recognition he deserved.
Henry Spelter
Rush Limbaugh played this song often. I think he was a fan.
Boris Kvartskhava
@Henry Spelter as well as due to the lyrics.
Steven Zore
Oh, stop. This is garbage.
Henry Spelter
@Alice Yobby Of course he did. He could still appreciate the unique talent and presentation.
Trans-spiders M
I love how both Lesley Gore and Klaus Nomi fill this song with so much emotion. Definitely two of my favorite artists growing up :)
[Vampi Sweden]
I must agree with that!
Keith Richardson
I think Dusty Springfield sang it as well .. that's a good version too
Shadow Sonata
The way it is with a lot of actually good artists/singers, etc. You never find out about them unless you stumble on one of their videos/songs or have someone tell you about them. Klaus is better than most of the so called music out now.
Joe Horizon
Klaus is an icon. This picture hangs in outer space. 6000 lightyears X 4500 lightyears. Yeah. Klaus was greatness.