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You Don't Own Me
The Blow Monkeys Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

Don't tell me what to do
And don't tell me what to say
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

Oh I don't tell you what to say
And 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
And free and I love to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please

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

I don't, I don't tell you what to say baby
But I don't tell you what to do but to start to sing, yeah
You got to sing, yeah
You got something to sing, yeah, you got something to sing, yeah, ooh
Na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na
You got to, you got to, you got, you got, you got
Waah, yeah-yeah-yeah
Ow, come on baby, it's okay
Both the windows are open and you're falling
Baby

Overall Meaning

The Blow Monkeys's song "You Don't Own Me" is an anthem of female independence and liberation. The lyrics convey a strong message to a controlling partner, asserting that the female protagonist is not a "toy" to be controlled or manipulated. She demands to be respected as an individual with her own agency, and expresses her desire to live her life on her own terms, free from any restrictions or constraints. The underlying theme of the song is the need for gender equality and empowerment of women, who for centuries have been marginalized, oppressed and forced to conform to patriarchal norms and values.


The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the female protagonist asserting her identity and autonomy. She firmly states that she is not a possession to be owned or controlled by her partner, and demands the freedom to explore her desires and passions. The second stanza reinforces this message by reminding her partner that she has the same right to make decisions and choices, and that he has no authority over her. The repetition of the line "You don't own me" throughout the song underscores the importance of this message and reiterates the singer's assertion of independence.


The bridge of the song shifts focus from the partner to the singer herself, as she proclaims her love for life and freedom. She states that she wants to live her life her way, unencumbered by anyone's expectations or demands. The final lines of the song, which are sung in a playful and upbeat tone, convey a sense of joy and triumph in the face of oppression. The singer encourages her partner to join her in singing and celebrating life, as the two of them embark on a journey of discovery and self-expression.


Line by Line Meaning

You don't own me
I am my own person and you do not have control over me.


I'm not just one of your many toys
I am not something you can use for your own pleasure and amusement.


Don't say I can't go with other boys
You do not have the right to dictate who I spend time with and try to limit my choices.


Don't tell me what to do
I do not want you to give me orders or try to control my actions.


And don't tell me what to say
I do not want you to try to control my speech or dictate what I can and cannot express.


Please when I go out with you, don't put me on display 'cause
I do not want to be treated as an object or an accessory when I am with you.


Don't try to change me in any way
I do not want you to try to mold me into something that fits your ideal or conform to your expectations.


Don't tie me down 'cause I'll never stay
I will resist any attempts to restrict my freedom or keep me from pursuing my own desires and goals.


Oh I don't tell you what to say
I do not try to control or limit your freedom of expression.


And I don't tell you what to do
I do not try to control or limit your actions or choices.


So just let me be myself
I want to be able to express myself freely and authentically without someone trying to manipulate or restrict me.


That's all I ask of you
The only thing I want from you is to respect my autonomy and allow me to be my own person.


I'm young and I love to be young
Being youthful is important to me and I do not want to feel weighed down by restrictions or expectations.


And free and I love to be free
Having the ability to make my own choices and live my own life on my terms is crucial to my happiness.


To live my life the way I want
I want to be free to pursue my own goals and desires without someone else dictating how I should live.


To say and do whatever I please
I want to have the freedom to express myself and act according to my own beliefs and values.


I don't, I don't tell you what to say baby
I do not try to limit your freedom of expression or speech.


But I don't tell you what to do but to start to sing, yeah
I am not trying to control you, but I do encourage you to express yourself in the way that feels most authentic to you, such as singing.


You got to, you got to, you got, you got, you got
You have the power and ability to be yourself and follow your own dreams and desires.


Waah, yeah-yeah-yeah
This is a moment of excitement, enthusiasm, and empowerment.


Ow, come on baby, it's okay
I want to encourage you to be true to yourself and not worry about what others might think or say.


Both the windows are open and you're falling
There is a sense of openness and possibility, and the artist wants the listener to feel free to take risks and pursue their own happiness.


Baby
A term of endearment for the listener.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David White, John Madara

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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