Saturday, November 23, 2024

Lesley Gore

Lesley Gore grew up in New Jersey and is being inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame. She's a singer who became famous in 1963 with the hit "It's My Party" [And I'll Cry If I Want To]. Lesley was only 16 years old when she sang that song. 

Despite its success Lesley always felt her signature song was another one she wrote: "You Don't Own Me." Its lyrics are potent:


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

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'd 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 I want

To say and do whatever I please


6 comments:

  1. Love the lyrics, although I'm not familiar with the song. Will have to have a listen! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really good! Listen...

      https://youtu.be/OYB1rbL8EHo?si=kpUmpt0qJytwtSVB

      Delete
  2. And now you do! You're not old enough to remember her popularity in its prime but these tunes have endured for many years since. It's good to know her artistry. I just ordered a collection of her hits on vinyl. I want to refresh my memory and enjoy them again.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't know that second song but I do know her first hit.
    Fun fact about that first song is that my friends Barb (Barbara) Gaskin and Dave Stewart got to number 1 in the UK charts with their cover of that song. If you search YouTube for Dave Stewart and Barb Gaskin, you will find it. They have also written some other gorgeous songs in recent times so I recommend having a listen to their later works! Kezziexx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, wow! Thanks for telling me. You travel in lofty circles. :)

      Delete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete