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