Lesley Gore died of cancer Monday. The singer-songwriter had multiple hits under her belt, but “You Don’t Own Me” is one of the songs she will be remembered for most.
The lyrics of the powerful feminist anthem proudly declare the singer’s independence:
“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’d never stay”
Younger generations might remember the tune from when Bette Midler, Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn sang it together in the iconic final scene of The First Wives Club – it’s hard to imagine the movie without this performance. Here’s a look at the ladies of the FWC singing in all white, with Gore’s original version below.
