You Don't Own Me
Embrace Freedom: Leslie Clio's Anthem of Independence
Lyrics
You don't own me
You don't have control over me.
I'm not just one of your many toys
I'm not just an object for your amusement.
You don't own me
Reinforces the idea that the speaker cannot be owned or controlled.
Don't say I can't go with other boys
Don't restrict me from interacting with other guys.
Don't tell me what to do
Don't dictate my actions.
Don't tell me what to say
Don't control what I say.
Please, when I go out with you
Asks not to be treated like an object when going out together.
Don't put me on display 'cause
Request not to be showcased as a possession.
You don't own me
Reiteration of independence; the speaker is not someone's property.
Don't try to change me in any way
Don't attempt to alter who I am.
You don't own me
Emphasizes the lack of ownership; resisting attempts to control.
Don't tie me down 'cause I'd never stay
Opposition to being confined in a relationship.
I don't tell you what to say
Pointing out the speaker's lack of control over the other person.
I don't tell you what to do
Highlighting the absence of dominance in the speaker's behavior.
So just let me be myself
Advocating for individuality and freedom.
That's all I ask of you
Expressing the desire to be oneself without external influence.
I'm young, and I love to be young
Embracing youth and the joy of being young.
I'm free, and I love to be free
Celebrating freedom and the ability to make personal choices.
To live my life the way I want
Desire to live life independently and authentically.
To say and do whatever I please
Asserting the right to speak and act freely.
So don't tell me what to do
Repetition of the plea for autonomy and freedom of action.
Don't tell me what to say
Reiteration of the request for freedom of expression.
Please, when I go out with you
Emphasizing the desire not to be objectified when together.
Don't put me on display
Request not to be treated as a possession on display.
I don't tell you what to say
Pointing out the speaker's non-interference in the other person's choices.
I don't tell you what to do
Highlighting the absence of control over the other person.
So just let me be myself
Advocating for personal freedom and authenticity.
That's all I ask of you
Reiteration of the request to be allowed to be oneself.
I'm young, and I love to be young
Repeating the celebration of youth and the desire for freedom.
I'm free and I love to be free
Emphasizing the love for freedom and the joy of being free.
To live my life the way I want
Reasserting the right to live life independently and authentically.
To say and do whatever I please
Affirmation of the right to express oneself without restrictions.
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