Lesley Gore’s single “You Don’t Own Me” was one of the first songs of its kind to become a feminist anthem, speaking out against the misogynistic culture at the time the single was written in 1963. The impact of this song is evident today, as it has become a song of women’s empowerment that is often played during many feminist rights marches, campaigns, and is often showcased on TV shows with a similar agenda.

Gore recorded ‘You Don’t Own Me’ at 17 years old, but considered it her signature song until her death. Also she had realized she was attracted to women by the time she was 20 and later “stated that although the music business was ‘totally homophobic’, she never felt she had to pretend she was straight”.

There’s a modern version from 2005 on Gore’s last album. But it sounds considerably more somber for some reason.

The song has been covered by Dusty Springfield, Joan Jett (on her debut album ‘Bad Reputation’), and others.