Two contrasting songs to celebrate the centenary of the first legal step into women's suffrage in Britain - the Representation of People Act 1918 - followed by the eventually ratification across the US in 1920. The Representation of People Act, passed on 6 February 1918 was a partial success – it granted votes for women in the UK for the first time, though still excluded those under 30 and many of a lower class status, but it led to universal suffrage in 1928, and was a victory for those, such as Emmeline Pankhurst, who originally came from Moss Side in Manchester. Composer Ethel Smyth's 1911 song was a rallying cry for the movement.
A hundred years on, women's rights still have quite some way to go, especially on issues of equal pay and representation at the highest levels of business. But the 1960s was another milestone, and Lesley Gore's more personal number, penned by Philadelphia songwriters John Madara and David White of doo-wop, was huge hit, and the 17-year-old's delivery is all the more powerful for with her youthful charm and mischief. It sent a striking message to men and women alike. Here are two versions, one live to see her facial expressions, and another higher quality recording.
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
And don't tell me what to do
Oh, don't tell me what to say
And please, when I go out with you
Don't put me on display
Shout, shout, up with your song!
Cry with the wind, for the dawn is breaking;
March, march, swing you along,
Wide blows our banner, and hope is waking.
Song with its story, dreams with their glory
Lo! they call, and glad is their word!
Loud and louder it swells,
Thunder of freedom, the voice of the Lord!
Long, long—we in the past
Cowered in dread from the light of heaven,
Strong, strong—stand we at last,
Fearless in faith and with sight new given.
Strength with its beauty, Life with its duty,
(Hear the voice, oh hear and obey!)
These, these—beckon us on!
Open your eyes to the blaze of day.
Comrades—ye who have dared
First in the battle to strive and sorrow!
Scorned, spurned—nought have ye cared,
Raising your eyes to a wider morrow,
Ways that are weary, days that are dreary,
Toil and pain by faith ye have borne;
Hail, hail—victors ye stand,
Wearing the wreath that the brave have worn!
Life, strife—those two are one,
Naught can ye win but by faith and daring.
On, on—that ye have done
But for the work of today preparing.
Firm in reliance, laugh a defiance,
(Laugh in hope, for sure is the end)
March, march—many as one,
Shoulder to shoulder and friend to friend.
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