I like to think I’m pretty knowledgeable about music, both contemporary and historic. I’m not a walking encyclopedia like some people but I’m familiar with a rather wide range of songs and musicians.
But once in awhile I come across something that reminds me how completely out of the loop I really am, some musical blind spot that I have a hard time justifying.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lesley Gore.
While the name sounds vaguely familiar to me, I suspect that’s because she sounds like the offspring of our former Vice President. Under threat of torture, I couldn’t have told you that she sang the 1963 hit ‘It’s My Party’ (though at least I know the song).
And I had never heard her other big hit, ‘You Don’t Own Me,’ which was kept out of the #1 spot by no less than The Beatles’ ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand,’ until it showed up as a sample on Eminem’s new album. Lesley Gore via Eminem… how unlikely. But probably happening all over the country this year.
‘You Don’t Own Me’ has recently turned up on a TV commercial as well, no doubt given new life by Eminem’s hit album. That’s what sent me to Google to track down who sings it. There I discovered that Gore has released 12 albums since 1963, one as recently as 2005. She also officially came out as a lesbian in 2005. Big year.
So while I’m rather ashamed that I was ignorant of Gore’s career, at least I’ve filled in that gap now. Never too old to learn.
You don’t own me, don’t say I can’t go with other boys
And 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
Oh, 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
I don’t tell you what to say
Oh, 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
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’ve heard the song before (and before Eminem’s album), but couldn’t have told you who sang it, and I also was unfamiliar with Gore’s name or that she was the one who sang “It’s My Party.” So, I guess I’m never too old to learn either.
Incidentally, though, you can really appreciate the musical revolution the Beatles started when you contrast this song with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” This song basically sounds exactly like what was on the radio for at least 10-15 years before. Just shows the tidal wave the Beatles caused.
I’ve heard those two songs, of course (though I can’t be sure I know today’s SOTD on its own merits or because of Eminem); however, I, too, was blissfully ignorant of the name Lesley Gore. Thank you for plugging that gap in my musical education. I’m sure Ms. Gore must be pleased. If she has her name on a “Google alert,” I’d like to officially say hello and welcome. I’ve enjoyed listening to your song today.
This song and Leslie Gore brings back lots of memories for me. I was a senior in high school in 1963 and used to listen to the radio a lot and she was very popular then. Thanks for the memory!