Welcome to Music Monday! As many of you know, music contributes a great deal to my writing process. Whether it’s a song’s lyrics, beat, rhythm, or tone, I find myself constantly inspired by it.
Last week, I was completely obsessed with one of my favorite Malt Shop artists, Lesley Gore. It seemed no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop listening to her music, not even the awesome “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows”…Don’t worry, today’s Music Monday feature isn’t that yippity-dippity hit. It’s Gore’s much more dramatic and empowering “You Don’t Own Me”.
I fell in love with this song years and years ago, all the way back to when I was a kid and my aunt used to babysat me and my siblings. Whenever we’d go over to her house, she’d throw on Lesley Gore’s record, grab a spatula, and “serenade” us while we ate dinner. Usually her performance would end with all of us dancing around to “It’s My Party”.
However, it was my aunt’s theatrical rendition of “You Don’t Own Me” that stuck with me throughout the years. And lately, as I’ve been working on the edits for my manuscript, it’s become one of my obsessions.
“You Don’t Own Me” is one of those songs that inspires me purely on its attitude, empowerment, and drama. And Gore’s performance in the music video below is the cherry on top. So much spirit and spunk! Just watching her makes me feel strong, rebellious, and all “Don’t tell me what to do!” And I need to feel those types of emotions while working on my novel.
So, if you’re looking for a wonderful song that’s full of power, drama, and attitude, listen to Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me”.
What song(s) are you in love with right now? Which one(s) offer you inspiration? Let me know! I’m always searching for songs that motivate my writing.
Photo credits:
http://www.last.fm/music/Lesley+Gore/You+Don’t+Own+Me+(Live)
Jen's Pen Den 
Oh I loved this song..I’m in love with Christina Perri’s Burning Gold..just shared it in a post today.
LikeLike
Glad to hear you enjoyed it. It seems to get better and better the more you listen to it 🙂
Oh, Christina Perri. I love her! And “Burning Gold” is one of my favorites. I actually used “Human” a month or so ago as a Monday Music feature. She’s so talented!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree…I loved a ‘Thousand Years’ and got hooked to all her songs..I love ‘Human’ I think I missed that post..Thanks Jen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My recent find is Paramore’s The Only Exception. I tend to like covers or acoustic versions of songs and Sam Tsui has one but this is an acoustic live very stripped down version by Paramore, just a voice and two guitars. I find it takes me away to places I need to be at times. I found it while I was looking at a Glee cover of a song, and they did this as well, and did a great job. No, I am not a Glee fan, but they do have some talented voices.
This is one of those songs that you listen to when you need to really allow yourself to dig deep and expose your heart to yourself and admit life. I enjoy the acoustic non-produced version better than the official release. It’s a simple song and the simple presentation serves it well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love this song and, thanks to you, I love Sam Tsui! Yesterday, I came across his version of “Clarity” by Zedd. Now I’m obsessed!
LikeLike
Great song Jen. I could see why it inspires you. I love music but rarely listen to it while I write. I’m not sure why. The genres I write may have something to do with it. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! I’m actually with you on not being able to listen to music while I write. I need total silence. But when I’m not writing, I’m constantly listening to it to find inspiration.
LikeLike