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)
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