By Stephanie Menders | Staff Writer
Patriarchy got you feeling down? Tired of wearing the weight of society’s pressures on your shoulders? Add these eleven undeniably feminist songs to your playlist and vibe to some serious girl-power.
1.) Run the World (Girls), Beyoncé (2011)
This pop song has quickly become an anthem for feminists of all ages. Beyoncé sings about, “the girls who will buy it for themselves and get more money later,” and, “endless power,” as a nation of her fans sing along. What makes this song so fantastic is its mass appeal. The song spent weeks on the top 40 charts, proving the power of a positive, feminist message.
2.) Suggestion, Fugazi (1988)
Fugazi is an art punk band that became known for its politically and socially outspoken songs and “Suggestion” fits right into that theme. Band front man Ian MacKaye blasts catcalling and double standards in this song told from the female perspective. “I’ve got some skin, do you want to look in,” he shouts with disgust. The song uses frustrating anecdotes to emphasize the hypocrisy and absurdity of victim blaming, saying, “She does nothing to deserve it… we blame her for being there, we are all guilty.” “Suggestion” is the perfect song to listen to when you feel like venting out some pent up annoyances.
3.) I am Woman, Helen Reddy (1971)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUBnxqEVKlk
Commonly referred to as an oldie but a goodie, “I am Woman” was released in the midst of second wave feminism, which began in the sixties and lasted well into the eighties. Reddy cries out, “I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman!” This song is a surefire motivator.
4.) Try- Colbie Caillat (2014)
If you’re like me, you grew up watching movies like Grease and High School Musical. Even though those films are from completely different generations, their message is the same: In order to get the guy to like you, you have to change yourself. Well, in her song, “Try”, Caillat reassures us, singing, “You don’t have to change a single thing.” This is another top 40 song that received a huge amount of radio play, sending this positive message out to women of all ages, everywhere.
5.) 32 Flavors, Ani DiFranco (1995)
Ani Difranco quickly became a feminist icon in the grunge era of the nineties. DiFranco presents herself and the women she sings about as diverse, and complicated and, literally, sang the praises of all her fellow women. In, “32 Flavors”, DiFranco sings about the prejudice that women face everyday, singing, “God help you if you’re an ugly girl, course too pretty is also your doom.” She also reveals the importance of men seeing feminism not as a threat, but as an equality movement. She sings, “I’m not trying to give my life meaning by demeaning you,” emphasizing that feminism doesn’t exclude or diminish men; it’s all about equality.
6.) You Don’t Own Me, Lesley Gore (1964)
Lesley Gore has given us a gem with this one- a straightforward, feminist message. The lyrics can’t be misinterpreted when she sings, “You don’t own me, don’t try to change me in any way.” The song even touches on sexual freedom: “Don’t tell me I can’t go with other boys,” working to break down the double standard between men and women.
7.) Hand in my Pocket, Alanis Morissette (1995)
Alanis Morissette is frequently cited as a feminist icon, in part due to her breakout album Jagged Little Pill, from which this song hails. Like many of her other songs, “Hand in my Pocket” presents a complicated female protagonist claiming her independence and discovering her self. Morisette uses contradicting phrases to describe herself, singing, “I’m sane but I’m overwhelmed, I’m lost but I’m hopeful.” These lyrics are a stark contrast to the pop songs being released at the time, and as a result, feminists of the era praised Morisette’s songs.
8.) Wildewoman- Lucious (2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej1xxCuWhXc
Lucious is an indie pop band from Brooklyn and their song “Wildewoman” is a feminist’s dream. They sing of a woman who’s “fearless” and “sneaky” and who’ll “say whatever’s on her mind.” More so, “She’ll only be bound by the things she chooses.” These lyrics accentuate the gifts that the women’s rights movements have granted us.
9.) Les Fleurs- Minnie Riperton (1970)
Minnie Riperton’s voice, paired with a powerful ensemble in the chorus, has the might to move any feminist. Much like the “HeForShe” movement led by Emma Watson, “Les Fleurs” signifies the importance of men to be comfortable with their emotions, singing, “Inside every man lives the seed of a flower, if he looks within he finds beauty and power.” The song’s powerful chorus belts cathartically, “Rejoice for the darkness is gone, Throw off your fears let your heart beat freely at the sign that a new time is born.”
10.) So What- Pink (2008)
Another top 40 song, “So What” is about a woman after an emotional break up. Rather than the popular approach of singing about teardrops and rain and desperation, this song presents a woman who’s happy to be rid of her man. “I don’t need you,” Pink sings, adding, “I’m not gonna pay his rent.” Thank god, for the independent woman.
11.) Bad Reputation, Joan Jett (1981)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeYn_W14zTU
Joan Jett does not abide by the rules. She refuses to deny or confirm any rumors about her sexual orientation. She wears her hair short and spikey. And she is always wearing a leather jacket. Much like Joan Jett did herself, “Bad Reputation” refuses to adhere to double standards. She sings, “A girl can do what she wants to do and that’s what I’m gonna do.” Her song is almost like a call to action, to disregard what anyone says about you and just live your life the way you want. Joan Jett sings, “I’m never gonna care about my bad reputation,” and neither should we.
