The Soundtrack to Female Empowerment

Music to feel awesome to

I like writing about feminism as much as the next 20-something college-educated white girl, but sometimes words aren’t enough. I grew up in a very musical household, and I still make playlists and soundtracks for everything, and as such, I’ve been compiling a collection of songs that are all about being a strong independent woman.

So, next time you have an intense job interview; next time you get dumped and are feelin’ blue; next time the haters are getting you down — let the voices of these awesome women comfort and empower you.

Lesley Gore, “You Don’t Own Me”

Let’s start with the classics! Lesley Gore, of “It’s My Party [And I’ll Cry If I Want To]” fame, was also an LGBT activist and a “feminist anthemist”. She had a spectacular voice, and her lyrics hit the nail on the head:

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

Honestly, this song makes me a little teary-eyed, especially since it’s from the ‘60s and it’s still so relevant. I wonder what people thought of this at the time. Was it dismissed? Was it shocking, the way Brooke Candy is today? Regardless, Lesley Gore was the bomb and may she always be remembered for her sweet but powerful voice. RIP.

Mala Rodríguez, “33"

If you’re looking for something a little (a lot) harder, look no further than Mala Rodríguez*. This Spanish rapper really doesn’t mince words:

Tú no te equivoques …
No estas preparado para follar con la reina

In other words,

Make no mistake …
You’re not ready to fuck the queen

*snap*. She’s tough, she’s got a wonderfully #brutal voice, she is 100% in charge of her sexuality, and she’s perfect to listen to when you need to feel really hardcore. Also it wouldn’t kill you to listen to music that’s not in English ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

*for the non-Spanish speakers in the audience, “mala” means “bad” so WATCH OUT

Lauryn Hill, “Doo Wop (That Thing)”

Speaking of rap/hip hop, obviously we need LAURYN HILL. I distinctly remember when this song came out in 1998: I was 7 year olds and watching excessive amounts of MTV (solid parenting) and I fell in love with Lauryn. At the time I just liked the beat and the dress she’s wearing on the right but now I can appreciate the lyrics so much more.

Don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem
Baby girl, respect is just the minimum

I think we all need to hear that from time to time. Plus, this song addresses men’s responsibility to women and to themselves. We’re all in this together, gang.

M.I.A., “Bad Girls”

If you want something you can play at your next house party that’s ALSO badass, look no further than M.I.A. This song is so goddamn catchy it’s ridiculous, and it’s also (not so) subtly in support of the women to drive movement, which is v cool.

Leavin’ boys behind
‘Cause it’s legal just to kill

Word. Also, I love that this video shows how FLY you can look when you’re completely covered and bedazzled head to toe. Seriously I love everything about what’s going on here.

Bikini Kill, “Rebel Girl”

Finally, what feminist playlist would be complete without Bikini Kill! I play this whenever I need to get pumped up while weightlifting — Kathleen Hanna’s upbeat and raw voice is exactly what I need to feel like I’m on top of the world and ready to lift more than my body weight.

That girl thinks she’s the queen of the neighborhood
I got news for you…
SHE IS!

More importantly, this song is about being supportive of your fellow ladies; next time a woman’s being awesome, say “hell yeah!” instead of “who does she think she is?”

I want each rebel girl to know… you are the queen of my world. ❤