Reflection 04: Girl, You Rock—Understanding Feminist Anthems

Beyoncé, "Me, Myself, and I" (US #4, 2003)

Music has always been a source of inspiration for people. And women, in particular, have used music to share stories, strengthen bonds, and celebrate femininity. This has been no different since the beginning of  the rock and pop era. Early on, female artists often used their songs as feminine rallying cries. Thus, so-called "feminist anthems" have remained a mainstay of American popular music. Bold songs about sexuality, infidelity, sexism, self-esteem, and a range of other topics, aren't uncommon from female artists. In fact, these songs are often unsung during times when the society, as a whole, isn't ready for them. For this reflection, examine four of the following female-empowerment songs. In your analysis, consider what these songs are really about? Who or what are they challenging? And how do these songs reflect the point in history in which they were written?

Write about four of the following songs:

1. Lesley Gore, "You Don't Own Me" (1963) 
2. Nancy Sinatra, "These Boots are Made for Walking" (1966) 
3. Aretha Franklin, "Respect" (1967) 
4. Loretta Lynn, "Don't Come Home a' Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)" (1967) 
5. Dolly Parton, “Just Because I’m a Woman” (1968) 
6. Helen Reddy, "I Am Woman" (1971) 
7. Gloria Gaynor, "I Will Survive" (1978) 
8. Sister Sledge, "We are Family" (1979)
9. Joan Jett, "Bad Reputation" (1981) 
10. Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1984)
11. Janet Jackson, "Control" (1986) 
12. Kate Bush, "This Woman's Work" (1988) 
13. Madonna, "Express Yourself" (1989)  
14. Mary Chapin Carpenter, "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" (1993)  
15. Queen Latifah, "U.N.I.T.Y." (1993)
16. Salt-N-Pepa, "Ain't Nuthin' But a She Thing" (1994)
17. Hole, "Doll Parts" (1994)
18. Alanis Morissette, "You Oughta Know" (1995)  
19. Erykah Badu, "Tyrone" (1997) 
20. No Doubt, "Just a Girl" (1995)  
21. TLC, "No Scrubs" (1999) 
22. Dixie Chicks, "Goodbye Earl" (2000) 
23. Destiny's Child, "Independent Woman, Pt. I" (2000) 
24. Madonna, "What it Feels Like for a Girl" (2000)  
25. Destiny's Child, "Survivor" (2001) 
26. Christina Aguilera ft. Lil' Kim, "Can't Hold Us Down" (2003) 
    
27. Beyoncé, "If I Were a Boy" (2008) 
28. Alicia Keys, "Superwoman" (2008)
29. Jordan Sparks, "I am Woman" (2011)
30. Kelly Clarkson, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" (2012)

Here are some of the most popular websites for song lyrics:

• Lyrics.com
• A-Z Lyrics
• LyricsFreak
• MetroLyrics

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be two full pages in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due: Monday, Oct. 8th