If there’s one thing we love more than a catchy tune, it’s a catchy tune with inspiring lyrics. We love songs that encourage women to be independent and sexy. We want to listen to songs that teach girls that it’s okay to love yourself and be sexually confident. Our favourite songs are the ones that promote equality and say that everyone deserves respect no matter who they are. We have found 10 empowering songs from very different genres that promote self-love and equality.
Mary Lambert – Secrets
Mary Lambert’s Secrets is about self-acceptance and empowerment. It is about finally accepting every part of who you are, even the parts that you’ve never really liked. Lambert sings about coming from a dysfunctional family, her overweight, and her sexuality.
They tell us from the time we’re young
To hide the things that we don’t like about ourselves
Inside ourselves
I know I’m not the only one who spent so long attempting to be someone else
Well I’m over it
Beyoncé – Flawless
Flawless by Beyoncé is probably the feminist song of the decade. The song features Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s speech We Should All Be Feminists. Beyoncé later released a remix of the song featuring Nicki Minaj. In the first verse of the song, Beyoncé dismisses all the people who only see her as “Jay-Z’s wife”. She tells her listeners that she is her own woman and that she is great just the way she is.
Feminist: the person who believes in the social
Political, and economic equality of the sexes
Fifth Harmony – BO$$
BO$$ quickly became Fifth Harmony’s most popular song when it was released. It’s about empowering women and feeling good about yourself. Speaking of the song, Fifth Harmony said, “The whole point of this song is for girls who are our age to turn it on and feel confident and empowered because at this age being insecure is such a common occurrence. So I think when you turn that song on, you feel sexy and feel good about yourself.”
Working for the money
‘Cause that’s what my momma taught me
So your ass better show me some respect
Little Mix – Salute
Salute is the ultimate girl-power song and it has been compared to Beyoncé’s Run The World (Girls). The track praises independence and individuality. Although the members of the girl group have misinterpreted the meaning of feminism in the past by saying, “I wouldn’t say we’re feminists; we don’t hate our men,” it cannot be denied that Salute is a song about feminism.
Don’t need ammunition, on a mission
And we’ll hit you with the truth
Divas, queens, we don’t need no man, salute!
Maddie & Tae – Girl In A Country Song
Girl In A Country Song was Maddie & Tae’s debut single and it quickly put the duo on the map. The track is a response song to all of the popular “bro country” songs out there. The two girls were criticised for making fun of the popular male country singers. To that, they responded, “our song isn’t really making fun of the artists. It’s more poking fun at the similarities in country lyrics these days. It’s so hard to be the girl in a country song, so we’re speaking up.”
Bein’ the girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong?
Like all we’re good for
Is looking good for you and your friends on the weekend
Aretha Franklin – Respect
Respect was originally written and performed by Otis Redding back in 1965. His version of the song is a plea from a desperate man, who will give his woman anything she wants. Aretha Franklin later covered the song in 1967. Her version became a feminist anthem, especially during the feminist movement in the 1970’s. The 18-times Grammy Award-winning singer even added some of the most well-known lyrics to the chorus.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care of… TCB
Demi Lovato – Confident
Demi Lovato has never hidden the fact that she’s a feminist. Confident is about taking control of your own life and owning it. Women are often criticised for loving themselves and being confident, but Lovato puts those critics to shame with this powerful anthem.
So you say I’m complicated
That I must be outta my mind
But you’ve had me underrated
Salt-N-Pepa – None of Your Business
None of Your Business is an anti slut-shaming anthem that was way ahead of its time. Salt-n-Pepa released the track in 1993 and it earned them their first Grammy Award. The girl group wanted to let everyone know that no matter what a woman chooses to do it is definitely none of your business.
How many rules am I to break before you understand
That your double-standards don’t mean s*** to me?
I know exactly what you say when I turn and walk away
But that’s OK cause I don’t let it get it to me
Lady Gaga – Born This Way
Born This Way quickly became an anthem for the LGBTQ community. Lady Gaga sings about how it is okay to be who you are, no matter what. She has explained that Born This Way was inspired by empowering music from the 90’s for women and the gay community. Lady Gaga has also said that this was her freedom song.
Don’t hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you’re set
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born this way, born this way
The Pussycat Dolls – I Don’t Need A Man
There is no doubt that everybody loves to be in a good relationship. However, the foundation of a great relationship is knowing that you’re okay on your own as well. The Pussycat Dolls wrote the perfect song about this. I Don’t Need A Man is about women being completely fine on their own and how they’re not objects.
I want a love that’s for real
And without that, no deal
And baby I don’t need a hand
If it only wants to grab one thing
What is your favourite song with a feminist theme? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @CelebMix!