Despite media outlets declaring the past year as “the year of the feminist,” I think believing in the equality of the sexes has always been cool. There’s tons of music out there – dating back years and years ago – that blare the same message we see in music today: feminism is something to believe in, no matter who you are or what struggles you have faced. Feminism benefits everyone. Whatever your reason for listening is, I hope this playlist leaves you feeling strong, fierce and empowered!
1) “Run The World (Girls)” – BeyonceFierce Lyric: Boy, I know you love it / How we’re smart enough to make these millions / Strong enough to bear the children / Then get back to businessThe lyrics kinda say it all, right? What is more inspiring than Queen B singing about how freaking awesome women are? Beyonce celebrates every type of woman in this song – from college students, to women who work hard for that paycheck, to women who embrace motherhood as their career. Who run the world? Girls!
2) “Girl in a Country Song” – Maddie & TaeFierce lyric: I hear you over there on your tailgate whistlin’ / Sayin’ “hey girl” / But you know I ain’t listenin’ / ‘Cause I got a name / And to you it ain’t “pretty little thing,” “hottie,” or “baby”
Maddie & Tae take the tired old cliches of country songs (think pretty, thin, nameless girls walking around in bikini tops and shorts, only there to please the men in the video) and turn them on their heads. The video is classic, showing how nonsensical the tropes of these music videos are if the roles are reversed. The song’s message is that girls are worth so much more than just their looks, and deserve just as much respect as the guys.
3) “Feeling Myself” – Nicki Minaj & BeyonceFierce Lyric: Nicki – You b*tches will never get what I be earnin’ / I’m still gettin’ plaques from my records that’s urban / Ain’t gotta rely on Top 40 / I’m a rap legendBeyonce – Changed the game with that digital drop / Know where you was when that digital popped / I stopped the world
Two feminist queens in one song? Sign me up. Besides a catchy chorus (everyone is feeling themselves once in a while, right?) the lyrics just show how truly dominant Nicki and Beyonce are in their respective fields. Besides being talented and beautiful, both are truly wonderful people – I would do just about anything for either one of them.
4) “I Look So Good Without You” – Jessie JamesFierce Lyric: I never would have thought that when you left me / I’d feel so sexy and so good in my skin again / And I never would’ve known that / I’d be dreaming so much better without you in my head
Whatever pain Jessie went through when she was writing this song was well worth it, as her life is pure perfection now (I’m not crying, you are!). One bad breakup isn’t the end of the world, ladies – nine times out of ten, you come out of it with a better perspective on who you are as a person and what you want. It’s also healthy to use the downtime to spice up your look, and notice how much better you look without someone dragging you down.
5) “Try” – Colbie CaillatFierce Lyric: You don’t have to try so hard / You don’t have to give it all away / You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up / You don’t have to change a single thingIn a world that puts so much stock into being youthful, thin and beautiful, it’s refreshing to hear a female artist throw that away and tell you to be yourself. And hearing it come from Colbie Caillat’s soothing voice makes it resonate that much more, don’t you think? The video even uses every day women to really sink that message in – who you are is enough.
6) “Man, I Feel Like A Woman” – Shania TwainFierce Lyric: We don’t need romance, we only wanna dance / We’re gonna let our hair hang down / The best thing about being a woman / Is the prerogative to have a little funIt’s just a feel good anthem, okay? Shania knew that it’s a woman’s choice to do what she wants – to have a little fun, if she pleases. Who cares what other people think? Be free and feel like your definition of a woman.
7) “Can’t Hold Us Down” – Christina AguileraFierce Lyric: This is for my girls all around the world / Who’ve come across a man who don’t respect your worth / Thinking all women should be seen, not heard / So what do we do girls? / Shout out loud!
It was really hard to choose one lyric to fully represent this song. Christina accurately describes so many issues the fight for gender equality confronts, and all laid out in a catchy tune, featuring an awesome rap from Lil Kim. This song inspires you to tackle double standards and hold your ground – know your worth as a woman and don’t be afraid to let others know!
8) “Hard Out Here” – Lily AllenFierce Lyric: Don’t you want to have somebody who objectifies you? / Have you thought about your butt? Who’s gonna tear it in two? / We’ve never had it so good, uh-huh, we’re out of the woods / And if you can’t detect the sarcasm, you’ve misunderstoodDespite some of the more problematic things Lily Allen sings about (ladies – you can shake your butt and have a brain, simultaneously. The two are not mutually exclusive), her chorus hits it spot on – it’s hard out here for a b*tch! She sings about double standards we as women face – show off your body but not too much, be talented but also fulfill your duties in the kitchen, among other things.
9) “Get on Your Knees” – Nicki Minaj and Ariana GrandeFierce Lyric: If you want it all / It’s non-negotiable / So do as I say / If you want the job, you better know who’s the boss
Okay, while the lyrics are more sexual than girl power, it’s refreshing to hear a female artist put men in the submissive role usually reserved for begging. While your sex life is dictated by you and what you feel comfortable with, it’s cool to make a guy work for it once in a while!
10) “Going Nowhere” – Fifth HarmonyFierce Lyric: Boy, you better act like you got some sense / ‘Cause you got a dime, and that’s money well spentFifth Harmony have always been vocal about their support of feminism, and this song shows exactly how hardcore they are about it. The song is about knowing your worth and telling a boy to sit down, because he’s lucky to have you.
Happy empowerment, Collegiettes!