Women’s History Month is a meditation on the many milestones women have achieved and what is to come. Whether that be women’s right to vote, the feminist movement as a whole or even recognizing characteristics of women daily, this month is the time to show appreciation for the women in one’s life. Here are some songs to honor the occasion.
“Famine” Sinead O’Connor
Late Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor released “Famine” in 1994, during a time of rising ethno-nationalism in Northern Ireland due to English conflict. The song’s lyrics discuss the “Great Famine,” a dark time in Irish history where the failure of the potato crop reduced around 20% of Ireland’s population. However, O’Connor asserts that the Irish starved after being forced to give all of their exports to their English colonizers.
O’Connor had a reputation for being able to say what other performers have been afraid to. Growing up in an abusive household, she was sent to a reform school run by the Catholic Church after shoplifting, where she faced even more abuse from nuns. In 1992, she created an uproar when she controversially ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II on “Saturday Night Live ‘out of protest from the Catholic Church’s silence regarding cases of child sex abuse.
Her music is for those who often face the shame of being outspoken. She shows that no matter the platform, there is always a space to advocate for others who don’t have a voice.
“You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore
“You Don’t Own Me,” the highly acclaimed feminist anthem released in 1963, was recorded by Gore at just 17 years old. Released in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement and Second Wave Feminism, the rebellious undertones of the tune echo the widespread call for women’s equality occurring at that time.
Standing the test of time, the song was featured in the film “First Wives Club” (1996) starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and the late Diane Keaton. In the picture, a woman takes her own life after her husband leaves her for a much younger woman. At the funeral, three friends in mourning end up reconnecting, rekindling a familiar sisterhood. As their husbands also deceive them, they empower each other to get back what they rightfully deserve — creating the “First Wives Club.”
Gore’s song, referenced several times in the film, symbolizes the end to the crippling oppression that women often face in marriage. As the three musketeers reclaim their identities without husbands beside them, the ending performance of “You Don’t Own Me” created a lasting impression in film history.
“Like a Tattoo” Sade (Live from San Diego)
Intimate, tranquil yet emotional, who else could this be describing other than Sade? Her live 1993 performance at the SDSU Open Air Theatre in San Diego is truly her at her strongest. Performing in a sparkling white two-piece, she looks ethereal like her voice, and the mix of live instruments along with her adlibbing makes her stage unforgettable.
“Like a Tattoo” and “Pearls” were some of the best performances of the night. However, “Like a Tattoo” is where Sade truly shows her excellence as a musician. She sings about a conversation she once had with a man at a bar in New York City, where he shared his experiences of war. By the end of the song, the live performance breaks away from its original version, giving the spotlight to a trumpet musician who encapsulates the emotional intimacy of the song into a small 30-second solo.
Sade and O’Connor are different sides of the same coin. O’Connor is raw and straightforward, while Sade is metaphorical and melodic. Both birth such beauty and musicality from destruction, which in itself is what it feels like to be a woman in a world created by men.
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
“I’m beautiful in my way, ’cause God makes no mistakes. I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way.”
One of the most outspoken artists of our time, Lady Gaga, announced the release of her new album “Born This Way” at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in her iconic meat dress. The song itself won countless awards, including Best Video with a Message and Best Female Video at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
Gaga herself has deliberately divulged that “Born This Way” is an anthem for self-acceptance, self-discovery and embracing one’s own identity regardless of background, race or sexual orientation.
Widely known for its connection to the LGBTQ+ community, it is also highly relevant to women during Women’s History Month. Women take on numerous identities: friend, daughter, sister, wife, mom, co-worker, boss, the list goes on. One promise that rings true while listening is to unapologetically own who they are, not society’s expectation of who they are.
“Losing You” Solange
Released in 2012, Solange perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic sound of the early 2010s; it’s fun and bouncy with yearning undertones that align with the same feeling one gets when they’re hopelessly in love. While her sound is now much more mature, “Losing You” is an ode to all of those who are in love for the first time.
It’s the type of song you sing with a microphone (hairbrush) in your hand while you jump on your bed. Solange describes its atmosphere best when performing the hit at the Sydney Opera House in 2018, saying she wants to turn the audience into a “middle school dance.”
Even though she’s Beyoncé’s little sister, Solange’s wisdom in her lyrics makes her a big sister for listeners.
“Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin
“Ain’t No Way” (1968) projects how difficult love becomes when someone is closed off to vulnerability. Perhaps the most vocally challenging song by the Queen of Soul, it was written by her sister Carolyn Franklin, featuring background vocals by Cissy Houston and saxophone by King Curtis. Recently performed live by “Wicked” actress Cynthia Erivo, modern audiences still appreciate the powerful message and talent of Aretha Franklin.
The Detroit native was a strong advocate for feminism. Her song “Respect” is an anthem for women’s liberation and Civil Rights. Both in her music and in her life, she encouraged women to stand on their own — without needing a man. The 2021 film “Respect,” made about her life, documents the hardships she endured, further explaining her fight for equal rights.
Franklin’s performance of “Ain’t No Way” particularly earned her massive amounts of respect from individuals in the music industry. The late George Michael was an enormous fan of the Queen and revered her as one of his all-time favorite artists. In 1987, the pair collaborated on “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).”
