There are songs that have told many stories or depicted life and relationships. However, nothing strikes a point like Feminist songs that support and encourage women to stand up for themselves and rise up against oppression meted out to them. While feminist songs are written from a woman’s perspective, they have become anthems against oppression over time.
Also, feminist songs are not all about putting men in their place, they are also a celebration of female friendship, sisterhood, female anatomy, and victories. Now, pick up your headphones and blast away our pick of these empowerment songs till you feel on top of the world.
Feminist Songs That Every Playlist Should Have
1. I Will Survive-Gloria Gaynor
- Released: 1978
- Album: Love Tracks
- Songwriters: Freddie Perre, Dino Fekaris
- Won: Grammy for Best Disco Song(1980)
This song is all for women’s liberation by leaving bad relationships till they find their footing. This song is good for moments when you need a boost to leave a relationship that is not working out for you as a woman.
Lyrics:
Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give and I’ll survive
I will survive, hey, hey
2. I Am Woman-Helen Reddy
- Released: 1971
- Album: I Don’t Know How to Love Him
- Songwriters: Helen Reddy, Ray Burton
- Award: Grammy for Best Female Pop Performance (1973)
This song has been chanted over time as an anthem for the feminist movement. After it was released in 1971, it gained much listening from women due to its message about female strength and the need to keep pushing for women’s cause.
Understandably, the high demand for it to be played by women pushed the song to the number-one spot on the United States single charts.
Lyrics:
Yes, I am wiseBut it’s wisdom born of painYes, I’ve paid the priceBut look how much I’ve gainedIf I have to, I can do anythingI am strong (strong)I am invincible (invincible)I am woman
3. Run the World(Girls)-Beyonce
- Released: 2011
- Album: 4
- Songwriters: Beyonce, Switch, The-Dream, Diplo, Vybz Kartel, Afrojack
- Awards: Best Choreography-MTV Video Music Awards(2011), Best Dance Performance- Soul Train Awards(2011)
No feminist song list is completed without Queen Bey’s Run the World. This song is a song of pride that celebrates women and their contributions. The empowerment song is now considered a feminist anthem. If you have that extra push to take over the reins of power, here is a song to play on repeat.
Lyrics:
It’s hot up in here, DJ, don’t be scared to run this, run this back
I’m repping for the girls who taking over the world
Help me raise a glass for the college grads
41′ Rollie to let you know what time it is, check
You can’t hold me (you can’t hold me)
I work my nine to five, better cut my check
This goes out to all the women getting it in, you on your grind
To all the men that respect what I do, please accept my shine
Boy, you know you love it
How we smart enough to make these millions
Strong enough to bear the children (children)
Then get back to business
See, you better not play me (me)
Oh, come here, baby
Hope you still like me
F you, pay me
4. You Don’t Own Me-Leslie Gore
- Released: 1963
- Songwriters: John Madara, David White
This protest song lies at the height of women taking charge of their lives. It also tells the story of the singer standing up to a controlling partner. If there is a moment when a woman needs to control the path of life against abuse from a partner, you definitely need to listen to this 1963 song.
Lyrics:
You don’t own me
I’m not just one of your many toys
You don’t own me
Don’t say I can’t go with other boys
5. Flawless-Beyonce
- Released: 2013
- Album: Beyonce
- Songwriters: Beyonce Knowles, Terius Nash, Chauncey Hollis, Raymond DeAndre Martin, Rashad Muhammad, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Released in 2013, this all-time feminist song featuring feminist activist, Chimamanda Adichie is a call for every woman to believe in herself because she is beautiful.
Aside from promoting the social, economic, and political equality of women to men, Flawless is about women embracing who they are. When in doubt about chasing your dreams, here is a song to break down those doubts and reach for the skies.
Lyrics:
…We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings
In the way that boys are
Feminist: the person who believes in the social
Political, and economic equality of the sexes
6. God is a Woman-Ariana Grande
- Released: 2018
- Album: Sweetener
- Songwriters: Ilya, Ariana Grande, Savan Kotecha
This is a song that celebrates the divine feminine in every woman because she posseses se*ual freedom. If you have ever wondered about your strengths as a woman, here is a song that tells you that you are very powerful and that you are like a god.
Lyrics:
You, you love it how I move you
You love it how I touch you
My one, when all is said and done
You’ll believe God is a woman
And I, I feel it after midnight
A feelin’ that you can’t fight
My one, it lingers when we’re done
You’ll believe God is a woman
7. Girl on Fire-Alicia Keys
- Released: 2012
- Album: Girl on Fire
- Songwriters: Alicia Keys, Salaam Remi, Jeff Bhasker, Billy Squier
This powerful song remains a celebration song for everyone who is unstoppable and rising to the top. It is not surprising that a decade after its release, Alicia Keys followed up with an empowerment book that is centered on Girl on Fire.
Lyrics:
She’s just a girl and she’s on fire
Hotter than a fantasy
Lonely like a highway
She’s livin’ in a world and it’s on fire
Filled with catastrophe
But she knows she can fly away
8. U.N.I.T.Y-Queen Latifah
- Released: 1993
- Album: Black Reign
- Award: Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance(1995)
Queen Latifah stole our hearts as a friend that can be counted on in Girls Trip, yet, as far back as 1993, she confronted violence against women in U.N.I.T.Y. The song which won a Grammy Award remains one of the singer cum actress’ biggest hits to date. Over time, it has proven to be a go-to song against oppression.
Lyrics:
(Here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., U.N.I.T.Y. that’s a unity (You gotta let him know)
(You go, come on here we go)
U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black woman from (You got to let him know)
infinity to infinity (You ain’t a bitch or a ho)
9. 9 to 5-Dolly Parton
- Released: 1980
- Movie Track: 9 to 5
- Songwriters: Dolly Parton
- Awards: 2 Grammys, Best Country Song(1982), and Best Country Vocal Performance Female(1982)
This gender equality anthem was written for the comedy film of the same title. If you are a woman who is facing challenges at work due to your gender, then this song is definitely for you.
Lyrics:
9 to 5
Yeah, they got you where they want you
There’s a better life
And you think about it, don’t you?
10. I’m Every Woman-Chaka Khan
- Released: 1978
- Album: Chaka
- Songwriters: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
This song is about women naturally being all they need. Aside from this, it is a song celebrating unity among women. When they come together, they form a formidable force. This song was also covered by the iconic singer Whitney Houston in the 1992 movie, The Bodyguard.
Lyrics:
Whatever you want, whatever you need
Anything you want done baby, I’ll do it naturally
‘Cause I’m every woman
It’s all in me, it’s all in me
11. Juice-Lizzo
- Released: 2019
- Album: Cuz I Love You
- Songwriters: Lizzo, Theron Thomas, Sam Sumser, Sean Small, and Ricky Reed
Lizzo’s Juice is definitely about the confidence that comes with being a successful woman. Even though haters would want to come at you, put on your headphones and blast this song at high volume while enjoying the ‘juice’ of success.
Lyrics:
It ain’t my fault that I’m out here getting loose
Gotta blame it on the Goose
Gotta blame it on my juice, baby
It ain’t my fault that I’m out here making news
I’m the pudding in the proof
Gotta blame it on my juice
12. Most Girls-Hailee Steinfeld
- Released: 2017
- Songwriters: Jeremy Dussolliet, Tim Sommers, Asia Whiteacre, Ryan Tedder and Zack Skelton.
If you ever need to come to terms with how you see yourself as a woman, here is a song that explains how strong and happy you can be in your skin. Steinfeld’s view about self-confidence is all you need to play on repeat to get over the feeling of missing out on something.
Lyrics:
You know some days you feel so good in your own skin
But it’s okay if you wanna change the body that you came in
‘Cause you look greatest when you feel like a damn queen
We’re all just playing a game in a way, tryna win at life
13. Girls Just Want to Have Fun-Cyndi Lauper
- Released: 1983
- Album: She’s So Unusual
- Songwriters: Robert Hazard
If independence and living life were a song, here are its lyrics. This song was first written as an account of how men initiate casual s*x till Lauper flipped it to an anthem for sexual equality. As it is, her version has made the song a feminist anthem.
Lyrics:
I come home, in the mornin’ light
My mother says, “When you gonna live your life right?”
Oh momma dear, we’re not the fortunate ones
And girls, they wanna have fun
Oh girls just wanna have fun
See Also: https://jukebugs.com/category/songs/
14. Respect-Aretha Franklin
- Released: 1967
- Album: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
- Songwriter: Otis Redding
- Awards: 2 Grammys, Best Rhythm & Blues Recording(1968), Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Performances, Female
This song was originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965 but was later flipped by the soul singer, Aretha Franklin to address gender roles and the need for respect. Over time Franklin’s version has become a feminist empowerment anthem as well as a song that can be enjoyed by everyone. Aside from being listed among the Rolling Stone 500 songs of all time, it was added to the National Recording Registry in 2002.
Lyrics:
Hey, what you want
(Oo) Baby, I got
(Oo) What you need
(Oo) Do you know I got it?
(Oo) All I’m askin’
(Oo) Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home
(Just a little bit) mister (just a little bit)
15. Superwoman-Alicia Keys
- Released: 2007
- Album: As I Am
- Songwriters: Alicia Keys, Linda Perry, and Steve Mostyn
- Award: Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance(2009)
Have you ever wondered about achieving your dreams, well here is a song that says you can do this and even more so long as you remember that you are a Superwoman.
Lyrics:
Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am
Yes she is
Even when I’m a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I’m a Superwoman
16. Fall in Line-Christiana Aguilera
- Released: 2018
- Album: Liberation
- Songwriters: Christina Aguilera, Johnny Simpson, Audra Mae, Jon Bellion, Raul Cubina
For those who may have not found their voice or used it as much, this is a song that speaks about making choices. Aguilera herself described it as an empowerment song for all those who have suffered from one form of abuse or the other. Understandably, it has made it to the list of feminist songs to listen to.
Lyrics:
It’s just the way it is
Maybe it’s never gonna change
But I got a mind to show my strength
And I got a right to speak my mind
And I’m gonna pay for this
They’re gonna burn me at the stake
But I got a fire in my veins
I wasn’t made to fall in line
No, I wasn’t made to fall in line, no
17. A Rapist in Your Path(Un violador en tu camino)-Las Tesis
- Released: 2019
- Songwriters: Lastesis
This song was a protest against police violence against women. Ever since this song has been an anthem for feminist women demanding justice and fighting sexual violence against women.
The song and its choreography were first performed during the 2019 protest in Chile to show how women are treated by police and other people in power but it became a feminist anthem when women from around the world also performed it as a protest against
Lyrics:
The patriarchy is a judge
that judges us for being born
and our punishment
is the violence you can see.
18. Fight Like a Girl-Zolita
- Released: 2017
- Album: Sappho
- Songwriters: Paige Duddy, Lee Newell, and Zolita
In a world where there are misconceptions about the strength of a woman, Zolita says fighting like a girl means embracing your inner witch. This song is for everyone whether man or woman to stand up and not take any bullsh*t.
Lyrics:
Ain’t nobody tells me what to do, what to do, no
You know I’ve been breaking all the rules, all the rules, oh
Man, I really feel like a woman though
Man, I really feel like a woman
19. Give Me My Name Back-Meg Mac
- Released: 2018
- Songwriters: Megan Sullivan
If you have suffered from emotional and physical abuse, then here is a song that pushes you to reclaim your identity.
Lyrics
Give me my name back
(Give me my name back)
What are they gonna call me now?
I want it all back
And what are they gonna call me now?
(Give me my name back)
And what’re they gonna call me now?
(Give me my name back)
20. WAP-Cardi B
- Released: 2020
- Album: WAP
- Songwriters: Cardi B, Megan Pete, Austin Owens, James Foye III, Frank Rodriguez, Jorden Thorpe
- Award: BET Awards-Song of the Year(2021), Coco-Cola Viewers Choice Award(2021); American Music Awards- Favorite Song-Rap/Hip-Hop(2020); Aria Charts Awards Top 50 Singles Chart Number One Awards(2020)
For a song whose title stands for Wet-A*s P*sy, it is another body positivity song that shows Cardi and Megan Thee Stallion describing their bodies as well as asserting their freedom over the shackles of social acceptance.
At its release, the song enjoyed critical acclaim and some criticism from some republican politicians who feel, the lyrics does not represent women well. Regardless of this, WAP won 21 awards across different categories some of which have been mentioned.
Lyrics:
In the food chain, I’m the one that eat yaIf he ate my ass, he’s a bottom feederBig D stand for big demeanorI could make ya bust before I ever meet ya
21. Stronger(What Doesn’t Kill You)-Kelly Clarkson
- Released: 2011
- Album: Stronger
- Songwriters: Kelly Clarkson, Jörgen Elofsson, Ali Tamposi, and David Gamson
Stronger is not just a song for women alone, it is an encouragement for one to move on from any difficult relationship.
Lyrics:
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone
22. Fighter-Christina Aguilera
- Release: 2003
- Album: Stripped
- Songwriters: Christina Aguilera and Scott Storch
If you are a woman who has suffered from a difficult past, here is a song to remind you that you can be a fighter and rise above these challenges.
Lyrics:
Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, oh
23. Dusty Springfield
- Released: 1963
- Album: A Girl Called Dusty
- Songwriters: John Madara, Dave White
For a song that was done back in the ’60s, its message of freedom and emancipation continues to echo over the years. Starting from its anti-patriarchal stands, Springfield sang this song to show that she has the power to deny a man’s wishes over her life.
Lyrics:
You don’t own me
I’m not just one of your many toys
You don’t own me
Don’t say I can’t go with other boys
And don’t tell me what to do
And don’t tell me what to say
And, please, when I go out with you
Don’t put me on display…
24. Independent Women-Destiny’s Child
- Released: 2000
- Songwriters: Beyonce Knowles, Poke and Tonem Cory Rooney
- Awards: Billboard Music Award for Soundtrack Single of the Year (2001),
As mentioned, feminist songs are all about women’s empowerment, and when Destiny’s Child sang Independent Women, they meant being in charge of their lives and their earnings. While the group has since disbanded, this song is for anyone who wants to live life on their own terms and conditions. So how about being able to work and buy things without depending on anyone (man)?
Lyrics:
Question, tell me what you think about me
I buy my own diamonds and I buy my own rings
Only ring your celly when I’m feelin’ lonely
When it’s all over, please get up and leave
Question, tell me how you feel about this
Try to control me, boy, you get dismissed
Pay my own car note and I pay my own bills
Always fifty-fifty in relationships
25. I’m Coming Out-Diana Ross
- Released: 1980
- Album: Diana
- Songwriters: Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers
Though it is often seen as an anthem for people who are about to reveal their sexuality or gender identity, the meaning of this song lies in being true to oneself and accepting the positive part of life.
Lyrics:
There’s a new me coming out and I just had to live
And I wanna give, I’m completely positive
I think this time around, I am gonna do it
Like you never knew it, oh, I’ll make it through
The time has come for me to break out of this shell
I have to shout that I am coming out
26. No Scrubs-TLC
- Released: 1999
- Album: FanMail
- Songwriters: Kevin ‘She’kspere’ Briggs, Kandi Burruss, Tameka Tiny Cottle, Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes
If you are looking for a manual on how women should be treated, No Scrubs gives highlights of the type of man that a woman does not need. Needless to say, women want to do better, so why get entangled with baggage, especially one who is not willing to be a hard worker?
Lyrics:
A scrub is a guy that thinks he’s fly
And is also known as a busta
Always talkin’ about what he wants
And just sits on his broke ass
27. Boss-Fifth Harmony
- Released: 2015
- Albums: Reflection
- Song Writers: Eric Frederic, Joe Sargur, DanielKyriakides, Gamal Lewis, Jacob Kasher, and Taylor Parks
We have all heard the quote ‘Here is to strong women: May We Know Them, May We Be Them…’ but listening to Fifth Harmony’s Boss explains it more. If you have ever wondered why every feminist playlist should have this song, it is because it encourages girls to be independent and confident while valuing hard work.
Lyrics:
You say that you a baller and I see you tryna holla
But that ain’t how I was brought up
Next
Working for the money ’cause that’s what my momma taught me
So yo ass better show me some re-spect
28. Fuck the Pain Away-Peaches
- Released: 2000
- Album: The Teaches of Peaches
- Songwriters: Peaches
This is one song that every empowerment list needs because it is a f*ck you song that can be played by anyone who needs to get their groove back. Like most fuck you songs, Peaches is giving the middle finger while encouraging others to take control of their life. The song’s lyrics portray this self-expression through wild s*xual intercourse till the pain goes away.
If you are at a crossroads at making a decision, there is only one way to go. That is to reject accepting what others say about you. Instead, embrace your own decisions and desires.
Lyrics:
Suckin’ on my titties like you wanted me
Callin’ me, all the time, like Blondie
Check out my Chrissie behind
It’s fine all of the time
Like Sex on the Beaches
What else is in the Teaches of Peaches? Huh? What?
29. Man! I Feel Like a Woman-Shania Twain
- Released: 1999
- Album: Come on Over
- Songwriters: Shania Twain, Robert John Lange
This is a women empowerment track that celebrates the ability to have some fun.
Lyrics:
I’m going out tonight
I’m feelin’ alright
Gonna let it all hang out
Wanna make some noise
Really raise my voice
Yeah, I wanna scream and shout
No inhibitions
Make no conditions
Get a little outta line
I ain’t gonna act politically correct
I only wanna have a good time
30. F*ck Them All-: Mylène Farmer
- Released: 2005
- Album: Avant que l’ombre
- Songwriter: Mylène Farmer, Laurent Boutonna
This is another feminist song that is both a complaint about the unfair treatment of women and how the bullies need to be sacked.
Lyrics:
(Fuck them all) Faites l’amour
Nous la guerre, nos vies à l’envers
(Fuck them all) Faites l’amour
Nous la guerre, saigner : notre enfer
(Fuck them all) Faites l’amour
Nous la guerre, nos vies à l’envers
(Blood and soul) Faites-le nous
Dans le texte, le sang, c’est le sexe
(Translated)
(Fuck them all) Make love
We the war, our lives upside down
(Fuck them all) Make love
We war, bleed: our hell
(Fuck them all) Make love
We the war, our lives upside down
(Blood and soul) Do it to us
In the text, blood is sex
