The United States has observed Women’s History Month every March since 1987. But many don’t make a big fuss about it compared to other months of recognition.
So here’s to all the hard-working women in the world. These are some songs featuring empowering and uplifting lyrics — for women, by women.
“Do It Like A Girl” by Morgan St. Jean
A self-dubbed “feminist pop princess,” St. Jean is the perfect person to kick this list off.
In a Genius interview, St. Jean said she drew inspiration for the chorus from a TikTok where men called women weak. She found it shocking there were still many people who did not understand the strength of women. With lyrics championing the ideology of girls supporting girls, she even pays tribute to Beyoncé.
“Fight like a girl / Giving fucking life like a girl / You could never ride with the girls / Die for the girls / Who run the world / Girls girls girls.”
“Pretty Girl Rock” by Keri Hilson
Hilson released the original hot girl anthem back in 2010. People constantly judge women for their appearance. What’s better than listening to a song about boosting self-confidence and acknowledging one’s beauty?
She encourages listeners to sing along with her as she says, “All eyes on me when I walk in / No question that this girl’s a 10 / Don’t hate me ’cause I’m beautiful.”
[Ariana Grande fights rumors, heartbreak in ‘Eternal Sunshine’]
“These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra
With this song, Sinatra emerged from the shadow of her father, Frank Sinatra, and established her own career. Written by Lee Hazlewood, the song is about a woman taking charge of her life and not allowing others to walk all over her.
Her boots are going to walk all over you.
“Super Lady” by (G)I-DLE
(G)I-DLE is known for songs celebrating women and challenging stereotypes. “Super Lady” from their album 2 truly stands out as a masterpiece.
In the music video, each member portrays a powerful woman. Soyeon is Athena, Miyeon is Cleopatra, Minnie is Medusa, Yuqi is Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians and Shuhua is the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.
With lyrics like “Tougher than any other men” and “I never bow on my way,” they assert their dominance and that ladies move forward fearlessly.
[Oscars 2024: ‘Oppenheimer’ dominates while ‘Barbie’ falters]
“I Love It” by Icona Pop featuring Charli XCX
Icona Pop? More like iconic pop. The Swedish duo has been churning out hits since 2009. Their most popular song, “I Love It,” is an anthem for the girlies who just want to have fun.
It’s a perfect spring break song to listen to when driving in the car or throwing an imaginary concert in your room instead of doing homework. I just wish I was a “’90s bitch” so I could sing my heart out to that one part.
“Boys Will Be Boys” by Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa wrote a wonderful song discussing the constant fear women have of being attacked or sexualized simply for existing.
Everyone’s heard the phrase “boys will be boys.” It’s used to normalize and excuse men’s inappropriate behavior. People are often quick to defend men’s behavior and somehow manage to turn it around and say it’s the woman’s fault.
Lipa calls out those with this mindset, singing, “If you’re offended by this song / you’re clearly doing something wrong.”
From the 1960s to the present, there are songs honoring the courage and work it takes to be a woman. Together, they symbolize how far women have come and what more needs to be done.
