Happy International Women’s Day! This holiday celebrates women while striving for women’s equality.
According to People, International Women’s Day dates back more than a century. It was then that “more than 15,000 women marched in New York City to demand better working conditions and voting rights.” Now, with social media, the holiday has become a day for women to speak out against social injustices and equality. It’s also a day that women share photos, images or words that make them feel empowered.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, we’ve got the songs for the day. These songs are from women of all genres. They challenge the notions of what women should be and, instead, prove that they can do anything. After all, “Who run the world? Girls.”
Check out our list of lyrics from some seriously badass women below.
“I wish I could, but I just can’t, wear a smile when a smile ain’t what I’m feelin’. And who’s to say I’m a 9.5 or a 4.0 if you don’t even know me.” – Kacey Musgraves (“Pageant Material”)
Kacey Musgraves isn’t here to impress anyone. She’s doing her, whether you like it or not. Does it get any more inspiring than that, ladies?
“Bad b*****s don’t cry we just get even.” – Bebe Rexha (“Bad B*****s Don’t Cry”)
Bebe Rexha is the epitome of a hardworking woman. She started off writing songs for other artists. Now, she’s a chart-topping artist in her own right.
“I don’t have it all, I’m not claiming to but I know that I’m special.” – Selena Gomez (“Rare”)
Struggling with self confidence? “Rare” is the anthem for you when you need to be reminded that you ARE enough.
“The best thing about being a woman is the prerogative to have a little fun.” – Shania Twain (“Man! I Feel Like a Woman”)
“I got to do things my own way, darling.” – Rihanna (“Consideration”)
Rihanna makes no apologies for being an empowered woman. She’s been singing and rapping about women being themselves since we were first introduced to her. This is just one example.
“Don’t belong to no city, Don’t belong to no man.” – Halsey (“Hurricane”)
Halsey says this song represents her more than any of her others. In it, she calls herself a “wandress” and says she only belongs to herself.
“If I was a man, then I’d be the man.” – Taylor Swift (“The Man”)
We’ve talked about “The Man” a lot since it was released on Taylor Swift’s Lover. Swift puts it bluntly that things would be easier if she was a man.
“I’m not okay but I’m gonna be alright.” – Lauren Alaina (“Doin’ Fine”)
Lauren Alaina has been more than honest with fans about her journey over the last few years. She’s “Doin’ Fine” now.
“I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation. You’re living in the past it’s a new generation. A girl can do and that’s what I’m going to do.” – Joan Jett (“Bad Reputation”)
“I’m bossy. I’m the first girl to scream on a track. I switched up the beat of the drum.” – Kelis (“Bossy”)
Kelis has no problems with the term “bossy.” In fact, she made it less about being seen as b***** and more about being seen as THE boss.
“She can make a mountain move and do it in her high-heeled shoes.” – Carly Pearce (“Woman Down”)
A woman can be anything and that’s what this track from Carly Pearce is about. The song is on her self-titled album.
“Let me make this clear. I’m not difficult, I’m just ’bout my business.” – Nicki Minaj (“All Things Go”)
Before anything, Nicki Minaj is a businesswoman and she makes no apologies for it. Surviving in a rap world full of men, Minaj is holding her own.
“All these years I’ve stayed at home while you had all your fun and every year that’s gone by, another baby’s come. There’s gonna be some changes made right here on Nursery Hill. You’ve set this chicken your last time ’cause now I’ve got the pill.” – Loretta Lynn (“The Pill”)
This song was hugely controversial when it was released back in the 70s. In fact, it was banned from many radio stations. Loretta Lynn was a trailblazer for women way back then and she still continues to be one today.
“No, you can’t make me behave.” – Demi Lovato (“Confident”)
What song makes you feel empowered? Tweet the lyrics from above, or any empowering anthem, using the hashtag #InternationalWomensDay. Don’t forget to tag @nashvillenoise.
