Independent Women Pt. 1 by Destinys Child

Link to Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuMmfDWMLgY

Lyrics:
Lucy Liu... with my girl, Drew... Cameron D. and Destiny
Charlie's Angels, Come on
Uh uh uh

Question: Tell me what you think about me
I buy my own diamonds and I buy my own rings
Only ring your cell-y 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 fun, oh and I pay my own bills
Always 50/50 in relationships

The shoes on my feet (I've bought it)
The clothes I'm wearing I've bought it
The rock I'm rockin' I've bought it
'Cause I depend on me
If I wanted the watch you're wearin' I'll buy it
The house I live in I've bought it
The car I'm driving I've bought it
I depend on me (I depend on me)

All the women who are independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who makin' money
Throw your hands up at me
All the mommas who profit dollas
Throw your hands up at me
All the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me

Girl I didn't know you could get down like that
Charlie, how your Angels get down like that
Girl I didn't know you could get down like that
Charlie, how your Angels get down like that

Tell me how you feel about this
Who would I want if I would wanna live
I worked hard and sacrificed to get what I get
Ladies, it ain't easy bein' independent
Question: How'd you like this knowledge that I brought
Braggin' on that cash that he gave you is to front
If you're gonna brag make sure it's your money you flaunt
Depend on noone else to give you what you want

The shoes on my feet I've bought it
The clothes I'm wearing I've bought it
The rock I'm rockin' I've bought it
'Cause I depend on me
If I wanted the watch you're wearin' I'll buy it
The house I live in I've bought it
The car I'm driving I've bought it
I depend on me (I depend on me)

All the women who are independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who makin' money
Throw your hands up at me
All the mommas who profit dollas
Throw your hands up at me
All the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me

Girl I didn't know you could get down like that
Charlie, how your Angels get down like that
Girl I didn't know you could get down like that
Charlie, how your Angels get down like that

Destiny's Child
Wassup?
You in the house?
Sure 'nuff
We'll break these people off Angel style

Child of Destiny
Independent beauty
Noone else can scare me
Charlie's Angels

Woah
All the women who are independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who makin' money
Throw your hands up at me
All the mommas who profit dollas
Throw your hands up at me
All the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me

Girl I didn't know you could get down like that
Charlie, how your Angels get down like that
(repeat until fade)

1. How did you find your song? Were you familiar with this artist’s work before?
- I knew of this song before. It was really popular when I was a Freshman in high school.
2. How does your song address issues of feminism, women’s rights or gender equality? Analyze the lyrics and quote from them to make your case that this is a feminist song.
- The song is related to feminism because it is about, as the song suggests, being “independent” from men. The lyrics tell a first-person view of a girl that is proud of herself to making her own money. She is buying herself all the items she wants like rings and shoes because she earned them. Later one, she criticizes women that show off the items their significant other bought them and says one can only brag if they earned it themselves without being dependent on another.
3. How does this song address an issue that is often ignored by mainstream popular culture?
- It addresses the issue of the rising of the working women in society. Women are now able to do what they want instead of staying at home and taking care of the house while their husband makes the money. It is promoting the limitless possibilities for women today.
4. Does this song make you feel empowered as a woman/human? Does the song suggest ways to fight for change in our society? Ways to overcome sexist gender oppression?
- Yes, the song makes me feel empowered as a woman. It reminds me to be proud that I am going to college to get an education instead of just being married and performing my “wife” duties. The song suggests for all independent women to stand up and be proud that they are.
5. Do you feel that if there were more songs like this in popular culture that feminism would become less threatening and more positively understood and respected?
- The song is kind of in-your-face, but I do believe more songs like this would encourage young girls to be their own. It definitely helps to have a moral singer. Beyonce is a powerful woman in today’s society, and is an excellent role models to teenagers.
6. What thoughts would you like to express to the artist of this song regarding her work, her music and her political ideals?
- I think Beyonce needs credit for promoting a positive image for young girls. I think she creates fascinating songs that about women’s power, and she should continue on in these ways.

Brittany Westerbeck