The Root's Favorite Female Anthems

To celebrate Women's History Month, The Root staff compiled our favorite empowerment anthems. Some tracks make us tap our feet, some make us pump our fists and others make us cry. But every song is worth hearing. Take a look ... and listen.

[10]

1 of 27

"A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men

Wikimedia.org

Mama, mama you're the queen of my heart

Your love is like Tears from the stars

Mama, I just want you to know

Lovin' you is like food to my soul

Want this song? Buy it here [11].

DOWNLOAD ALL OF THE ROOT'S FAVORITE FEMALE ANTHEMS HERE [12].
2 of 27

"They Say I'm Different" by Betty Davis

Boomkat.com

They say I'm different because I'm a piece of sugar cane

Sweet to the core

That's right, I got rhythm.

My great-grandma didn't like to fox trot,

instead she spitted snuff and boogied down.

Want this song? Buy it here [13].
3 of 27

"Ladies Night" by Kool and the Gang

OriginalFunkMusic.com

Romantic Lady, single Baby

Mmh, sophisticated mama Uuh!

Come on, you disco Lady, yeah

Stay with me tonight, mama

If you hear any noise, it ain't the boys

It's a Ladies Night, ah-ha

Want this song? Buy it here [14].
4 of 27

"I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Kahn

I'm every woman

it's all in me

anything you want done, baby

I'll do it naturally.

I'm ev'ry woman

it's all in me

I can read your thoughts right now

everyone from A to Z.

Want this song? Buy it here [15].
5 of 27

"And I Am Telling You" by Jennifer Holliday/Jennifer Hudson

msnbc.com

Tear down the mountains,

Yell, scream and shout.

You can say what you want,

I'm not walkin' out.

Stop all the rivers,

Push, strike, and kill.

I'm not gonna leave you,

There's no way I will.

Want this song? Get it here [16]. Or buy it here [17].
6 of 27

"To Zion" by Lauryn Hill

Getty Images

Woe this crazy circumstance

I knew his life deserved a chance

But everybody told me to be smart

Look at your career they said,

"Lauryn, baby use your head"

But instead I chose to use my heart

Want this song? Buy it here [18].
7 of 27

"A Woman's Worth" By Alicia Keys

Cuz a real man knows a real woman when he sees her

And a real woman knows a real man ain't afraid to please her

And a real woman knows a real man always comes first

And a real man just can't deny a woman's worth

Want this song? Buy it here [19].
8 of 27

"Grandma's Hands" by Bill Withers

Grandma's hands

Soothed a local unwed mother

Grandma's hands

Used to ache sometimes and swell

Grandma's hands

Used to lift her face and tell her,

"Baby, Grandma understands"

Want this song? Buy it here [20].
9 of 27

"Real Love" by Mary J. Blige

I'm searching for the real love

Someone to set my heart free

Real love

I'm searching for a real love

Want this song? Buy it here [21].
10 of 27

"Not Gon' Cry" by Mary J. Blige

11 years of sacrifice

And you can leave at the drop of a dime

Swallowed my fears, stood by your side

I shoulda left your ass a thousand times

Want this song? Buy it here [22].
11 of 27

"Independent Women" by Destiny's Child

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

Want this song? Buy it here [23].
12 of 27

"RESPECT" by Aretha Franklin

Ooo, your kisses

Sweeter than honey

And guess what?

So is my money

All I want you to do for me

Is give it to me when you get home

Want this song? Buy it here [24].
13 of 27

"It's Not Right, But It's Ok" by Whitney Houston

undergroundvn.com

It's not right, but it's okay

I'm gonna make it anyway

Close the door behind you

Leave your key

I'd rather be alone than unhappy

Want this song? Buy it here [25].
14 of 27

"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

And so you're back from outer space

I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face

I should have changed that stupid lock

I should have made you leave your key

If I'd've known for just one second you'd back to bother me

Want this song? Buy it here [26].
15 of 27

"I Am Not My Hair" by India.Arie

Good hair means curls and waves

Bad hair means you look like a slave

At the turn of the century

Its time for us to redefine who we be

Want this song? Buy it here [27].
16 of 27

"Video" by India.Arie

I'm not the average girl from your video

And I ain't built like a supermodel

But, I learned to love myself unconditionally

Because I am a queen

Want this song? Buy it here [28].
17 of 27

"You Gotta Be" by Des'ree

Listen as your day unfolds

Challenge what the future holds

Try and keep your head up to the sky

Lovers, they may cause you tears

Go ahead release your fears

Stand up and be counted

Don't be ashamed to cry

Want this song? Buy it here [29].
18 of 27

"Golden" by Jill Scott

I'm taking my freedom,

Pulling it off the shelf,

Putting it on my chain,

Wear it around my neck,

I'm taking my freedom,

Putting it in my car,

Wherever I choose to go,

It will take me far.

Want this song? Buy it here [30].
19 of 27

"Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige

No time for moping around, are you kidding?

And no time for negative vibes, cause I'm winning

It's been a long week, I put in my hardest

Gonna live my life, feels so good to get it right

Want this song? Buy it here [31].
20 of 27

"32 Flavors" by Alana Davis

I am a poster girl with no poster,

I am 32 flavors and then some

And I'm beyond your peripheral vision

so you might want to turn your head

Want this song? Buy it here [32].
21 of 27

"Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song

You go ahead, let your hair down

Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,

Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Want this song? Buy it here [33].
22 of 27

"Pocketbook" by Meshell Ndegeocello

Girl gotcha own thing

You know everybody

High class

Mediocre

The riff raff

Love is the root politic

Read between the paragraph

You know what you make after taxes
23 of 27

"11th Hour" by Dionne Farris

Walking away was the best thing I could ever do

'Cause once you make your decision, your decision is made

When we find ourselves up in arms more often than most

By then we know it's time to go
24 of 27

"Survivor" by Destiny's Child

You thought that I'd be helpless without ya,

But I'm smarter,

You thought that I'd be stressed without ya,

But I'm chillin'

You thought I wouldn't sell without ya,

Sold nine million.

Want this song? Buy it here [34].
25 of 27

"Superwoman" by Alicia Keys

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

Want this song? Buy it here [35].
26 of 27

"Girl Talk" by TLC

Put in work

If you don't want the girl to talk

And you don't want your feelings hurt

Put in work

Cause if you don't

That girl's just gon' go spreadin' the word

Want this song? Buy it here [36].
27 of 27

"Irreplaceable" by Beyonce

And it's my name thats on that jag

So go move your bags, let me call you a cab

Standing in the front yard, telling me

How I'm such a fool, talking 'bout

How I'll never ever find a man like you

You got me twisted

Want this song? Buy it here [37].

DOWNLOAD ALL OF THE ROOT'S FAVORITE FEMALE ANTHEMS HERE [12].

Comments

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[11] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.5277842&type=2&subid=0" >A Song for Mama</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=
[12] http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=359523459
[13] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.219608932&type=2&subid=0" >70's Blues</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=
[14] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.128650140&type=2&subid=0" >Ladies Night</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=
[15] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.80001776&type=2&subid=0" >I'm Every Woman</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=
[16] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.305382884&type=2&subid=0" > --- </a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=
[17] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.210305378&type=2&subid=0" >And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=
[18] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.157497327&type=2&subid=0" >To Zion</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=
[19] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.211142735&type=2&subid=0" >A Woman's Worth</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=
[20] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.171015552&type=2&subid=0" ><IMG border=0 src=
[21] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.260025455&type=2&subid=0" ><IMG border=0 src="http://a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r30/Music/de/7a/1c/mzi.mdkjgabo.170x170-75.jpg" ></a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.260025455&type=2&subid=0
[22] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.216303750&type=2&subid=0" >Not Gon' Cry</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.216303750&type=2&subid=0
[23] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.211726488&type=2&subid=0" >Independent Woman</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.211726488&type=2&subid=0
[24] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.280190940&type=2&subid=0" >Baby I Love You</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.280190940&type=2&subid=0
[25] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.304837056&type=2&subid=0" >It's Not Right But It's Okay</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.304837056&type=2&subid=0
[26] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.137336&type=2&subid=0" >Walk on By</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.137336&type=2&subid=0
[27] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.260118129&type=2&subid=0" >I Am Not My Hair</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.260118129&type=2&subid=0
[28] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.260118115&type=2&subid=0" >Video</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.260118115&type=2&subid=0
[29] <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.276015383&type=2&subid=0" >You Gotta Be (In the Style of Des’ree)</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.276015383&type=2&subid=0" >
[30] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.262127561&type=2&subid=0" >Golden</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.262127561&type=2&subid=0
[31] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.310409586&type=2&subid=0" >Just Fine</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.310409586&type=2&subid=0
[32] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.262079281&type=2&subid=0" >32 Flavors</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.262079281&type=2&subid=0
[33] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.212515119&type=2&subid=0" >Put Your Records On</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.212515119&type=2&subid=0
[34] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.211724765&type=2&subid=0" >Survivor</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.211724765&type=2&subid=0
[35] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.336546224&type=2&subid=0" >Superwoman</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.336546224&type=2&subid=0
[36] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.322181116&type=2&subid=0" >Girl Talk (Karaoke In the Style of TLC)</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.322181116&type=2&subid=0
[37] http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&offerid=146261.303247397&type=2&subid=0" >Irreplaceable (As Made Famous By Beyonce)</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src=" src=" mce_src="/ src=""http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=D1a*6yCpj3s&bids=146261.303247397&type=2&subid=0
[38] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/beyonce
[39] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/chaka-kahn
[40] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/destinys-child
[41] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/kool-and-gang
[42] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/ladies-night
[43] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/mary-j-blige
[44] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/alicia-keys
[45] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/jill-scott
[46] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/lauryn-hill
[47] http://www.theroot.com/category/views-tags/womens-history-month

The Root's Favorite Female Anthems

The Root's Favorite Female Anthems

To celebrate Women's History Month, The Root staff compiled our favorite empowerment anthems. Some tracks make us tap our feet, some make us pump our fists and others make us cry. But every song is worth hearing. Take a look ... and listen.

Comments