None Of Your Business
Salt N Pepa
Empowerment and Independence: Salt-N-Pepa's Anthem of Self-Determination
Salt-N-Pepa's song "None Of Your Business" is a powerful declaration of personal autonomy and resistance against societal judgment. The lyrics confront the intrusive and often hypocritical scrutiny that women face regarding their personal choices, particularly in their romantic and sexual lives. The repeated refrain, "It's none of your business," serves as a bold assertion of the right to privacy and self-determination, rejecting the double standards and moral policing imposed by others.
The song's verses delve into the frustration of being constantly judged and criticized. Lines like "Opinions are like assholes, and everybody's got one" highlight the ubiquity of unsolicited advice and judgment. Salt-N-Pepa challenge these societal norms by emphasizing that their choices, whether it's who they date or how they live their lives, are their own and should not be subject to external validation or condemnation. This message is particularly resonant in the context of the early 1990s, a time when discussions about women's rights and sexual freedom were gaining momentum.
Moreover, the song addresses the issue of double standards, particularly in the lines, "How many rules am I to break before you understand that your double standards don't mean shit to me." Salt-N-Pepa call out the hypocrisy of being judged more harshly for behaviors that are often overlooked or even celebrated in men. By doing so, they advocate for gender equality and the dismantling of outdated and unfair societal norms. The song's closing lines, which reference divine judgment, further underscore the idea that no one has the right to judge others, reinforcing the theme of personal freedom and respect for individual choices.