Emancipation

And if I weep, the tears are not for you;
And if I laugh, it isn’t for your joy;
You own nothing that I make or do;
My girl won’t be your girl, my boy your boy;

And if I’m happy you are not the cause;
And if I’m waiting, not for you I wait;
And if I stop, it’s not for you I pause;
I'll never say your name when I say "fate;"

If my cheeks blush, it’s not for you they’re pink;
And if I dream, I do not dream your face;
You own nothing that I am or think;
From all my life I take away your place.