Justin Thirsk is brother to founding member of Pennywise, Jason Matthew Thirsk also a Epitaph Records Artist.
Don't
98 Mute Lyrics
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Don't make me talk to you.
Don't tell me how to act.
Don't show me what I lack.
Don't tell me what to eat.
Don't show me who to meet.
Don't tell me what to wear.
Don't give me that fucking stare.
I'm going to live my life my own way.
Don't criticize me.
Don't tell me who to be.
Don't tell me what's good or bad.
Don't show me the next new fad.
Don't tell me what to say.
Don't insist on what I play.
Don't call me ever again.
Don't be my fucking friend.
Keep your feeble criticisms to yourself.
They're not working just as far as I can tell.
You keep on talking but it's just a waste of time.
Your worthless dialogue won't penetrate my mind.
So don't.
The lyrics of "Don't" by 98 Mute are a bold and rebellious statement against the normative expectations most people face when trying to fit into society. The song is a loud and clear message to those that try to control others, dictate behavior, and impose their beliefs on others in general. The singer defies these notions of conformity and instead chooses to live life on his own terms. He is not interested in being told how to think, act, dress or even what to eat. He finds it empowering to be able to make his own choices and make his way in the world on his own terms.
The words, "Keep your feeble criticisms to yourself. They're not working just as far as I can tell" are especially important because they serve as a powerful reminder that no matter how hard people try to push their ideas on others, ultimately they are futile. The song is calling for everyone to exercise their own individuality and live their lives on their own terms. It's easy to get caught up in the expectations of others and lose your own sense of self, and this song serves as a reminder to resist falling into that trap.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't tell me what to do.
I don't want you to dictate my actions.
Don't make me talk to you.
I don't want to engage in conversation with you.
Don't tell me how to act.
I don't want you to control my behavior.
Don't show me what I lack.
I don't want to feel inferior based on your standards.
Don't tell me what to eat.
I don't want you to decide my food preferences.
Don't show me who to meet.
I don't want you to choose who I associate with.
Don't tell me what to wear.
I don't want you to influence my clothing choices.
Don't give me that fucking stare.
I don't want you to intimidate me with your gaze.
'Cause I don't listen to a single word you say.
I choose to ignore your advice completely.
I'm going to live my life my own way.
I am determined to make my own choices.
Don't criticize me.
I don't want to hear your negative comments.
Don't tell me who to be.
I don't want you to impose an identity on me.
Don't tell me what's good or bad.
I don't want you to pass judgment on my decisions.
Don't show me the next new fad.
I don't want to conform to your trends.
Don't tell me what to say.
I don't want you to control my speech.
Don't insist on what I play.
I don't want you to dictate my musical taste.
Don't call me ever again.
I don't want you to contact me in the future.
Don't be my fucking friend.
I don't want to associate with you in any way.
Keep your feeble criticisms to yourself.
I don't value your negative opinions.
They're not working just as far as I can tell.
Your attempts to control me are futile.
You keep on talking but it's just a waste of time.
Your words hold no significance for me.
Your worthless dialogue won't penetrate my mind.
Your opinions have no impact on me.
So don't.
Don't attempt to exert control over me.
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.