After releasing several EPs and compilation tracks, the Beatnik Termites released their seminal first full-length album, Taste the Sand, in 1995, which established them as the torch bearers of the oldiescore genre. In 1996, they recorded Bubblecore, a foray into harder edged sounds. In 2003, they returned to their classic oldies-influenced sound with Girl Crazy Also of note, in 1997 the band covered the Ramones 1981 album Pleasant Dreams. The Beatnik Termites' catalog is currently available on Insubordination Records.
Don't Tell Me
Beatnik Termites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While you gave me that kiss it was something like this it made me go ooh ohh
You wiped my tears, got rid of all my fears, why did you have to go
Guess it wasn't enough to take up some of my love
Guys are so hard to trust
Did I not tell you that I'm not like that girl
The one who gives it all away
Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time
Did you think that it was somethin' I was gonna do and cry
Don't try to tell me what to do,
Don't try to tell me what to say,
Your better off that way
Don't think that your charm and the fact that your arm is now around my neck
Will get you in my pants I'll have to kick your ass and make you never forget
I'm gonna ask you to stop, thought I liked you a lot, but I'm really upset
Get out of my head get off of my bed yeah that's what I said
Did I not tell you that I'm not like that girl, the one who, throws it all away
Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time
Did you think that it was somethin' I was gonna do and cry
Don't try to tell me what to do,
Don't try to tell me what to say,
Your better off that way
This guilt trip that you put me on won't, mess me up I've done no wrong
Any thoughts of you and me have gone away
Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time
Did you think that it was somethin' I was gonna do and cry
Don't try to tell me what to do,
Dont try to tell me what to say,
Your better off that way
Better off that way
I'm better off alone anyway
The song "Don't Tell Me" by Beatnik Termites is a powerful break-up song that showcases the singer's strength and confidence in moving on from a toxic relationship. In the first verse, the singer reflects on the good memories of the relationship, but ultimately realizes that the partner wasn't trustworthy. Despite the physical affection and emotional support, the partner chose to leave. In the chorus, the singer is defiant and rejects the partner's attempts to control and influence her. She affirms her independence and self-respect, declaring that she won't "give it up" to him and that he is "better off that way." In the final verse, the singer returns to her initial realization - she has done no wrong and feels no guilt for the end of the relationship. She states that she is better off alone, a powerful and empowering statement.
The song addresses themes of trust, independence, and strength. It highlights the importance of respecting oneself and the right to choose one's own actions and emotions. The singer's rejection of the partner's pleas and manipulations is a strong affirmation that she won't be controlled or manipulated.
Line by Line Meaning
You held my hand and walked me home I know
You were physically there for me, you supported me through tough times, I appreciate it.
While you gave me that kiss it was something like this it made me go ooh ohh
The kiss made me feel something, but it doesn't necessarily mean I want anything more from you.
You wiped my tears, got rid of all my fears, why did you have to go
You helped me emotionally, but now you're gone and I don't know how to cope on my own.
Guess it wasn't enough to take up some of my love
You didn't appreciate or value what I had to offer.
Guys are so hard to trust
My past experiences have made me wary of trusting men.
Did I not tell you that I'm not like that girl
I've made it clear that I have my own standards and I won't just give myself away.
The one who gives it all away
I won't let a guy take advantage of me or my body.
Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time
Do you really think I'm that type of girl who would just sleep with you?
Did you think that it was somethin' I was gonna do and cry
I won't be emotionally manipulated by you, even if you try to make me feel bad for saying no.
Don't try to tell me what to do,
You don't get to have control over my actions.
Don't try to tell me what to say,
I won't let you manipulate me with your words or guilt-tripping.
Your better off that way
You're better off walking away from me because I won't be pushed around.
Don't think that your charm and the fact that your arm is now around my neck
Just because you're physically close to me doesn't mean you automatically get what you want.
Will get you in my pants I'll have to kick your ass and make you never forget
If you try to force something on me or disrespect my boundaries, I won't hesitate to fight back.
I'm gonna ask you to stop, thought I liked you a lot, but I'm really upset
I'm not afraid to speak up for myself and tell you when I'm not okay with something.
Get out of my head get off of my bed yeah that's what I said
You're not welcome in my personal space or my thoughts anymore because I don't trust you.
This guilt trip that you put me on won't, mess me up I've done no wrong
I won't let you make me feel bad for standing up for myself, I know I did the right thing.
Any thoughts of you and me have gone away
I'm moving on from you and looking to the future without you in it.
Better off that way
I'm happier and better off without you in my life.
I'm better off alone anyway
I don't need a man to validate my worth, I can be just fine on my own.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AVRIL RAMONA LAVIGNE, EVAN DAVID TAUBENFELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind