Don't Tell Me
Butane Lyrics


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You said you told me once

You said you told me twice

It doesn't matter how many times

Don't tell me
Don't even bother

It goes in one ear and out the other



You told me once, I didn't listen

You told me twice and I didn't care

You told me again, I didn't pay attention

It didn't matter that you were there.

Don't tell me what you want me to do

Don't tell me what you want me to be





I'll never ever listen to you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Butane's song "Don't Tell Me" are a direct reflection of the frustration and rebelliousness felt by the singer towards someone trying to dictate their actions and decisions. The first stanza emphasizes the singer's dismissive attitude, with the repetition of "Don't tell me" highlighting their unwillingness to listen to what is being said. The line "It goes in one ear and out the other" further emphasizes the singer's indifference, showing that they are not even willing to entertain or process the information given to them.


The second stanza gives more context to the situation, revealing that the singer has been given advice or instruction before, but has consistently ignored it. By repeating the phrase "You told me" three times, the singer is showing that they are aware of the other person's attempts to help or guide them, but remain stubborn in their ways. The final lines make it clear that the singer has no intention of changing their behavior, even if it means disregarding the advice of others.


Overall, the song comes across as a declaration of independence and individuality, with the singer unapologetically asserting their autonomy and rejecting anyone who tries to infringe upon it. The message is clear - the singer will make their own decisions and live their life how they see fit, without listening to anyone else's input.


Line by Line Meaning

You said you told me once
You mentioned that you had spoken to me before about something


You said you told me twice
You mentioned that you reminded me twice about something


It doesn't matter how many times
Regardless of how many times you brought it up or reminded me, it is not important


Don't tell me
Please do not inform me or provide me with any instructions or guidance


Don't even bother
There is no need to put in the effort or energy to tell me something


It goes in one ear and out the other
Whatever you say to me, I do not absorb or retain any of it


You told me once, I didn't listen
When you mentioned something to me before, I did not take it seriously or give it much attention


You told me twice and I didn't care
Even when you tried to remind me again, I did not show any concern or interest in what you were saying


You told me again, I didn't pay attention
When you brought it up once more, I was not focused or gave it any consideration


It didn't matter that you were there.
Your presence did not make a difference or have any effect on my reaction or behavior


Don't tell me what you want me to do
Please do not inform me or instruct me on how to act or behave in a certain way


Don't tell me what you want me to be
Please do not provide me with any expectations or desires of how I should present myself


I'll never ever listen to you
I will never take into account or consider anything you say or suggest to me




Contributed by Blake Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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