The first verse of the song addresses the listener's wish to control external factors such as the rain, wind, and sun. It suggests a feeling of being restricted or held back, being told to stop doing something or told what to do, and a desire to rebel against this. The chorus emphasizes the desire to be free from the constraints of the society, to not conform to the norms and expectations but to be true to oneself.
The second verse speaks of the desire to remain uninfluenced by the judgments of others. It calls attention to the fact that the speaker recognizes how much there is to learn and that she will not be bound by the expectations of those who want to mold her in their own image. The lyrics of the song imply the idea that one should be cautious about compromising their own individuality and be prepared to defend their own independence and choices.
Overall, "Don't Tell Me" is a song that speaks to the importance of self-discovery, individuality, and the desire to live a life that is true to oneself. It calls for defiance against falling in line with societal norms and the pressure of conforming to the expectations of others. The song encourages listeners to remain true to themselves and live life on their own terms.
Don't Tell Me
Madonna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell the rain not to drop
Tell the wind not to blow
'Cause you said so
Tell the sun not to shine
Not to get up this time, no, no
Let it fall by the way
Tell me love isn't true
It's just something that we do
Tell me everything I'm not
But please don't tell me to stop
Tell the leaves not to turn
But don't ever tell me I'll learn, no, no
Take the black off a crow
But don't tell me I have to go
Tell the bed not to lay
Like the open mouth of a grave, yeah
Not to stare up at me
Like a calf down on its knees
Tell me love isn't true
It's just something that we do
Tell me everything I'm not
But don't ever tell me to stop
(Don't you ever)
Tell me love isn't true
It's just something that we do
(Don't you ever)
Tell me everything I'm not
But don't ever tell me to stop
(Don't you ever) please don't
Please don't
Please don't tell me to stop
(Don't you ever tell me)
Don't you ever
Don't ever tell me to stop
(Tell the rain not to drop)
Tell the bed not to lay
Like the open mouth of a grave, yeah
Not to stare up at me
Like a calf down on its knees
(Tell the bed not to lay)
(Like the open mouth of a grave, yeah)
(Not to stare up at me)
(Like a calf down on its knees)
The lyrics of Madonna's song "Don't Tell Me" convey a sense of rebelliousness and defiance towards authority. Madonna sings about not wanting to be told what to do or how to feel, and rejecting the idea that love is something that can be controlled or regulated. She uses images of nature – rain, wind, sun, leaves – to underline her point, suggesting that even these powerful forces can't be commanded by anyone. The chorus repeats the phrase "Tell me love isn't true / It's just something that we do / Tell me everything I'm not / But please don't tell me to stop," emphasizing the idea that love is something that happens naturally and can't be dictated or rationalized.
Throughout the song, Madonna's vocals are assertive and confident, with a slightly rough edge that adds to the rebellious tone of the lyrics. The musical accompaniment is similarly driving and intense, with a combination of acoustic and electronic instruments creating a pulsing, propulsive rhythm. The overall effect is a song that celebrates the idea of individuality and self-determination, and suggests that sometimes the best way to live is to reject the rules and follow your own path.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't tell me to stop
Don't force me to hold back or quit
Tell the rain not to drop
Tell something uncontrollable not to do what's in its nature
Tell the wind not to blow
Tell something uncontrollable not to do what's in its nature
'Cause you said so
I won't listen to orders just because they're yours
Tell the sun not to shine
Tell something uncontrollable not to do what's in its nature
Not to get up this time, no, no
Remain in the dark or hidden, unexposed to light
Let it fall by the way
Abandon or ignore something and let it vanish
But don't leave me where I lay down
Don't leave me behind or fail to help me when I'm down
Tell me love isn't true
Deny the existence of true love
It's just something that we do
Love is just a mere activity we engage in
Tell me everything I'm not
List all my faults and shortcomings
But please don't tell me to stop
Don't discourage me or tell me I can't do something
Tell the leaves not to turn
Tell something uncontrollable not to do what's in its nature
But don't ever tell me I'll learn, no, no
Don't assume I will eventually understand or change
Take the black off a crow
Change something's natural appearance or properties
But don't tell me I have to go
Don't tell me I must leave or go away
Tell the bed not to lay
Tell something inanimate not to exist or stay in a certain way
Like the open mouth of a grave, yeah
Something unpleasant or death-like
Not to stare up at me
Don't confront me or judge me
Like a calf down on its knees
Something vulnerable, weak, and helpless
Please don't tell me to stop
Please acknowledge my freedom and right to act
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, ONErpm, Hipgnosis Songs Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mirwais Ahmadzai, Joseph Henry Lee, Madonna Louise Ciccone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smithsmith6778
When I saw this video I went to a thrift shop and found a shirt that was like this. But I actually liked the shirt even more than the one she's wearing.
It was good to see her just looking natural and beautiful and being authentic. One of my favorite videos of Madonna.
Now, here it is 2024 and everyone is trashing her being on tour at age 65.
Instead of praising her for still being Someone who wants to get out there and live everyone is making fun of her.
I guess a lot of people wouldn't be sad if they heard of Madonna being sick in bed. Or unable to walk.
Keep going Madonna, do you !
Thank you for being part of my life in the eighties and inspiring me.
Growing up in the 80s, a lot of bands have split up and we never heard from them anymore, but Madonna is still here. And we should support her.
@robertjohnson1602
One of Madonna's best songs and is underrated for its originality. 23 years old and it still holds up. Nostalgic and heartfelt with the orchestral strings echoing the sentiment that time is moving and we cannot stop it. Complimented by the Wild West theme.
@Fingerling2012
Geez 23 years already, seems like yesterday when this came on vh1
@roseenglish6872
Well said!
@brd8764
#btw
@BigatingMasahista
These dancers deserve to be known and remembered! Fantastic choreography and execution!
@ambulanssoforuyandancarklh2088
best comment
@shaunwitten543
1:18 Canadian actor Christian Vincent of LOGO series Noah's Arc.
@1jazzyphae
Facts
@ianminto5654
the choreography is just class!!! as is the song!
@carloartificialintelligence
They're the perfect "dancing queer"cowboys.