Don't Tell Me
Manizha Lyrics
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I don't wanna think about the past
All I want is to drink
Hey teacher
Teach me how to look through the glass
I don't wanna kick about your politics
'Cause I don't wanna get involved in your war
Your critics
My only critic is my stupid heart
Don't tell me what to say or what to do
If you can't pray, i will pray for you
I have no money but a lot can buy
Whoa
Don't tell me what to say or what to do
If you can't pray, i will pray for you
I have no money but a lot can buy
Whoa, what i choose
Just what i choose
I don't wanna think about the future
I don't wanna think about the past
All i want is to drink
Hey teacher
Teach me how to look through the glass
Don't tell me what to say or what to do
If you can't pray i will pray for you
I have no money but a lot can buy
Whoa
Don't tell me what to say or what to do
If you can't pray i will pray for you
I have no money but a lot can buy
Whoa
Don't tell me what to say or what to do
If you can't pray i will pray for you
I have no money but a lot can buy
Whoa
Don't tell me what to say or what to do
If you can't pray i will pray for you
I have no money but a lot can buy
Whoa
What i choose
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Just what
Just what i choose
The lyrics of Manizha's song "Don't tell me" seem to be a declaration of independence and self-determination. The artist is clear about not wanting to dwell on the past or the future, but rather living in the moment, as symbolized by the line "All I want is to drink". The teacher mentioned in the second and fourth stanzas is probably a metaphor for society as a whole. The artist asks to be "taught how to look through the glass", meaning that she wants to see the world from her own unique perspective, rather than having someone else's views imposed on her.
The next stanza sees the artist talk about not wanting to be involved in politics or any kind of conflict. She dismisses the critics out there, saying that her own heart is her only critic. The chorus follows, and it's a defiant statement of independence. She refuses to let anyone dictate what she says or does, and instead she is going to follow her own chosen path. The repeated line "I have no money but a lot can buy" is an interesting paradox that seems to suggest that true values can't be purchased with money.
The final two stanzas repeat the earlier themes and reinforce the artist's message of self-determination. The repeated lines of "Don't tell me what to say" and "just what I choose" have the effect of turning the song into an anthem of defiance and self-determination, a call to anyone and everyone who wants to create their own path in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna think about the future
I don't want to worry about what's to come
I don't wanna think about the past
I don't want to dwell on what's already happened
All I want is to drink
I just want to enjoy myself and relax
Hey teacher
Addressing someone who is considered wise or knowledgeable
Teach me how to look through the glass
Teach me how to enjoy life without worrying about its imperfections
I don't wanna kick about your politics
I don't want to engage in political discussions or disputes
'Cause I don't wanna get involved in your war
Because I don't want to be a part of any conflict or hostility
I don't get what you say
I don't understand your point of view
Your critics
Those who disagree with or find fault in what you do or say
My only critic is my stupid heart
The only judgment or criticism that matters to me is my own emotions and inner feelings
Don't tell me what to say or what to do
I don't want anyone else to control or influence my actions or words
If you can't pray, i will pray for you
If you can't find your own inner peace and strength, I will hope for the best for you
I have no money but a lot can buy
Even though I don't have much material wealth, I still have many things in life that bring me joy and fulfillment
Whoa
Expressing surprise or strong emotion
What i choose
I have the power to make my own decisions and choices
Don't tell me what to say, oh
Repeated emphasis on the importance of individual freedom and self-expression
Just what
A continuation of the above emphasis
Just what i choose
The ultimate message of the song - that each person has the right to make their own choices and lead their own life
Contributed by Bailey L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.