Rules
The Ex Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you're on a family fun day
Queuing in the sun
When some old bloke breezes up
And slips into the front
If you're unsure what to think
Here's a rule of thumb
If he really acts like that
If one day you're dining out
Quietly tucking in
And some fat bloke start's talking loud
Treating staff like shit
If you're unsure what to think
Here's a rule of thumb
If he really talks like that
He's probably a cunt
Self-obsessed and selfish
Self-satisfied and numb
I'm not altogether certain
It's just a rule of thumb
Show some respect – don't let them off
Show some respect – don't let it go
Show some respect – don't let is pass
Show some respect – don't let them through
Rule of thumb
Tootling down the 370
Steady fifty on the clock
When some bearded bloke appears from behind
Roars by then cuts you up
If you're unsure what to think
Here's a rule of thumb
If he really drives like that
He's probably a cunt
Self-obsessed and selfish
Self-satisfied and numb
I'm not altogether certain
It's just a rule of thumb
Show some respect – don't let them off
Show some respect – don't let it go
Show some respect – don't let is pass
Show some respect – don't let them through
The Ex's song Rules is a commentary on the lack of respect and consideration people have for one another in society. The song explains that there are certain actions that individuals can take which can provide insight into their character. For example, if someone cuts in front of you in a queue or drives recklessly on the road, they are likely a "cunt." The song also addresses issues with individuals who treat service workers with disrespect, suggesting that those who "talk like that" are also likely "cunts."
The chorus of the song encourages listeners to have respect for themselves and others, and to not let disrespectful behavior slide. The repeated use of the phrase "rule of thumb" suggests that these guidelines for identifying disrespectful behavior are common sense and should be well-known by all, yet many still fail to adhere to them.
Despite the straightforward nature of the lyrics, there are some interesting nuances to the song. For example, the line "self-obsessed and selfish, self-satisfied and numb" suggests that these disrespectful behaviors are a result of an individual's self-centered attitude. Additionally, the use of the word "cunt" as an insult is often viewed as controversial, as it is a highly gendered term. The Ex's use of the term may be seen as a form of resistance against dominant cultural norms that allow for disrespectful behavior towards others.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me give you a rule of thumb…
I'm about to tell you some useful advice
If you're on a family fun day
If you're enjoying yourself with your family
Queuing in the sun
Waiting in line in hot weather
When some old bloke breezes up
When an older man suddenly appears
And slips into the front
And cuts in line
If you're unsure what to think
If you're not sure how to react
Here's a rule of thumb
Here's some general advice
If he really acts like that
If he continues to behave rudely
He's probably a cunt
He is likely a terrible person
If one day you're dining out
If you're having a meal at a restaurant
Quietly tucking in
Eating your food calmly
And some fat bloke start's talking loud
And a large man begins speaking loudly
Treating staff like shit
Being rude and disrespectful to the restaurant workers
If you're unsure what to think
If you're not sure how to react
Here's a rule of thumb
Here's some general advice
If he really talks like that
If he continues to talk rudely
He's probably a cunt
He is likely a terrible person
Self-obsessed and selfish
Only thinking about oneself
Self-satisfied and numb
Pleased with oneself and unfeeling
I'm not altogether certain
I'm not completely sure
It's just a rule of thumb
It's only general advice
Show some respect – don't let them off
Treat them politely rather than excusing their bad behavior
Show some respect – don't let it go
Don't ignore poor behavior or let it slide
Show some respect – don't let is pass
Don't allow unacceptable behavior to continue
Show some respect – don't let them through
Don't permit terrible people to succeed
Tootling down the 370
Casually driving along the road
Steady fifty on the clock
Going at a constant 50 miles per hour
When some bearded bloke appears from behind
When a bearded man suddenly approaches from behind
Roars by then cuts you up
Speeds past and suddenly cuts in front of you
If you're unsure what to think
If you're not sure how to react
Here's a rule of thumb
Here's some general advice
If he really drives like that
If he continues to drive recklessly
He's probably a cunt
He is likely a terrible person
Self-obsessed and selfish
Only thinking about oneself
Self-satisfied and numb
Pleased with oneself and unfeeling
I'm not altogether certain
I'm not completely sure
It's just a rule of thumb
It's only general advice
Show some respect – don't let them off
Treat them politely rather than excusing their bad behavior
Show some respect – don't let it go
Don't ignore poor behavior or let it slide
Show some respect – don't let is pass
Don't allow unacceptable behavior to continue
Show some respect – don't let them through
Don't permit terrible people to succeed
Rule of thumb
General advice to follow
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Billy Barry, Steve Meat
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind