Don't Dumb Down
The Rumble Strips Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You're not 17 no more, but you act just like you are
What the hell is that all about?
Did you hear that a girl likes it loud
Oooh, honey

You don't come from London, do you?
But sometimes you sound like you do
What the hell is that all about?
Did you hear that a girl likes it loud
Well, honey

Don't dumb down for me
I ain't that kind of girl (x2)

Holding, holding on to nothing
Don't you see that darling
You can shake your fist and shout
There's some people that I can do without
Woah, honey

Don't dumb down for me
I ain't that kind of girl (x2)

It's just more of the same

Don't dumb down for me
I ain't that kind of girl (x2)





Don't dumb down, darling (x3)

Overall Meaning

The Rumble Strips's song Don't Dumb Down is a clever criticism of individuals who try too hard to fit in or impress others by acting younger, cooler or talking a certain way. The opening line "You're not 17 no more, but you act just like you are" refers to people who cling onto a particular time in their life where they felt popular or included. The song is essentially calling out the need for authenticity and individuality. The line "Don't you see that darling, you can shake your fist and shout, there's some people that I can do without" highlights a sense of frustration with individuals who prioritize fitting in over being true to themselves. They are essentially saying that "dumbing down" to fit in can result in losing one's true identity and possibly even losing people who appreciate them for who they are.


The chorus, "Don't dumb down for me, I ain't that kind of girl," is a straight-forward message to people who feel pressure to fit in or impress someone. The singer is essentially saying that she values individuality and honesty, and that she prefers people who are true to themselves, regardless of whether or not they fit in. The repetition of "Don't dumb down, darling" emphasizes the song's message, and is a reminder to be true to oneself.


Line by Line Meaning

You're not 17 no more, but you act just like you are
You're acting immature and not embracing your age


What the hell is that all about?
What's your problem?


Did you hear that a girl likes it loud
I heard that some girls prefer louder music


Oooh, honey
Expression of disappointment/frustration


You don't come from London, do you?
Are you faking your accent?


But sometimes you sound like you do
Your accent is inconsistent


Don't dumb down for me
Don't lower your intelligence for my sake


I ain't that kind of girl (x2)
I don't want you to underestimate me


Holding, holding on to nothing
You're clinging onto something that doesn't exist


Don't you see that darling
Can't you realize?


You can shake your fist and shout
You can get angry and yell all you want


There's some people that I can do without
I don't need certain people in my life


Woah, honey
Expression of disappointment/frustration


It's just more of the same
It's repetitive and unoriginal


Don't dumb down, darling (x3)
Don't lower your intelligence or compromise your individuality, dear




Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions