Rules

Mitski's song "Rules" is a poignant exploration of the emotional complexities and self-imposed guidelines that often accompany relationships and personal transformation. The song opens with a rhythmic counting sequence, which sets a structured, almost mechanical tone, reflecting the rigid rules or steps the narrator feels compelled to follow. This counting can symbolize the repetitive and sometimes monotonous nature of trying to adhere to personal rules in relationships.

The lyrics delve into a series of numbered rules that the narrator seems to have set for themselves. These rules outline a journey from initial attraction and vulnerability to eventual heartbreak and solitude. The progression from being "dressed like your best idea" to being "ruined" and ultimately "nobody's anyone anymore" captures the cycle of hope, disappointment, and self-reinvention. The mention of a new haircut and becoming "somebody else" suggests a desire for transformation and escape from past identities and emotional baggage.

Mitski's music often touches on themes of identity, loneliness, and the struggle for self-acceptance, and "Rules" is no exception. The song's conclusion, with its reference to being woken by "that old light," hints at the inevitability of facing reality and the passage of time, despite attempts to change or escape. This light could symbolize clarity or the harsh truth that comes with morning, reinforcing the idea that despite the rules we set, emotions and experiences are often beyond our control.