Don't Tell Me

Ruel's song "Don't Tell Me" is a powerful declaration of self-determination and resilience. The lyrics convey a strong message of rejecting external judgments and asserting one's readiness for love and life's challenges. The opening lines, "Save your breath, my brother / It's not going in," set the tone for the song, emphasizing the protagonist's refusal to be swayed by others' opinions. This defiance is further highlighted by the line, "I choose how I sin," indicating a personal autonomy over one's actions and decisions.

The recurring theme of past experiences and reincarnation, as seen in lines like "I've got a distant memory of previous lives" and "My soul's resurrected," suggests a deep sense of self-awareness and wisdom gained from past lives. This spiritual element adds a layer of depth to the song, implying that the protagonist's readiness for love and life is rooted in a profound understanding of their own soul and its journey. The repeated assertion, "Don't tell me I'm not ready for love," serves as a mantra of self-belief and confidence.

The song also touches on the struggle against external pressures and expectations. Lines like "The course that you have set for me / The shadows you crossed over me" reflect the challenges imposed by others, yet the protagonist remains steadfast in their resolve to overcome these obstacles. The imagery of horizons and fading light in the final verse symbolizes the uncertainty of the future, but the protagonist's determination to "make it through" underscores their unwavering spirit. Ruel's emotive delivery and the song's anthemic quality make "Don't Tell Me" a compelling ode to personal strength and the courage to follow one's own path.