#SOTD: “New Rules” By Dua Lipa
Today’s Song of the Day is Dua Lipa’s New Rules. (Soundcloud, and Apple)
New Rules is this 7th single Dua Lipa’s self-titles debut album. On a press tour she stated that this song is “the breakup song I wish I had when I was breaking up with someone.” When you listen to the lyrics and watch the music video it becomes clear why that is the case for Lipa. The British singer’s career started off like many recent hit artists, and that is through covers and the power of Youtube. Some of the her significant covers were of Pink and Nelly Furtado’s songs. She has described her music as “dark pop”, which is fitting. Her music plays like many pop songs, but her lyrics are contemplative, and striking. Her voice is what differentiates her from her pop contemporaries. Her voice is powerful, deep and raspy, and draws comparisons to her idol Pink.
In an interview with the New York Times she said this about her music
“All the sad things that happen are the things that linger on my mind the longest, the things that I feel like I want to write about,” she said. “But then at the same time I like dancing to it. So it’s finding that mixture between lyrically it being very personal and inspired by events, and then being able to also listen to it and dance along and not think about what the lyrics can mean.”
Whilst listening to New Rules you can hear a young woman reassuring herself that she is better than a bad relationship. She takes a step back to see the situation with fresh new eyes and creates 3 simply rules to prevent herself from falling for him again. This is a very common and relatable situation.
One, don’t pick up the phone
You know he’s only calling ’cause he’s drunk and alone
Two, don’t let him in
You’ll have to kick him out again
Three, don’t be his friend
You know you’re gonna wake up in his bed in the morning
And if you’re under him, you ain’t getting over him
Everyone can relate to this situation. Sometimes the ones we are with aren’t good for us, and you must think of your well-being.
After the breathtaking music video dropped it became clear that New Rules has a 4th rule, have a solid support system. Your new rules won’t work if you don’t have people who can help you. For Lipa that solid support system is your sisters, who will face the same situation.
The last act of the song/video teaches us that we all have friends who are in a bad relationship, you see the effects, and it is your responsibility to help them see the truth.
The song can be broken into 3 phases. Phase 1, do what you must to get yourself out of this bad relationship. Layout your rules, and live by them. Phase 2, be happy with your decision and embrace the people around you who make you better. Phase 3, recognize the signs in your friends and help them live by their own new rules. The key is to success is in the bridge.
Practice makes perfect
I’m still tryna’ learn it by heart
(I got new rules, I count ’em)
Eat, sleep, and breathe it
Rehearse and repeat it, ’cause I
(I got new, I got new, I…)
This is an important bop this summer. It has a great beat, great vocals, and a great message of self-empowerment and sisterhood.
Check out the rest of Dua Lipa’s self titled album on Spotify, Itunes, and Soundcloud.
Lyrics can be found here.
Check this song out in our archives on Spotify and SoundCloud! Are there any songs you love, or feel is underrated be sure to let us know in the comments and on Twitter and you might find them featured on our page.
