Back to the Drawing Board

“Back to the Drawing Board” by New Rules is a vivid narrative about the unpredictable nature of romantic encounters. The song begins with the protagonist meeting a girl named Lucy, who immediately sets a lively and engaging tone. Their night is filled with fun activities like karaoke and bar hopping, suggesting a promising start to their relationship. However, the protagonist soon realizes that Lucy is not looking for the same kind of connection he is, leading to a sudden and unexpected end to their night together.

The chorus captures the essence of the song, highlighting the protagonist's surprise and disappointment. Lucy's actions and intentions are not what he anticipated, and it takes him until the morning to understand the kind of love she is seeking. This realization brings him back to the metaphorical 'drawing board,' a place where he must reassess his approach to love and relationships. The phrase 'back to the drawing board' signifies starting over, reflecting the protagonist's need to rethink his romantic strategies and expectations.

In the second verse, the protagonist attempts to move on by spending time with Lucy again, this time in a coffee shop and later at a bar. Despite their enjoyable moments, the pattern repeats itself, and he finds himself back at square one. The song's repetitive structure and lyrics emphasize the cyclical nature of his romantic misadventures. Ultimately, “Back to the Drawing Board” is a relatable tale of the highs and lows of dating, capturing the excitement of new connections and the inevitable setbacks that often accompany them.