New Rules

Sana from TWICE delivers a powerful message of self-empowerment and emotional resilience in her song 'New Rules.' The lyrics depict a struggle with a toxic relationship where the protagonist is caught in a cycle of emotional turmoil. The opening lines, 'Talkin' in my sleep at night, makin' myself crazy,' set the stage for the internal conflict and sleepless nights caused by an unrequited love. Despite the affection she feels, she acknowledges that her love interest does not reciprocate her feelings, leading her to establish new rules to protect herself.

The chorus of the song is a mantra of self-discipline and self-care. Sana lists out her new rules: 'One: Don't pick up the phone... Two: Don't let him in... Three: Don't be his friend.' These rules are a form of self-affirmation, a way to break free from the cycle of dependency and emotional pain. The repetition of these rules throughout the song emphasizes the difficulty of adhering to them but also underscores their importance. The line 'And if you're under him, you ain't gettin' over him' poignantly captures the essence of moving on from a relationship that is holding her back.

Sana's delivery of the song is both vulnerable and strong, reflecting the duality of feeling weak in the face of love but finding strength through self-imposed boundaries. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, especially the 'don't, don't, don't' refrain, mimics the internal struggle and the constant reminder needed to stay on track. 'New Rules' is not just a song about heartbreak; it's an anthem for anyone who has had to set boundaries to reclaim their self-worth and emotional health.