‘New Rules’ is a pop song by British singer Dua Lipa, released in 2017. The song’s lyrics describe the singer’s experience of setting rules for herself to avoid getting back together with an ex. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody juxtapose with its empowering and self-affirming lyrics.
The song begins with a simple, repetitive drum beat, which is soon accompanied by a smooth, laid-back guitar riff. The verse is dominated by Lipa’ silky-smooth vocals, as she sings about a past relationship and the feelings of hurt and confusion that come with it. The chorus features a strong, anthemic hook that encourages listeners to take control of their life and set new rules for themselves.
The lyrics are simple, but effective with a repetitive structure that helps to reinforce the message of the song.
Bold visuals
The music video for Dua Lipa’s ‘New Rules’ is a visually stunning work that complements the song’s themes of self-empowerment and breaking free from patriarchal norms. The video’s bright colours and bold visuals serve to emphasize the song’s message of self-love and independence, while also highlighting the importance of female friendship and support.
One of the key visual elements of the video is the use of bright colours and bold lighting. Throughout the video, Lipa and her female friends are depicted in a variety of brightly coloured outfits and settings, ranging from a neon-lit bathroom to a lush tropical garden. These visuals create a sense of energy and empowerment, emphasizing the idea that women can be bold and vibrant in self-expression. The video also features a number of striking visual effects. For example, the opening shot shows Lipa lying in bed, with a pink and blue colour filter overlaying the image. This effect creates a dreamlike quality, emphasizing the importance of imagination and creativity in the process of self-discovery and empowerment.
Another important visual element of the video is the depiction of female friendship and support. Throughout the video, Lipa is surrounded by a group of women who support and uplift one another. The women are shown dancing together, laughing, and helping one another get ready for a night out. This depiction of female friendship is particularly important, as it emphasizes the importance of mutual support and collaboration in the process of self-discovery and empowerment. The video’s treatment of the song’s lyrics is also noteworthy. For example, the chorus features Lipa singing, ‘I got new rules, I count ‘em / I got new rules, I count ‘em / I gotta tell them to myself / I don’t let him in, don’t let him in.’
In the video this chorus is accompanied by a shot of Lipa and her friends dancing together in a bathroom, with the camera moving around them in a circular motion.
This visual treatment emphasizes the importance of setting one’s own rules and boundaries, while also highlighting the joy and energy that can come from self-expression and collaboration.
Feminist perspective
‘New Rules’ is a song that can be analyzed from a feminist perspective, as it speaks of the theme of self-empowerment. The song’s lyrics promote the idea of self-love and independence, encouraging women to set their own rules and take control of their lives.
One of the key feminist themes in ‘New rules’ is the importance of self-love and independence. Throughout the song, Lipa emphasizes the need for women to prioritize their own needs and desires, rather than conforming to the expectations of men.
This message is particularly important in a patriarchal society, where women are often expected to prioritize the needs and desires of men over their own. By asserting her own rules and boundaries, Lipa is encouraging other women to do the same, and to prioritize their own needs and desires.
The theme of independence is also present in the song’s chorus, where Lipa sings, ‘If you’re under him, you ain’t gettin’ over him.’ This line suggests that women should not rely on men to move on from past relationships, and should instead focus on their own emotional healing. This is a powerful feminist message, as it encourages women to take control of their own lives and not depend on men for their emotional well-being.
The song’s lyrics also challenge the traditional gender roles that are often imposed on women. For example, in the first verse, Lipa sings, ‘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.’ These lyrics suggest that women should not feel obligated to accommodate men who only reach out to them when they are lonely or in need of emotional support.
This message is particularly important in a patriarchal society, where women are often expected to be the caregivers and emotional supporters for men, regardless of their own needs and desires. By setting her own rules and boundaries, Lipa is challenging these traditional gender roles and promoting a message of equality and mutual respect. Overall, ‘New Rules’ is a visually stunning work that complements the song’s themes of self-empowerment and breaking free from patriarchal norms. The song can also be identified as a powerful feminist anthem that promotes the idea of self-love, independence, and mutual support among women.
By setting her own rules and boundaries, Lipa is challenging traditional gender roles and encouraging women to prioritize their own needs and desires. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a hit with audiences around the world. The song is a testament to Dua Lipa’s skill as a songwriter and performer, and remains one of her most popular and enduring hits.