The meaning and story of Jayme Dee's song "Rules" revolves around the idea of artificial love and conformity. The lyrics speak to someone who claims to know what love is, but in reality, they are just repeating words they have heard without truly understanding or feeling them. The song suggests that this person lacks genuine emotions and is incapable of experiencing pain or fear due to their lack of depth. They are described as being like a machine, controlled by electricity and wires, dictating their every action. This person claims to have memories and feelings, but the protagonist questions whether they are truly genuine or simply manufactured based on what they have been told to feel. The chorus, "We run around the rules," reflects the theme of rebellion and breaking free from societal norms. It implies that both the protagonist and this artificial individual are going against the expectations and constraints set by society. The repetition of the line emphasizes this defiance and hints at a sense of liberation. Throughout the song, the protagonist acknowledges their role in causing pain to the artificial individual, but they also believe that this person has the ability to disconnect or erase their emotions with a flip of a switch. It highlights the idea that their emotions may not be as real or meaningful as they claim them to be. Overall, "Rules" criticizes the idea of artificial love, conformity, and the notion of following societal expectations blindly. It urges listeners to question the authenticity of emotions and encourages them to break free from restrictive rules and expectations.
