The song "I Don't Depend On You" by The Human League is about a person who refuses to be manipulated or taken advantage of in a romantic relationship. The lyrics express the narrator's determination to not be controlled or dependent on their partner. The opening lines, "The night, so young, You could lose, You could gain, Your temperature's rising, Better pull into the outside lane", suggest the excitement and uncertainty of a new relationship. However, the narrator quickly reveals that they are aware of their partner's tendency to be jealous and spread rumors about them. The chorus repeats the message of independence and refusal to be used, with lines like "I've played this scene before, you had one foot in the door, But there's always plenty more, don't try to use me." The narrator asserts that they have their own friends and will not become someone's wife just to be used. The lyrics also highlight the narrator's strength and self-reliance, as they declare, "It's cruel but it's true, I don't depend on you", emphasizing that they do not rely on their partner for their happiness or well-being. The line "go back to the end of the queue" further emphasizes that the narrator will not be treated as just another option in their partner's life. Overall, the song conveys the theme of empowerment and standing up for oneself in relationships. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining independence and not allowing oneself to be used or manipulated.
