The song "Make Believe" by The Used expresses a sense of defiance and a refusal to conform to other people's expectations or rules. The lyrics convey a feeling of betrayal and disappointment, particularly towards someone who was supposed to guide and teach the narrator, but instead presented them with false truths and limitations. The narrator, as a child, had placed their trust in this person, believing they would teach them how to navigate life. However, they realize that they were deceived and that the teachings they received were not what they had hoped for. The lyrics emphasize the narrator's determination to no longer be controlled or dictated by this person or their beliefs. The song highlights the idea that there is not only one right way to live or see the world. The narrator rejects the notion that they have to keep their "head out of the clouds" or their "feet back on the ground" to conform to societal norms. They refuse to believe what this person is trying to sell them, recognizing that it is all just "make believe" or falsehood. The lyrics also suggest that the narrator has learned from their experiences and has gained a sense of independence and self-reliance. They assert that they don't need a map or a book to guide them, implying that they will find their own way and learn about love on their own terms. The repeated refrain of "You don’t get to tell me what to do anymore, You don’t get to tell me how to live anymore" reinforces the narrator's resolve to break free from the influence of this person. Overall, "Make Believe" is a song about standing up for oneself, rejecting imposed limitations, and finding one's own path in life, free from the expectations and manipulations of others.
