Talkin’ in my sleep at night, makin’ myself crazy
Out of my mind, out of my mind
Wrote it down and read it out, hopin’ it would save me
Too many times, too many times
My love, he makes me feel like nobody else, nobody else
But my love, he doesn’t love me, so I tell myself, I tell myself
One: Don’t pick up the phone
You know he’s only callin’ ’cause he’s drunk and alone
Two: Don’t let him in
You’ll have to kick him out again
Three: Don’t be his friend
You know you’re gonna wake up in his bed in the morning
And if you’re under him, you ain’t gettin’ over him
I got new rules, I count ’em
I got new rules, I count ’em
I gotta tell them to myself
I got new rules, I count ’em
I keep pushin’ forwards, but he keeps pullin’ me backwards
Nowhere to turn, nowhere to turn
Now I’m standin’ back from it, I finally see the pattern
I never learn, I never learn
But my love, he doesn’t love me, so I tell myself, I tell myself
I do, I do, I do
Don’t pick up the phone
You know he’s only callin’ ’cause he’s drunk and alone
Two: Don’t let him in
You’ll have to kick him out again
Three: Don’t be his friend
You know you’re gonna wake up in his bed in the morning
And if you’re under him, you ain’t gettin’ over him
I got new rules, I count ’em
I got new rules, I count ’em
I gotta tell them to myself
I got new rules, I count ’em
I gotta tell them to myself
Practice makes perfect
I’m still tryna learn it by heart
Eat, sleep, and breathe it
Rehearse and repeat it, ’cause I
Don’t pick up the phone
You know he’s only callin’ ’cause he’s drunk and alone
Two: Don’t let him in
You’ll have to kick him out again
Three: Don’t be his friend
You know you’re gonna wake up in his bed in the morning
And if you’re under him, you ain’t gettin’ over him
I got new rules, I count ’em
I got new rules, I count ’em
I gotta tell them to myself
I got new rules, I count ’em
I gotta tell them to myself
Don’t let him in, don’t let him in
Don’t be his friend, don’t be his friend, no
Don’t let him in, don’t let him in, no no
Don’t be his friend, don’t be his friend
You’re gettin’ over him
Setting Boundaries and Finding Strength
“New Rules” by Sabrina Carpenter is an empowering anthem about self-respect and the struggle to break free from a toxic relationship. The song narrates the internal conflict of knowing what’s right yet repeatedly falling back into old habits. Through its catchy chorus, the protagonist sets out three clear rules to help herself resist the temptation of returning to someone who doesn’t truly value her. The repetition of these rules highlights the difficulty of moving on and the importance of creating boundaries for emotional well-being.
Embracing Personal Growth
Carpenter’s lyrics reflect a relatable cycle of heartbreak and healing. She recognizes her patterns and consciously decides to change them, emphasizing persistence and self-talk as tools for recovery. The message is clear: personal growth requires practice, patience, and the courage to prioritize oneself, even when emotions are strong.
Song Credits
- Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
- Songwriters: Caroline Ailin, Emily Warren, Ian Kirkpatrick