The narrator contemplates telling someone something important and seeks validation from a friend. They eventually answer a phone call from the person they were thinking about, only to confess that they have been seeing someone else. The narrator feels the need to teach this person a lesson because they were lacking something in the relationship. They make it clear that they won't be the one being deceived anymore and that the person will have to face the consequences of their actions. The lyrics emphasize the idea that an old dog can't learn new tricks.

Meaning of "Old Dog, New Bitch" by Ella Mai

The lyrics of "Old Dog, New Bitch" explore themes of infidelity, power dynamics, and taking control of one's own happiness. The narrator is in a situation where they have been mistreated or taken for granted in a relationship. The decision to see someone else is an assertion of their own worth and a way to regain control. By confessing their actions, the narrator seeks to teach the other person a lesson and make them realize the consequences of their behavior. The phrase "can't teach an old dog new tricks" suggests that the person they were with has a pattern of behavior that is unlikely to change, indicating a lack of growth or willingness to learn from past mistakes. Overall, the song empowers the narrator to assert their own agency and demand better treatment.