Meaning of "Rules" by The Hoosiers

The lyrics of "Rules" explore the concept of sense and the lack thereof in life. The speaker expresses their confusion and disillusionment with the world, stating that sense never seemed to make sense to them. They question the sense or logic that is often repeated by others, suggesting that it is not always reliable or accurate. The speaker seeks solace in nature, fleeing to the hills to clear their mind and rejecting the pills that were prescribed to them. This rejection of medication can be seen as a rebellion against social norms and expectations.

The lyrics then shift to a critique of society and its various flaws. The speaker mentions reading the news, but is disheartened by the fact that the bad guys seem to win while the good guys should. They challenge the validity of information, asking who told them that the world is not flat and questioning whether the source is reputable. This highlights the idea that information can be manipulated and distorted, leading to a lack of trust in what is presented as factual.

The song also explores the complexities of human relationships. The repeated lines "People didn't always like each other, did they? People didn't always get along" suggest a sense of disillusionment with the nature of human interaction. The speaker emphasizes that there is often a lack of harmony among people, highlighting the inherent conflicts and differences that exist.

Ultimately, the lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and a lack of control over one's own life. The repeated line "You know you're never gonna get to have the final say, you don't get to make the rules" signifies the idea that individuals are subject to external forces and systems that dictate their lives. The "game" referred to in the lyrics symbolizes the larger societal structures and power dynamics that manipulate and deceive people.

In summary, "Rules" by The Hoosiers explores themes of confusion, disillusionment, and the lack of control individuals have over their own lives. It criticizes the validity of information and questions the nature of human relationships, ultimately conveying a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness in the face of external forces.