“Not Allowed” by TV Girl is a provocative indie pop song that blends frank discussions of sexuality with themes of unrequited desire and relationship complexities.
The track features samples from Yeastie Girlz, adding a rebellious tone to its exploration of societal taboos around sex. Through vivid imagery and candid lyrics, TV Girl delves into the frustrations of unfulfilled attraction and the tension between desire and social constraints.
The song’s narrative weaves through jealousy, fantasy, and resignation, ultimately painting a picture of the complicated emotions involved in modern relationships.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Not Allowed” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro: Yeastie Girlz]
Now you suck
We wanna talk about sex, but we’re not allowed
Well, you may not like it, but you’d better learn how ’cause it’s your turn now
Boy, you’re wasting your tongue with lame excuses and lies
Now, what’s on your nasty old mind?
The song opens with a sample from Yeastie Girlz, setting a rebellious tone about discussing sex despite societal taboos. This introduces the central conflict of desire versus restriction.
[Verse 1: TV Girl]
So how should I begin this?
I guess it started when you were with him
And how he never even took you out to dance
But did he fuck with any rhythm?
But now he’s playing with your head
But did he ever make you cum?
Did he ever make you cry?
Do the wires in your mind get sewn together?
Rubbed and severed by the heat
You don’t know how long I could stare into your picture
And wish that it was me
I guess it’s different ’cause you love him
But I’ve got an interactive
Sick and twisted imagination
And that’s gotta count for something
The narrator reflects on the addressee’s relationship with another person, questioning its quality and intimacy. The lyrics suggest a sense of jealousy and a belief that the narrator could offer a more fulfilling connection. The imagery of “wires in your mind” alludes to the complicated nature of emotions and attraction.
[Chorus: Yeastie Girlz]
We wanna talk about sex, but we’re not allowed
Well, you may not like it, but you’d better learn how ’cause it’s your turn now
Boy, you’re wasting your tongue with lame excuses and lies
Get your face between my thighs
The repeated chorus emphasizes the frustration of being unable to openly discuss or act on sexual desires. It challenges the addressee to confront these feelings rather than making excuses.
[Verse 2: TV Girl]
I dreamt I was standing in your doorstep
Licking sweat off of your forehead
With your finger in my mouth
And the sound when leather jackets hit the ground
You should hear when you’re not around
When it’s just us horny poets
Who can’t wait to write it down
And swear we were only being honest
Do you like these little sonnets?
‘Cause I wrote them just for you
But how quickly they turn sour
So be careful who you screw
And never call
And I’m starting to suspect
You don’t intend to do anything you say at all
This section delves deeper into the narrator’s fantasies and longing. It describes vivid, sensual scenarios and expresses the narrator’s creative outlet for these unfulfilled desires. The verse also hints at the potential consequences of casual relationships and the bitterness that can arise from unmet expectations.
[Outro: Yeastie Girlz]
All by yourself, sittin’ alone
I hope we’re still friends, yeah, I hope you don’t mind
All by yourself, sittin’ alone
I hope we’re still friends, yeah, I hope you don’t mind
All by yourself, sittin’ alone
I hope we’re still friends, yeah, I hope you don’t mind
All by yourself, sittin’ alone
I hope we’re still friends, yeah, I hope you don’t mind
All by yourself, sittin’ alone
I hope we’re still friends, yeah, I hope you don’t mind
All by yourself, sittin’ alone
I hope we’re still friends, yeah, I hope you don’t mind
All by yourself, sittin’ alone
I hope we’re still friends, yeah, I hope you don’t mind
All by yourself, sittin’ alone
I hope we’re still friends, yeah, I hope you don’t mind
The outro repeats a plea for continued friendship, suggesting a resignation to the current situation. This repetition emphasizes the narrator’s lingering hope for connection, even if it’s not the romantic or sexual relationship they desire.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Not Allowed”
“Not Allowed” by TV Girl delves into the complex emotions surrounding unrequited desire and the frustration of being unable to pursue a romantic or sexual relationship. The song explores themes of longing, jealousy, and the internal struggle that arises when one’s feelings are not reciprocated or when societal norms prevent the expression of those feelings.
The lyrics paint a picture of a narrator who is deeply attracted to someone who is either unavailable or unwilling to engage in a sexual relationship with them. This situation creates a sense of tension and resentment, as the narrator grapples with their intense feelings while being denied the opportunity to act on them. The song’s title, “Not Allowed,” emphasizes the barriers – whether self-imposed, societal, or set by the object of desire – that prevent the narrator from pursuing their romantic or sexual interests.
The deeper meaning of the song lies in its exploration of the human psyche when faced with rejection or unfulfilled desire. It highlights how people often react with anger, frustration, or even hopes for the other person’s regret when their advances are rebuffed. This reaction stems from a place of emotional immaturity and an inability to handle rejection gracefully. The song serves as a mirror to the listener, prompting reflection on how one might react in similar situations and the importance of respecting others’ boundaries and decisions.
Furthermore, “Not Allowed” touches on the theme of objectification and the fine line between admiration and obsession. The narrator’s intense focus on the physical and sexual aspects of their desire reveals a struggle with seeing the object of their affection as a complete person with agency and the right to make their own choices. This aspect of the song invites listeners to consider the ethics of desire and the importance of maintaining respect and boundaries in romantic pursuits.
Ultimately, “Not Allowed” by TV Girl is a nuanced exploration of the human experience of unrequited love and forbidden desire. It captures the raw emotions and often irrational thoughts that accompany such situations, while subtly critiquing the unhealthy attitudes that can arise from uncontrolled longing. The song’s popularity and resonance with listeners suggest that it taps into a universal experience, encouraging introspection and empathy in matters of the heart.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.