
Don't Let Them In is a song by Perfume Genius, from the album *Too Bright*, released in 2014. The song explores themes of vulnerability and protection, with the narrator expressing exhaustion and a desire to be shielded from external judgments and intrusions. The lyrics allude to violent dreams, sacred dances, and a sense of being trapped within one's body. The song has been praised for its hypnotic and swirling quality, and it has resonated with listeners for its raw and emotional exploration of personal boundaries and mental states.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Name | Don't Let Them In |
| Artist | Perfume Genius |
| Album | Too Bright |
| Lyrics | "Don't let them in, I am too tired / To hold myself carefully / And wink when they circle the fact / That I'm trapped in this body" |
| "Don't let them in, they're well-intended / But each comment rattles some deep ancient queen / I have violent dreams about that couple / In an alternate ribbon of time" |
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What You'll Learn

Exhaustion and entrapment
"Don't Let Them In" by Perfume Genius is a song that explores themes of exhaustion and entrapment. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is weary and struggling to maintain their composure in the face of external pressures and expectations.
The song begins with a plea: "Don't let them in". The singer is asking for protection from an unspecified "them", perhaps representing outside forces or societal expectations. The singer acknowledges their own exhaustion, stating that they are "too tired to hold [themself] carefully". This sense of fatigue is so profound that they cannot even muster the energy to maintain their public facade.
The song continues with a reference to being "trapped in this body", suggesting a sense of entrapment and discomfort with one's physical form. This feeling of being trapped is further emphasized by the mention of "violent dreams", which could symbolize the singer's desire to break free from their current state. The singer's dances being "sacred" and their lisp being "evidence that [they] spoke for both spirits" adds a layer of spiritual and otherworldly dimensions to their character.
The line "they're well-intended" suggests that the singer recognizes the good intentions of "them", but despite this, their comments and actions have a detrimental effect. Each interaction "rattles some deep ancient queen", indicating that the singer feels a deep, ancestral resonance with their words, perhaps tapping into a collective historical trauma. This sense of being rattled or disturbed further contributes to the theme of exhaustion, as the singer is worn down by the constant barrage of comments, regardless of their intention.
Overall, "Don't Let Them In" by Perfume Genius is a powerful exploration of exhaustion and entrapment. Through its lyrics, the song conveys the experience of someone struggling to maintain their composure while navigating external pressures and their own internal turmoil. The sense of being trapped, both physically and mentally, is palpable, and the singer's plea for protection and understanding resonates throughout.
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Violent dreams
"Don't Let Them In" by Perfume Genius is a song from the 2014 album *Too Bright*. The song describes a state of mental and emotional exhaustion, with the narrator pleading, "Don't let them in / I am too tired / To hold myself carefully". The lyrics convey a sense of being trapped within one's body and the vulnerability that comes with it.
The line "I have violent dreams / About that couple" suggests that the narrator is struggling with intrusive thoughts or nightmares that disrupt their sense of peace. These violent dreams are a stark contrast to the sacred dances mentioned in the following line, "My dances were sacred". The sacred dances could represent a time when the narrator felt more in control of their body and expression, unburdened by the violent dreams or outside influences.
The reference to a lisp" and speaking "for both spirits" hints at a spiritual or supernatural element to the song. The narrator may be communicating with entities beyond the physical realm, adding a layer of complexity to their already tumultuous inner world.
The well-intended comments that "rattle some deep ancient queen" could represent societal expectations or norms that do not align with the narrator's true self. Each comment underscores a disconnect between how the narrator is perceived and how they feel on a deeper level, trapped and exhausted.
Overall, the song "Don't Let Them In" by Perfume Genius paints a picture of someone struggling with their sense of self, exhausted by the weight of other people's expectations, and seeking refuge from violent dreams and intrusive thoughts. It is a raw and emotional appeal for understanding and acceptance.
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Sacred dances
In the song 'Don't Let Them In' by Perfume Genius, the artist explores the struggle to maintain personal identity and self-worth in the face of external judgments and intrusive comments. The line "My dances were sacred" is a powerful statement within this narrative of self-protection and acceptance.
The song's lyrics convey a sense of exhaustion and a desire to safeguard one's inner self: "I am too tired / To hold myself carefully". The reference to sacred dances adds a layer of spiritual and ritualistic significance to this act of self-preservation. It suggests that the dances are not merely recreational but are instead imbued with deeper meaning and purpose.
These sacred dances could represent a form of expression that is unique to the individual, a way to communicate their inner thoughts, emotions, and spiritual connection. By describing them as sacred, the artist elevates these dances to a realm of sanctity, setting them apart from ordinary movements or gestures.
The mention of an "alternate ribbon of time" further enhances the idea that these dances transcend the boundaries of conventional reality. They exist in a realm where the artist's true self can be expressed without inhibition or judgment. The lisp mentioned in the lyrics could be interpreted as a symbol of this alternate reality, a sign that the artist is speaking for both their earthly and spiritual selves.
By invoking sacred dances, Perfume Genius emphasizes the importance of safeguarding one's intrinsic nature and unique forms of expression. It is a reminder that, amidst external pressures and judgments, there are aspects of ourselves that are deeply personal and worthy of protection. These sacred dances serve as a metaphor for the rituals and practices that empower us to maintain our sense of self in a world that often challenges our individuality.
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Comments and rattled queens
"Don't Let Them In" is a song by Perfume Genius, from the album "Too Bright", released in 2014.
The lyrics "Don't let them in / I am too tired / To hold myself carefully / And wink when they circle the fact / That I'm trapped in this body" suggest a sense of exhaustion and a desire to keep people at a distance, perhaps due to feeling trapped or constrained in some way.
The line "Don't let them in / They're well-intended / But each comment rattles some deep ancient queen" indicates that while the speaker recognises that the comments or actions of others may come from a good place, they still have a negative impact. The use of the word "queen" here could be interpreted in a few ways. On one hand, it could be a positive term, indicating power and strength. On the other hand, it could be used ironically, to highlight the fragility of the speaker's self-esteem or sense of self.
The speaker in the song seems to be struggling with their sense of self and their place in the world, as indicated by the lines "I have violent dreams / About that couple / In an alternate ribbon of time / My dances were sacred / And my lisp was evidence / That I spoke for both spirits". They appear to be grappling with their identity, their past, and their relationships with others.
Overall, the song "Don't Let Them In" by Perfume Genius explores themes of exhaustion, vulnerability, and the impact of other people's comments and actions on one's sense of self. The speaker in the song seems to be navigating a difficult path, trying to protect themselves while also dealing with the consequences of other people's well-intentioned but ultimately harmful comments.
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Well-intentioned people
In the song 'Don't Let Them In', Perfume Genius, the stage name of Michael Hadreas, grapples with the struggle of maintaining personal identity and self-worth in the face of external judgments and well-meaning but intrusive comments. The song explores the artist's fixation on his image, body, and the fear of losing loved ones.
The line "Don't let them in / I am too tired / To hold myself carefully / And wink when they circle / The fact that I'm trapped / In this body" highlights the exhaustion of performing for others and navigating the judgments that come with it. The singer is asking not to be let in, perhaps to a space where they will be judged or where they will have to put on a performance.
The well-intentioned people referenced in the song could be interpreted as those who, with their comments, unintentionally cause harm or discomfort. The singer recognizes their good intentions but also acknowledges the impact their words have: "They're well intended / But each comment / Rattles some deep / Ancient queen". The "ancient queen" is a symbol of inner strength and heritage, suggesting that while the comments may be well-meaning, they can still shake one's core sense of self.
The song continues with references to sacred dances and speaking for both spirits, indicating a connection to spirituality and a search for meaning. The singer is navigating a space where they must protect themselves from external judgments while also exploring their own identity and self-acceptance.
Overall, the song 'Don't Let Them In' by Perfume Genius is a powerful exploration of the self and the impact of well-intentioned but intrusive comments from others. It highlights the importance of self-protection and the struggle to maintain personal identity in the face of external judgments.
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Frequently asked questions
Don't Let Them In.
Perfume Genius.
The artist grapples with the struggle of maintaining personal identity and self-worth amidst external judgments and well-meaning but intrusive comments.
The 'ancient queen' is a symbol of inner strength and heritage.
2014.









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