Unwritten Rules

by Aphra Taylor

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about

This song is about unhealthy coping mechanisms and the impact they can have on loved ones.The lyrics depict the negative reactions that people can have to mental illness and how our gut reactions towards a loved one who is struggling can be upsetting to the individual going through it. It’s also however, about the healthier coping mechanisms of art and music and how they can heal.

“I carry around lots of guilt about the impact my mental health issues had on my loved ones. It’s really stupid though because if I was physically ill I wouldn’t feel so bad about being unwell. It’s an angry song, I was angry at myself and my brain and our horrible society. It started off as anger towards people but I soon realised that these feelings were misdirected which is why it seems as if I am talking to a person within the song when I am not".

At its core, ‘Unwritten Rules’ presents the complexities of human relationships and the negative aspects that are found within even the healthiest of connections to other people.

This song is the final of three new songs to be released in the lead up to my appearance at Truck Festival 2022 (I play the Veteran's and Virgins stage at 1:30pm on the Friday).

I have attended every Truck Festival since I was born, I was so excited when I heard that I had been selected to play by BBC Introducing and it's even more special that it's Truck's 25th anniversary this year! It seemed a perfect opportunity to release the new songs...

lyrics

The Earth separates before my eyes,
Just losing that initial sunlight.
Conversation turns to an internal world,
Making sense is making physical.

And I…
I…
I…
Can’t do it tonight.
Can’t do it tonight.

When life’s a dream and so is belief,
When life’s a lie and so is the mind.
That’s what you get for destroying your thighs.
You’re meant to be a womb but there are unwritten rules.

And I…
I…
I…
Can’t do it this time.
Can’t do it this time.

I know if I cry then we’ll argue all night.
You say I’m like you but I’d never be so cruel.
You’re using the past in every plan.
Begging for dreams to untangle death.

And I…
I…
I…
Can’t do it tonight.
Can’t do it…

And I…
I…
I…
Can’t do it this time.
Can’t do it this time.

And I…
I…
I…
Can’t do it.
Can’t do it

credits

released July 6, 2022
All songs written by Aphra Taylor.
All vocals and instrumentation by Aphra Taylor
except drums Gaz Farmer..

Artwork by Aphra Taylor.

Produced and Mixed by Aphra Taylor.
Mastered by Tim Turan (Turan Audio).

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about

Aphra Taylor London, UK

Indie/Folk musician from Oxford now based in SE London.

'Aphra has a sleepy-eyed mellifluous voice that allows her gentle ruminations to sparkle'- Nightshift Magazine

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