Manners

Song Meaning

Laura Tesoro's track "Manners" is a sharply-observed diss track aimed squarely at the emotionally stunted. It's a takedown of those individuals who, faced with someone else's success, resort to blame-shifting and undermining rather than genuine support. The core question, "Tell me where you lost your manners," isn't just about etiquette; it's a challenge to the target's fundamental decency and emotional maturity. Tesoro dissects the classic narcissistic playbook: deflecting responsibility ("Blame it on time / Blame it on work / Blame it on them"), taking without reciprocity ("Take what you want but never return"), and subtly diminishing the other person to elevate themselves ("Push me down below your standards"). The lyrics paint a picture of someone actively sabotaging Tesoro's achievements, driven by envy and insecurity. The lines "Cause when I do good / You lay troubles on me / Don't wanna see me make it / Cause you think that I'll leave" expose the root of the problem: a fear of abandonment masked as criticism. The song isn't just about bad behavior; it's about the psychological underpinnings of that behavior. It suggests a person so consumed by their own anxieties that they can't celebrate another's wins, instead resorting to tactics that erode the relationship. What makes "Manners" resonate is its universality. We've all encountered people who struggle with genuine support, who seem to thrive on negativity. Tesoro's lyrics give voice to the frustration and hurt caused by these interactions. The repeated refrain, "Where are your manners at?" becomes more than a simple question; it's an indictment of a culture that often rewards self-interest over empathy. The bridge, with its lines about "Relations are shattering" and "Forcing a smile," hints at the devastating consequences of such behavior, not only for the target but also for the perpetrator, who remains trapped in a cycle of negativity.