Double Standard

Song Meaning

Sheena Easton's track, ostensibly titled "Masters of War" (though lyrics and common knowledge suggest the title is "Double Standards"), dives headfirst into the psychological warfare of a relationship fractured by hypocrisy. The song isn't a subtle lament; it's a defiant roar against the insidious asymmetry of expectations. The opening verse establishes a pattern of infidelity, glossed over initially, but now deemed 'too many times.' This isn't just about cheating; it's about the erosion of trust caused by the partner's perceived right to operate outside the agreed-upon boundaries. Easton isn't just airing grievances; she's calling out a fundamental imbalance of power. The phrase 'the code you live by just isn't mine' underscores a profound disconnect, highlighting incompatible moral frameworks within the relationship. This sets the stage for the chorus, the heart of the song’s meaning. The chorus of Sheena Easton's "Double Standards" is a raw, repetitive accusation. The phrase 'double, double standards' becomes a mantra, hammering home the central theme. It's not simply about different perspectives ('a different point of view'); it's about the active imposition of unequal rules. The line 'the rules that you apply to me, you don't apply to you' is a direct challenge, laying bare the partner's self-serving logic. The repeated assertion speaks to the singer’s frustration with the partner’s inability to understand her point of view or respect the boundaries of the relationship. There is a clear power imbalance in how each person views the other, and how they view the relationship itself. Yet, "Double Standards" isn't just a victim's lament; it's a declaration of independence. The second verse marks a turning point. The singer, no longer willing to 'wait,' announces a shift in power dynamics. The line 'I've got someone new to meet' isn't necessarily about finding a replacement; it's about reclaiming agency. The reference to a 'fifty-fifty' relationship, a 'two-way street,' directly contrasts the previous dynamic, emphasizing the desire for equality and mutual respect. The final repetition of the chorus solidifies this newfound resolve. The concluding line, 'If you can do it, I can do it, there's no dividing line,' is a potent statement of defiance. Easton's song meaning is clear: hypocrisy breeds resentment, and ultimately, a rejection of the unequal power dynamic, as the singer declares she will no longer be bound by the unfair rules of the relationship.