Julia Klot’s “Lie” brings in sharp, honest narration about the idea of self-respect, boundaries, and frustrations from unwanted attention. The lyrics project the woman in confidence, standing firm in the social setting trying to rebuff advances from the guy who refused to understand her disinterest.

It’s a song that opens onto a scene most of us have probably been in: someone across the bar, eyeing the protagonist, convinced they have a shot. With the first verse, Julia Klot makes her lyrics very clear-the protagonist has no interest in engaging and invites the other person to “walk away.” The straightforward nature of that line makes it immediately apparent what the vibes for the rest of the track are going to be-this is a song about being cutthroat and uncompromising.

In the pre-chorus, Klot expresses how out of touch the pursuer is by comparing their intentions with the protagonist’s intention-to have a good time without romantic interruptions. Empowering here is a boundary set to not let someone else decide how a woman should feel or act out in social situations.

The chorus is catchy and cuts deep. Lines like “Lose my number, I don’t wanna talk no more” and “You think I’m being funny, baby that’s no lie,” are surely where the firm stance of the protagonist comes through. Klot wittily plays with the word “lie,” using it to face the misconceptions of the man trying to win her, at the same time pointing to how common and predictable such encounters get.

It’s by the second verse that the tension really ramps up, addressing the ways in which the pursuer’s behavior-which she no doubt finds charming-is decidedly not. In the second chorus, Klot turns the tables on that classic narrative of women seeking attention, asserting those assumptions are, indeed, a “lie.”

All in all, “Lie” is refreshingly honest-anthem territory for anyone who’s ever had to fend off unwanted advances-sporting smart, empowering lyrics that cut deep.