“Don’t Tell Me” was originally written by Madonna’s brother-in-law to be a tango. Madonna liked the song, but felt that the style didn’t match the rest of her new album, Music. She opted, instead, of “electronic meets country rock.”

There’s really much to say about the video (filmed almost 20 years ago!) other than I really enjoy the dance choreography. I subconsciously mimic the moves myself when I hear the song, much to the consternation of friends and family. Seriously, if you put a cowboy hat in my hands, I will immediately try to do the twirl that one guy does when he puts it on.

It’s like Madonna’s showing those upstarts Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera that she’s still got new tricks up her sleeve. It’s also something of a salvo at the likes of Sheryl Crow, too, showing that she can tap into Americana when she wants to.

And also that Madonna looks pretty chic in cowgirl duds. (It’s just not me, either. Wardrobe co-designer Arianne Phillips mentioned in a 2016 interview that this was one of her favorite Madonna style moments.)

I guess lyrically the song is a warning to a lover to not be so controlling. With all respects to Madonna, it really doesn’t come across when it’s a fun electronica/country bop.