Master and Servant

Depeche Mode

About Master and Servant

"Master and Servant" is Depeche Mode's eleventh UK single, released in 1984 and the second single from the Some Great Reward album. Its subject matter is BDSM relationships, which caused some controversy. It reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart, number 49 in the American dance chart and number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100.


Year:
1984
4:12
47 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot
It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, like life

There's a new game we like to play you see
A game with added reality
You treat me like a dog
Get me down on my knees

We call it master and servant
We call it master and servant

It's a lot like life
This play between the sheets
With you on top and me underneath
Forget all about equality

Let's play master and servant
Let's play master and servant

It's a lot like life and that's what's appealing
If you despise that throwaway feeling
From disposable fun
Then this is the one

Domination's the name of the game in bed or in life
They're both just the same
Except in one you're fulfilled at the end of the day

Let's play master and servant
Let's play master and servant

Master and servant
It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot
It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, like life
It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot
It's a lot, it's a lot, master and servant
It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot
It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, like life

It's a lot like life and that's what's appealing
If you despise that throwaway feeling from disposable fun
Then this is the one

Let's play master and servant
Come on, master and servant
Let's play master and servant
Come on, master and servant
Let's play master and servant
Come on, master and servant

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode ( /dɨˈpɛʃ/) are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan (lead vocals, occasional songwriter since 2005), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, vocals, chief songwriter after 1981), Andy Fletcher (keyboards) and Vince Clarke (keyboards, chief songwriter 1980–81). Clarke left the band after the release of their 1981 debut album, Speak & Spell, and was replaced by Alan Wilder (keyboards, drums, occasional songwriter) with Gore taking over songwriting. Wilder left the band in 1995; Gahan, Gore, and Fletcher have since continued as a trio. more »

4 fans

Written by: Martin Gore

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Information
"Master and Servant" is a song by the British electronic music band Depeche Mode, released in 1984 in the UK as their 11th single and on their fourth studio album, "Some Great Reward".
Band Composition
Depeche Mode, known for their innovative use of synthesizers and electro-pop genre, comprises Dave Gahan (lead vocals), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitars, vocals, songwriting), and Andy Fletcher (keyboards, backing vocals).
Artistic Concept
The song was noted for its explicit lyrical content, which center around the blurred lines between pleasure and pain related to sadomasochism.
Musical Style
"Master and Servant" is known for its highly synthesized instrumentation and heavy use of sampling. The song makes notable use of the noise of a whip and various other sounds of industrial origin.
Controversy
The song faced radio censorship in the United States because of its perceived sexual undertones, particularly seen in its chorus "It's a lot like life / This play between the sheets / With you on top and me underneath / Forget all about equality".
Chart Success
Despite the controversy, "Master and Servant" reached number 9 in the UK singles chart. It also had significant success in several other countries, including reaching number 49 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Video Direction
The music video for "Master and Servant" was directed by Clive Richardson, who had directed a number of other videos for the band.
Cover Version
Nouvelle Vague, a French band known for covering classic 80's new wave, included their version of "Master and Servant" on their 2009 release, "3".
Live Performances
Depeche Mode has consistently included this song in their set lists for tour performances since the release.
Album Success
The album "Some Great Reward", which includes "Master and Servant", contributed significantly to Depeche Mode's transition to a more darker, edgier sound that subsequently attracted the American audience, cementing their place in alternative music.

Discuss the Master and Servant Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Master and Servant Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9757236/Depeche+Mode/Master+and+Servant>.

    Missing lyrics by Depeche Mode?

    Know any other songs by Depeche Mode? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Master and Servant

    15.7M
    54,648     1,474

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is the theme song to the movie: Casper?
    A Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters
    B Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
    C Jordan Hill - Remember Me This Way
    D Phil Collins - Against All Odds

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Depeche Mode tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!