New Order

The song 'Blue Monday' by New Order is often considered a seminal track in the synth-pop and dance music genres, known for its iconic synthesizer opening and its driving beat. However, the lyrics convey a sense of introspection and emotional struggle that contrasts with the upbeat musical arrangement.

The opening lines, 'How does it feel to treat me like you do?' set a tone of confrontation, questioning the treatment received by the speaker from another person. This could be interpreted as a reflection on a personal relationship, where the speaker feels devalued or misunderstood. The repetition of 'Tell me, how do I feel' suggests a search for identity or understanding of one's emotions, possibly in the aftermath of a difficult interaction or relationship.

The second verse introduces the idea of predecessors who 'lived through their vocations' and implies a sense of duty or inevitability in following a path laid out by others. The speaker seems to struggle with expressing themselves and feels pressured by expectations on how to feel or behave. The imagery of a 'ship in the harbor' that the speaker 'can and shall obey' further symbolizes the notion of destiny or external control. The song ends with a chilling line, 'When your heart grows cold,' which could signify the emotional numbness that comes with disappointment or disillusionment. 'Blue Monday' captures the complexity of human emotions and the challenge of finding one's place in a world filled with expectations and past influences.