Master And Servant

Depeche Mode's 'Master And Servant' delves into the complex and often controversial themes of power dynamics and control, both in intimate relationships and broader societal contexts. The song uses the metaphor of a BDSM relationship to explore these themes, drawing parallels between the roles of 'master' and 'servant' in the bedroom and the power structures that exist in everyday life. The lyrics suggest that the interplay of dominance and submission is not just confined to sexual relationships but is a reflection of the hierarchical nature of society itself.

The song's opening lines, 'There's a new game we like to play you see, a game with added reality,' set the stage for this exploration. The 'game' referred to is one where traditional notions of equality are set aside, and roles of dominance and submission are embraced. This is further emphasized in lines like 'You treat me like a dog, get me down on my knees,' which vividly depict the power imbalance inherent in such relationships. The repetition of 'Let's play master and servant' serves as both an invitation and a challenge to the listener to confront these dynamics.

Depeche Mode also touches on the idea that these power dynamics are 'a lot like life,' suggesting that the feelings of domination and submission experienced in the bedroom mirror those in everyday interactions. The lyrics 'Domination's the name of the game, in bed or in life, they're both just the same' highlight this parallel. The song implies that while these dynamics can be fulfilling in a controlled, consensual environment, they also reflect the often oppressive structures present in society. By blurring the lines between sexual and social power dynamics, 'Master And Servant' encourages listeners to reflect on the nature of control and the ways it manifests in their own lives.