Master And Servant
Depeche Mode Lyrics


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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 (it's a lot like life)
And that's what's appealing
If you despise (it's a lot like life)
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 (it's a lot like life)
And that's what's appealing
If you despise (it's a lot like life)
That throwaway feeling
From disposable fun
Then this is the one

Let's play master and servant (it's a lot)
Come on, master and servant (it's a lot)
Let's play master and servant (it's a lot)
Come on, master and servant (it's a lot) (it's a lot)




Let's play master and servant (it's a lot) (it's a lot)
Come on, master and servant

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Depeche Mode's song "Master and Servant" are about a sexual relationship in which one person dominates and the other submits. The song doesn't make it clear who is playing which role, but it suggests that both parties are consenting to the arrangement. The lyrics use a lot of metaphors to describe the power dynamic, comparing it to a game with added reality, a play between the sheets, and a nameless domination that extends beyond the bedroom.


The chorus repeats the phrase "Let's play master and servant," emphasizing the idea that this is a role-playing game that the two people involved have chosen to play. The line "forget all about equality" suggests that this is not a relationship based on equal footing, but rather one in which one person has more power than the other. The line "domination's the name of the game in bed or in life" further emphasizes the idea that the power dynamic extends beyond the bedroom into the rest of their lives.


Overall, the song explores the blurred lines between pleasure and pain, dominance and submission, and the ways in which sexual relationships can reflect power dynamics in larger society.


Line by Line Meaning

It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot
This activity involves a lot of effort and investment.


It's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot, like life
This activity is a metaphor for life, where you have to invest a considerable amount of effort to get ahead.


There's a new game we like to play you see
We have a new activity we like to do.


A game with added reality
This game involves a degree of real-life experience.


You treat me like a dog
You treat me poorly, like a pet.


Get me down on my knees
Make me submit to your authority.


We call it master and servant
We refer to this activity as master and servant.


This play between the sheets
This activity is sexual in nature.


With you on top and me underneath
You are in control, and I submit to you.


Forget all about equality
We do not view each other as equals in this activity.


It's a lot like life (it's a lot like life)
This activity mirrors life in many ways.


And that's what's appealing
That's what draws us to this activity.


If you despise (it's a lot like life)
If you dislike the feeling of throwing things away after using them.


That throwaway feeling
The feeling of discarding something after it has served its purpose or value.


From disposable fun
From the kind of entertainment that one can easily replace with something else.


Then this is the one
This activity is for you if you dislike such disposable fun.


Domination's the name of the game in bed or in life
The game is all about domination, whether it's in bed or in daily life.


They're both just the same
The dynamics in bed and daily life are similar.


Except in one you're fulfilled at the end of the day
In bed, fulfilling your desires provides satisfaction unlike in daily life.


Master and servant
The central theme of this game is dominance/submission.


Come on, master and servant (it's a lot)
Let's do this game, even though it requires a lot of effort.


Come on, master and servant (it's a lot) (it's a lot)
Let's engage in this game, even though it requires substantial effort and investment.


Come on, master and servant
Let's play this game where one partner is in control and the other must submit.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Martin Gore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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