How does it feel to treat me like you do

Overview

The phrase 'How does it feel to treat me like you do' originates from the song 'Blue Monday' by New Order, a British band formed in 1980 after the dissolution of Joy Division. Released in 1983, 'Blue Monday' is a landmark track in electronic music history, blending post-punk influences with emerging synth-pop and dance elements. The song was written by band members Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert, and it was produced by New Order with Martin Hannett. Its release coincided with the rise of the 12-inch single format, which allowed for extended play and remixes, contributing to its commercial success. The track's distinctive sound, characterized by the use of a Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 synthesizer and a custom-built drum machine, helped define the electronic music scene of the 1980s. Over the years, 'Blue Monday' has been covered and sampled by numerous artists, cementing its status as a cultural icon in popular music.

How It Works

The creation of 'Blue Monday' involved innovative musical techniques and technology. The song was built around a repetitive, driving bassline played by Peter Hook on a Shergold Marathon bass guitar, which provided the foundational rhythm. Stephen Morris programmed the drum patterns using a custom-built sequencer and a Roland TR-808 drum machine, creating the iconic mechanical beat. Gillian Gilbert and Bernard Sumner utilized synthesizers like the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and an Oberheim OB-Xa to generate the melodic and harmonic layers, including the haunting synth hooks. The lyrics, starting with 'How does it feel to treat me like you do,' were written by Sumner and reflect themes of emotional detachment and relationship struggles, delivered in a monotone vocal style that contrasts with the energetic instrumentation. The production process, overseen by Martin Hannett, emphasized a clean, electronic sound with minimal reverb, enhancing the track's futuristic feel. This combination of analog technology and creative experimentation resulted in a song that seamlessly blends danceability with introspective lyrics.

Why It Matters

'Blue Monday' holds significant importance in music history for several reasons. Commercially, it revolutionized the 12-inch single market, becoming the best-selling 12-inch of all time and influencing the music industry's approach to extended formats. Artistically, it marked New Order's transition from post-punk to electronic dance music, paving the way for future genres like house and techno. The song's impact extends beyond sales; it has been featured in films, TV shows, and video games, such as 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City,' broadening its cultural reach. Its lyrics, including the opening line, have resonated with audiences for decades, often interpreted as commentary on personal and societal issues. In 2012, a re-release commemorating its 30th anniversary charted again in the UK, demonstrating its enduring popularity. Overall, 'Blue Monday' is a testament to innovation in music production and a lasting influence on electronic and popular music worldwide.