Blue Monday

The overall theme of the song centers around emotional turmoil and frustration. The speaker grapples with feelings of betrayal and the struggle to understand their emotions. It captures a sense of longing for clarity and connection, yet the pain of being mistreated creates a barrier. The repetition of questions about feelings highlights a deep desire for validation and understanding in a confusing situation.

Verse 1

How does it feel to treat me like you do?
When you've laid your hands upon me
And told me who you are
I thought I was mistaken
I thought I heard your words
Tell me, how do I feel?
Tell me, now, how do I feel?

In this verse, the speaker directly addresses someone who has hurt them. The opening question sets a tone of hurt and betrayal, making it clear that they feel wronged. The lines about "laying hands" suggest intimacy that has turned sour. The speaker's doubts about their understanding reflect confusion and a desperate search for answers. They want to know how they should feel, emphasizing their uncertainty.

Chorus

How does it feel?
How should I feel?
Tell me, how does it feel
To treat me like you do?

The chorus repeats the central question about feeling and treatment. It’s a powerful moment of vulnerability, showing how deeply affected the speaker is. The repetition emphasizes their emotional distress and longing for reassurance. It feels like a cry for help, as if the speaker is searching for validation in their pain.

Verse 2

Those who came before me
Lived through their vocations
From the past until completion
They'll turn away no more
And I still find it so hard
To say what I need to say
But I'm quite sure that you'll tell me
Just how I should feel today

In this verse, there’s a sense of history and legacy. The mention of those who “came before” suggests a cycle of pain and perhaps lessons learned. The speaker feels stuck in their own struggle, unable to express themselves fully. They seem to be looking for guidance from the person who hurt them, which adds to the feeling of dependency and confusion.

Chorus

I see a ship in the harbor
I can and shall obey
But if it wasn't for your misfortunes
I'd be a heavenly person today
And I thought I was mistaken
And I thought I heard you speak
Tell me, how do I feel?
Tell me, now, how should I feel?
Now I stand here waiting

Here, the imagery of the ship in the harbor suggests a longing for escape or change. The idea of obedience hints at a power imbalance in the relationship. The speaker reflects on how the other person's troubles have impacted their own well-being, indicating a sense of lost potential. The repetition of questions about feeling reinforces their internal struggle, leaving them in a state of waiting and uncertainty.

Bridge

I thought I told you to leave me
When I walked down to the beach
Tell me how does it feel
When your heart grows cold? (Grows cold, grows cold)

In the bridge, there’s a moment of confrontation. The speaker recalls telling the other person to leave, suggesting they've reached a breaking point. The mention of the beach evokes a sense of peace that contrasts sharply with the coldness of the heart. This line captures the disappointment and emotional distance that has grown in the relationship, emphasizing the pain of feeling abandoned.

Chorus

How does it feel?
How should I feel?
Tell me, how does it feel
To treat me like you do?
How does it feel?
How should I feel?
Tell me, how does it feel
To treat me like you do?

The final chorus drives home the emotional weight of the song. It’s almost like an anthem of hurt, where the speaker repeatedly seeks understanding. The insistence on asking how it feels highlights their desperation for clarity and resolution. It’s a powerful conclusion that leaves listeners feeling the rawness of their emotional experience.

Closing Thoughts

"Blue Monday" by Orgy is a compelling exploration of emotional pain and confusion in relationships. The lyrics are straightforward yet deeply relatable, capturing the struggle of feeling mistreated. The repetitive questioning reflects a universal experience of wanting to understand one's feelings, especially after betrayal. It's a song that resonates with anyone who's felt lost in their emotions, making it both haunting and impactful.