Shouldn't Have Done That
Depeche Mode · A Broken Frame [1982]
Plans made in the nursery
Can change the course of history
Remember that
Mummy's annoyed, says go and play
Don't show your face
Stay away all day
Shouldn't have done that
A small boy and his infantry
Marching around so naturally
Shouldn't have done that
Grows up and goes to school
Such a nice boy
Obeys all the rules
Mummy's proud of that
Leaves school to follow his ambition
Knows what he wants
To be a politician
Shouldn't have done that!
Can change the course of history
Remember that
Mummy's annoyed, says go and play
Don't show your face
Stay away all day
Shouldn't have done that
A small boy and his infantry
Marching around so naturally
Shouldn't have done that
Grows up and goes to school
Such a nice boy
Obeys all the rules
Mummy's proud of that
Leaves school to follow his ambition
Knows what he wants
To be a politician
Shouldn't have done that!
Shouldn't Have Done That
Released in 1982 on Depeche Mode's debut album A Broken Frame, 'Shouldn't Have Done That' stands as a defining track of the band's early synth-pop evolution. The song captures the raw energy and emotional vulnerability characteristic of their first recordings, blending driving rhythms with melodic hooks that would become hallmarks of their sound. As one of the group's earliest singles, it helped establish their reputation for atmospheric electronic music while showcasing the vocal prowess of Dave Gahan. The track remains a staple of their discography, reflecting the genre's transition from new wave to modern synth-pop and cementing the band's legacy in the history of electronic music.

