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!

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.