Master and Servant Master and Servant "Master and Servant" is Depeche Mode's eleventh UK single (released on 20 August 1984) and the second single from the "Some Great Reward" album. Its subject matter is BDSM relationships, which caused some controversy. It reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart, number 49 in the American dance chart and number 87 on the "Billboard" Hot 100. The overtly sexual, BDSM-themed lyrics of "Master and Servant" — complete with synthesized whip-and-chain sound effects — reportedly meant that the song was banned by many radio stations in the United States (although the song reached the "Billboard" Hot
Master and Servant Act issued verbal calls challenging an employer's hiring practices such as only using non-union workers. A revised Master and Servant Act was passed in 1867, which supposedly limited imprisonment to "aggravated" breaches of contract (where injury to persons or property was likely to result), but it was clear that only workers were subject to its provisions. Imprisonment, even for non-aggravated breaches of contract, continued when working people failed to comply with court orders for specific performance or for non-payment of monetary damages and fines. Between 1858 and 1875 on average 10,000 prosecutions a year took place under the Act in Britain.