This song is about Stanley Milgram's experiment about obedience to authority.
from the wikipedia entry on the experiment:
Participants (acting as "teachers") gave what they thought were electric shocks to "learners". The "learners" were actually actors, and the shocks were spoof (not real). The learners reacted as if they were in real pain. As the "shocks" increased, they acted as if in very bad pain.
If at any time the subject ("teacher") wanted to stop the experiment, he was given a succession of verbal prods by the experimenter, in this order:
Please continue.
The experiment requires that you continue.
It is absolutely essential that you continue.
You have no other choice, you must go on.
The subtitle refers to the 37 out of 40 that continued despite the stress and pain they felt they were inflicting on someone.
![Cover art for We Do What We're Told [Milgram's 37] lyrics by Peter Gabriel](https://images.songmeanings.com/ed309eed-de8b-431d-95da-1907149475c2.webp)
This song is about Stanley Milgram's experiment about obedience to authority.
from the wikipedia entry on the experiment:
Participants (acting as "teachers") gave what they thought were electric shocks to "learners". The "learners" were actually actors, and the shocks were spoof (not real). The learners reacted as if they were in real pain. As the "shocks" increased, they acted as if in very bad pain.
If at any time the subject ("teacher") wanted to stop the experiment, he was given a succession of verbal prods by the experimenter, in this order:
The subtitle refers to the 37 out of 40 that continued despite the stress and pain they felt they were inflicting on someone.