A Melancholy Anthem to Fading Love
The Unspoken Grief of “Treat Me Like You Used To”
There are certain songs that, with just a few opening notes, transport us back to a specific time and feeling. For many of us who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, “Treat Me Like You Used To” is one of those songs. It’s a track that embodies the bittersweet ache of a relationship losing its spark, a feeling we all understand but rarely articulate so poignantly. Released in 1985, this deeply moving duet by David Cassidy and Sue Shifrin was a quiet hit that, while not a chart-topper in the United States, still managed to resonate deeply with audiences who found themselves in its lyrics. It reached a respectable No. 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, a testament to its broad appeal and emotional core.
The story behind this song is as intriguing as the track itself. “Treat Me Like You Used To” was the first single from David Cassidy’s 1985 album, “Romance.” This was a period of professional resurgence for Cassidy, who, after a decade of relative quiet following his superstardom as Keith Partridge, was attempting to re-establish himself as a serious adult musician. The song was a perfect vehicle for this transition, showcasing a more mature and introspective side of the artist. The collaboration with Sue Shifrin was a stroke of genius. At the time, Shifrin was an accomplished songwriter and producer, and her soulful, powerful vocals provided the perfect counterpoint to Cassidy’s familiar, gentle croon. The chemistry between them is palpable, creating a dynamic tension that makes the song so effective.
The song itself is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. It’s a plea, a desperate cry for things to return to the way they were. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two people who have grown apart, a couple whose once-passionate love has settled into a comfortable, but cold, routine. The chorus, “Treat me like you used to,” is not just a request; it’s a heart-wrenching lament for lost intimacy. The song explores a universal truth: the pain of being with someone you love, yet feeling completely alone. It speaks to the quiet sorrow of unspoken disappointments and the subtle ways relationships unravel. The narrative is so simple, yet so profound. The man’s perspective, sung by Cassidy, is one of confusion and sadness, while the woman’s, sung by Shifrin, seems to reflect a weary resignation. It’s a conversation that has happened in countless living rooms, cars, and quiet moments between partners.
The song’s production is a time capsule of the mid-80s, complete with synthesizers and a slick, polished sound, yet its emotional depth transcends the era’s trends. It’s the kind of song you’d hear on a late-night radio show, driving home on a lonely road, lost in your own thoughts. It evokes memories of a simpler time, when heartbreak felt epic and every slow dance at a high school prom seemed to tell a story of eternal love. For those who were young adults in the 80s, the song may bring back memories of a first serious relationship, the joy of a new romance, and the subsequent pain of its inevitable decline. It’s a reminder of how time changes everything, including the way we love and are loved. Ultimately, “Treat Me Like You Used To” isn’t just a song about a breakup; it’s a reflection on the fragile nature of connection and the importance of cherishing the love we have before it slips away.