"Going Through the Motions" is a song by American singer-songwriter

Aimee Mann Aimee Elizabeth Mann (born September 8, 1960) is an American singer-songwriter. Over the course of four decades, she has released more than a dozen albums as a solo artist and with other musicians. She is noted for her sardonic and literate lyr ...

, which was released in 2005 as the lead single from her fifth studio album ''

The Forgotten Arm ''The Forgotten Arm'' is the fifth album by singer-songwriter Aimee Mann, with illustrations by artist Owen Smith. It was released by SuperEgo Records on May 3, 2005. It is a concept album, telling the story of two characters who run off with e ...

''. The song was written by Mann and produced by

Joe Henry Joseph Lee Henry (born December 2, 1960) is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. He has released 15 studio albums and produced multiple recordings for other artists, including three Grammy Award-winning albums. Early life H ...

. "Going Through the Motions" peaked at No. 18 in the US '' Billboard''

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chart.

Background

"Going Through the Motions" is one of a number of tracks on ''The Forgotten Arm'' to be based on the subject of substance abuse. The song was inspired by Mann's own experience with a friend who was addicted to crack cocaine and suffered a number of post-treatment relapses. Mann said about the song's inspiration to ''Womanrock.com'' in 2005, "It was like a phone call I had with him, where he was out of treatment, in a half way house, and was super manic and you just know. He relapsed shortly after that."

Critical reception

In a review of ''The Forgotten Arm'', Patrick Berkery of ''

The Philadelphia Inquirer ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'' is a daily newspaper headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The newspaper's circulation is the largest in both the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley metropolitan region of Southeastern Pennsy ...

'' described "Going Through the Motions" as "typical of Mann's better songs: catchy yet fatalistic". Jim Farber of the '' Daily News'' wrote, "Mann has some strong musical moments. 'Going Through the Motions' shows her flair for power-pop." ''

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'' considered the song to be one of three songs on ''The Forgotten Arm'' that are "immediately engrossing". Zeth Lundy of ''

PopMatters ''PopMatters'' is an international online magazine of cultural criticism that covers aspects of popular culture. ''PopMatters'' publishes reviews, interviews, and essays on cultural products and expressions in areas such as music, television, fi ...

'' felt the song, along with "Clean Up for Christmas", deals with "addictions

hat A hat is a head covering which is worn for various reasons, including protection against weather conditions, ceremonial reasons such as university graduation, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory. Hats which incorporate mecha ...

are confronted but never resolved". In a review of Mann's 2005 concert at the

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, Steven Mirkin of ''

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'' said of the song, "'Going Through the Motions' — a kissoff to a junkie lover — is wonderfully balanced between short and long phrases, the lyrics finely honed couplets dipped in poison."

Track listing

;CD single (promo) #"Going Through the Motions" – 2:57

Personnel

Going Through the Motions *

– lead vocals, guitar * Chris Bruce,

Julian Coryell Julian Coryell (born 1973) is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Biography Coryell was born in Pennsylvania in 1973 to famed jazz guitarist Larry CoryellAnderman, Joan (February 20, 2004). "Look how they've grown: Two childr ...

– guitar * Jebin Bruni – keyboards * Paul Bryan – bass, backing vocals *

Jay Bellerose Jay Bellerose is an American drummer and percussionist known primarily for his session and live performance work. He has contributed to the work of many well-known artists. Biography Bellerose was born in Maine. A jazz enthusiast, he attended ...

– drums Production *

– producer *

Ryan Freeland Ryan Freeland is an American record producer, songwriter, engineer, and mixer based in Los Angeles. Freeland is a five-time Grammy Award winner and is best known for his work with Bonnie Raitt, Ray LaMontagne, Aimee Mann, Joe Henry, Grant-Lee ...

– mixing, recording * Chris Reynolds, Jason Mott – assistant engineers *

Gavin Lurssen Gavin Lurssen is an American mastering engineer. He owns Lurssen Mastering in Hollywood, California.2005 songs 2005 singles Aimee Mann songs Songs written by Aimee Mann V2 Records singles