The Real Voice Behind 'Hate Me': the Tragic Phone Call Hidden in the Opening Lyrics
By Sarah Jenkins
Q1: Who is the woman speaking in the voicemail at the beginning of "Hate Me"?
The voice belongs to Carmen Furstenfeld, the real-life mother of Blue October lead singer Justin Furstenfeld. The recording was a real message she left on his home answering machine during a period when he was missing and battling severe depression and addiction.
Q2: What is the primary meaning behind the chorus "Hate me today, make mind to hate me tomorrow"?
The lyric illustrates an addict's defensive desire to push his loved ones away. Convinced he was going to die or ruin his life, Justin Furstenfeld wanted the people who cared about him to resent him so they would not suffer as intensely from his eventual loss.
Q3: On which album was the song "Hate Me" originally released?
The song was released as the lead single from Blue October's fourth studio album, Foiled, which debuted in April 2006. The album went on to earn Platinum certification from the RIAA, largely driven by the massive radio success of "Hate Me" and follow-up single "Into the Ocean."
Q4: Is Justin Furstenfeld sober today?
Yes. After years of struggling with alcohol, chemical dependency, and untreated bipolar disorder, Furstenfeld achieved full sobriety in 2012. He remains an outspoken public advocate for mental health treatment, 12-step recovery programs, and emotional honesty in music.
Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.
