Gobsmacked

[Monty--]

I've always been a PSB fan.

But recently, I've started to get INTO their lyrics which I've never done before. I dissect them and what's surprised me is, in fact, I've finally realized that Neil Tennant and Chris lowe are lyrical genuises.

I am STUNNED at just how good the lyrics are to 'Being Boring' and 'The End Of The World'. (I never liked End Of The World until very recently. Strange, isn't it? For 11 years you think it's ok and then, BAM! It's one of the most beautiful melodies you've ever heard and, oh! The lyrics!) I literally had tears in my eyes earlier. And that's a song I've had in my collection for eleven years.

What's so good about their lyrics is that they are open to so many interpretations. It's what the lyric means to YOU.

I've got a question. Have PSB ever won any accolades for their lyrics?

[Nickname]

I've always been a PSB fan.

But recently, I've started to get INTO their lyrics which I've never done before. I dissect them and what's surprised me is, in fact, I've finally realized that Neil Tennant and Chris lowe are lyrical genuises.

I am STUNNED at just how good the lyrics are to 'Being Boring' and 'The End Of The World'. (I never liked End Of The World until very recently. Strange, isn't it? For 11 years you think it's ok and then, BAM! It's one of the most beautiful melodies you've ever heard and, oh! The lyrics!) I literally had tears in my eyes earlier. And that's a song I've had in my collection for eleven years.

What's so good about their lyrics is that they are open to so many interpretations. It's what the lyric means to YOU.

I've got a question. Have PSB ever won any accolades for their lyrics?

Westend Girls has won several "Ivor Novello Awards" (including one, like the best song since 1985 to 1995). I think the "Ivor Novello" are awards more orientated to the lyrics of the songs. I suppose some fans can confirm that.

[Darkmoon]

I've always loved 'The end of the world', so welcome to the club!
May I recommend 'To face the truth' as well? That melody/song is the best thing they've written *imho*!

[Sjòn]

I've always loved 'The end of the world', so welcome to the club!
May I recommend 'To face the truth' as well? That melody/song is the best thing they've written *imho*!

Only the wind and miserablism!

[crizzab]

I've always been a PSB fan.

But recently, I've started to get INTO their lyrics which I've never done before. I dissect them and what's surprised me is, in fact, I've finally realized that Neil Tennant and Chris lowe are lyrical genuises.

I am STUNNED at just how good the lyrics are to 'Being Boring' and 'The End Of The World'. (I never liked End Of The World until very recently. Strange, isn't it? For 11 years you think it's ok and then, BAM! It's one of the most beautiful melodies you've ever heard and, oh! The lyrics!) I literally had tears in my eyes earlier. And that's a song I've had in my collection for eleven years.

What's so good about their lyrics is that they are open to so many interpretations. It's what the lyric means to YOU.

I've got a question. Have PSB ever won any accolades for their lyrics?

it's great that after all that time you've learned to love "the end of the world." i've always loved those lyrics because they read like they're either about being young or feeling old, depending on my mood. i love that the boys excel at and continue to make beautiful, elegant dance music that doesn't always revolve around the kind of topics people have in mind when they think of "dancing."
anyways, that song always makes me think of my divorced father trying to see me through my horrible high school years. it makes me sad for who we were but really happy for where we ended up.
the end of the world is in my top 20 psb tracks for sure.

[Monty--]

I've GOT to get sheet music for this song! I think it would sound so much better as a slow piano ballad. (If it can get any better!)

[bobblekat]

Isn't that just the appeal of them... on the surface their songs seem like easy digestable pop songs about all facettes of love, but once you start dissecting both the music and lyrics you realise it all is so much more complex.

Especially when you are a non native English speaker and over the years, as you learn English, bit by bit you understand the words better, you are able to see the connections, hear the connotations and slowly the lyrical world enfolds.
I cannot remember how many 'lightbulb' moments I had with PSB lyrics, realising what was meant. It was like a long, slow process of peeling the layers of an onion, slowly working your way to the core.

Anyway that is how I experience the lyrics

[crizzab]

Isn't that just the appeal of them... on the surface their songs seem like easy digestable pop songs about all facettes of love, but once you start dissecting both the music and lyrics you realise it all is so much more complex.

Especially when you are a non native English speaker and over the years, as you learn English, bit by bit you understand the words better, you are able to see the connections, hear the connotations and slowly the lyrical world enfolds.
I cannot remember how many 'lightbulb' moments I had with PSB lyrics, realising what was meant. It was like a long, slow process of peeling the layers of an onion, slowly working your way to the core.

Anyway that is how I experience the lyrics

even as a native english speaker i've had that experience with their lyrics. i think a lot of that has to do with being exposed to them at 13 and understanding each song more and more with years. i'm already thinking that "casanova in hell," from the new album (which i heard form a dj's deck four times altogether) has some great lyrics that will morph in my mind for months and maybe years to come. i'm so psyched about the new album i can barely contain myself.

[Monty--]

I've never been so excited about a PSB album! When I put it on, I'm going to skip right to 'Integral' an blow my ear drums out when I hear it!

[Chrispsb]

I couldn't be into a certain kind of music without knowing or paying intention to the lyrics except for there aren't any.

[DazzerUKUK]

Ah yes, the dichotomy that is Pet Shop Boys. On the surface, a duo with a silly name that churn out fluffy disco tunes. Underneath, a duo that deliver seemingly effortlessly intelligent songs that can uplift and elate or sadden and depress.

We’re lucky as fans that they are still together, and still presenting us with, largely well written and produced music and for trying new things (Battleship Potemkin etc). They don’t need to do it anymore, the don’t need the money but thankfully they continue pushing the boundaries.

Thanks Boys!

[trussy74]

We’re lucky as fans that they are still together, and still presenting us with, largely well written and produced music and for trying new things (Battleship Potemkin etc). They don’t need to do it anymore, the don’t need the money but thankfully they continue pushing the boundaries.

Thanks Boys!

Well said.

[!]

The lyrics are one of the best things about Pet Shop Boys IMO!

Which is why I'm really looking forward to Fundamental! The lyrics for Psychological, Minimal, Luna Park, Casanova In Hell and Integral are fantastic! Well, the others are fantastic too but those are my favourites

[Shadilly]

This is really one of the wonderful things about the Pet Shop Boys, if you don´t give a shit about deapth and meaning, you can perfectly well enjoy their music as just catchy popmusic. If you want more than that, take a dive into the lyrics and let them sweep you away.
As a teenager I remeber being thankful of this, because I felt like having a secret intelligent alternative band in my stereo and the brainless farts was to ignorant to notice, therefore gave them the same attention as soulless music that seemed to be premiered.

It was love at first sight Or hearing. Or something.

[Fick]

Yes, well said Dazzer UK.