It's a Sin
Neil Tennant/Pet Shop Boys Lyrics
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When I look back upon my life
It's always with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to
It's a sin
At school they taught me how to be
So pure in thought and word and deed
They didn't quite succeed
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to
It's a sin
Father, forgive me, I tried not to do it
Turned over a new leaf, then tore right through it
Whatever you taught me, I didn't believe it
Father, you fought me, 'cause I didn't care
And I still don't understand
So I look back upon my life
Forever with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to - it's a sin
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
(Confiteor Deo omnipotenti vobis fratres, quia peccavi nimis cogitatione
Verbo, opere et omissione, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa)
(Zero!)
“It’s A Sin” is a song by British synth-pop duo, Pet Shop Boys, and was released in 1987 as the lead single from their album, “Actually.” This song is a reflection of the singer’s past, looking back on his life with a sense of shame, blaming himself for everything he has ever done, and calling them sins. He acknowledges that everything he longs to do, no matter when or where or with whom, has one thing in common - it’s a sin. The singer was taught to be pure in thought, word, and deed at school, but he felt like he failed. He sought forgiveness from his father, but he didn’t care, and he still doesn’t understand.
The lyrics of this song capture many themes and emotions, such as guilt, regret, shame, and the conflict between morality and desire. The singer seems to struggle with his own identity and the choices he has made, using the language of sin and religion to express his self-blame. He feels that he has failed to live up to the expectations of his upbringing, despite trying to turn over a new leaf. The religious references in the song evoke a sense of final judgment and call for redemption, adding an even deeper sense of urgency and gravity to the weight of the singer’s sense of guilt.
Line by Line Meaning
When I look back upon my life
It's always with a sense of shame
Reflecting on my past fills me with regret and embarrassment
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too
I am responsible for my actions, desires, and decisions, regardless of circumstances
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to
It's a sin
All my actions and choices, past, present, and future, are morally wrong
At school they taught me how to be
So pure in thought and word and deed
They didn't quite succeed
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too
I was taught to be morally righteous, but I have failed to meet that standard
Father, forgive me, I tried not to do it
Turned over a new leaf, then tore right through it
Whatever you taught me, I didn't believe it
Father, you fought me, 'cause I didn't care
And I still don't understand
I have tried to change my ways before, but I always fall back into sin. I do not believe or understand the teachings of religion
So I look back upon my life
Forever with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too
I will always feel regret and guilt over my actions, desires, and decisions
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Neil Francis Tennant, Christopher Sean Lowe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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