Post-modern ironists cloaked behind a veil of buoyantly melodic and lushly romantic synth pop confections, Pet Shop Boys offer wry yet strangely affecting cultural commentary communicated by the Morse code of synth washes and drum machine rhythms. After first emerging in the mid-'80s with "West End Girls" and "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)," Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe quickly established themselves as hitmaking singles artists who were also able to craft emotionally resonant albums, like 1988's Introspective and 1990's Behaviour. The duo navigated the constantly shifting landscape of modern dance-pop with grace and intelligence, moving easily from disco to house music to thoughtful synth pop without losing their distinctive style in the process. Continuing to evolve artistically, Pet Shop Boys incorporated Latin music on 1996's Bilingual, expanded into theater and ballet, and morphed into elder statesmen of electronic pop, still able to release interesting albums after more than 30 years, as evidenced by highlights like 2016's Super and 2020's Hotspot.
Pet Shop Boys formed in London in August 1981, when vocalist Tennant (a former editor at Marvel Comics who later gained recognition as a journalist for Smash Hits magazine) first met keyboardist Lowe (a onetime architecture student) at an electronics shop. Discovering a shared passion for dance music and synthesizers, they immediately decided to start a band. After dubbing themselves Pet Shop Boys in honor of friends who worked in such an establishment -- while also obliquely nodding to the sort of names prevalent among the New York City hip-hop culture of the early '80s -- the duo's career first took flight in 1983, when Tennant met producer Bobby "O" Orlando while on a writing assignment. Orlando produced their first single, 1984's "West End Girls." The song was a minor hit in the U.S. but went nowhere in Britain, and its follow-up, "One More Chance," was also unsuccessful.
Upon signing to EMI, Pet Shop Boys issued 1985's biting "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)." When it too failed to attract attention, the duo's future appeared grim, but Tennant and Lowe then released an evocative new Stephen Hague production of "West End Girls," which became an international chart-topper. Its massive success propelled Pet Shop Boys' 1986 debut LP, Please, into the Top Ten, and when "Opportunities" was subsequently reissued, it too became a hit. Disco, a collection of dance remixes, was quickly rushed into stores, and in 1987 the duo resurfaced with the superb Actually, which launched two more Top Ten smashes -- "It's a Sin" and "What Have I Done to Deserve This?," a duet between Tennant and the great Dusty Springfield. Later that year, "Always on My Mind," a lovely cover of the perennial Elvis Presley standard, reached number one in several countries and the Top Ten in the U.S. A documentary film titled It Couldn't Happen Here was released one year later.
In October 1988, Pet Shop Boys issued their third studio LP, the eclectic Introspective. "Domino Dancing" and "Left to My Own Devices" both reached the Top Ten in Great Britain. The following year, Pet Shop Boys collaborated with a variety of performers, most notably Liza Minnelli, for whom they produced the 1989 LP Results. They also produced material for Springfield, and Tennant joined New Order frontman Bernard Sumner and ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr in the group Electronic, scoring a hit with the single "Getting Away with It." Tennant and Lowe reconvened in 1990 for the muted, downcast Behavior, produced by Harold Faltermeyer. Their hit medley of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" and Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" was released in 1991, and was followed in 1993 by Very, lauded as one of the duo's finest efforts.
After a three-year absence, Pet Shop Boys resurfaced with Bilingual, a fluid expansion into Latin rhythms. Nightlife followed in 1999 and sparked the dance club hit "New York City Boy," whose success allowed the group to tour the U.S. for the first time in eight years. While on tour, the pair also collaborated with playwright Jonathan Harvey on a musical surrounding gay life and societal criticisms, which the three had been planning since 1997. Closer to Heaven made its West End debut in 2001 and had a successful run for most of the year; Pet Shop Boys' score of the original cast recording was also a hit in the U.K. They still had time to make a record for themselves, too: In April 2002, Tennant and Lowe issued Release and Disco 3 was compiled for release the following year.
Pet Shop Boys continued releasing material throughout the decade's latter half. In 2005, they put together a volume of the Back to Mine series and released their music designed to accompany the 1925 silent film Battleship Potemkin, a soundtrack they'd performed a year earlier at a free concert/screening in Trafalgar Square. A year later, they issued Fundamental, a mature, sometimes political album produced by Trevor Horn. The live album Concrete: In Concert at the Mermaid Theatre appeared at the end of the year, and Yes -- a collaborative effort with the production crew Xenomania -- marked the band's tenth studio effort in March 2009. While playing shows in support of that album, Pet Shop Boys also released a hits compilation, Party, to coincide with the Brazilian leg of their tour. In 2010, the tour was documented on the CD/DVD release Pandemonium, and another greatest-hits compilation, Ultimate, arrived.
Their 2011 effort, The Most Incredible Thing, was a two-disc ballet score composed for the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, while 2012's Format rounded up the duo's B-sides and bonus tracks from the years 1996-2009. Also in 2012, Pet Shop Boys released the sports-themed single "Winner" and performed the track at the 2012 Olympics Summer Games, held that year in their hometown of London. The track landed on that year's album Elysium, which was produced by Kanye West affiliate Andrew Dawson. Stuart Price (Madonna, Seal, Kylie Minogue) was the producer of 2013's Electric, an album that featured no ballads, just dance tracks.
In May 2014, the duo announced more original music, this time with a concert piece scheduled for a July date at Royal Albert Hall commemorating British code breaker Alan Turing and including the BBC Concert Orchestra. Price returned as producer of 2016's Super, the second album in a row where Pet Shop Boys were "electronic purists," meaning no guitars, no orchestral support, and no organic instruments. The following year saw the band issue the Undertow EP, which featured two remixes of Super's "Undertow," a remix of "Burn," and a new version of "Left to My Own Devices," produced by Stuart Price. They were also awarded the Godlike Genius Award by NME.
The duo issued the Agenda EP in early 2019, and the live album CD/DVD/Blu-ray release Inner Sanctum appeared in April; it was recorded during Pet Shop Boys' four-day residency in July 2018 at the Royal Opera House in London. Later in the year, they started issuing songs from their next long-player, including "Dreamland," a collaboration with Years & Years, and "Burning the Heather," which featured Suede's Bernard Butler on guitar. The album, titled Hotspot, arrived in January 2020 and was their third LP to be produced by Price. Discovery (Live in Rio), a concert originally issued on video in 1995, was issued on DVD and CD for the first time in 2021. The duo also released a nearly ten-minute classical-inspired single titled "Cricket Wife."
In May 2022 Pet Shop and British pop duo Soft Cell released the album *Happiness Not Included - Soft Cell first studio album in nearly two decades. The colab included the song “Purple Zone”, blending the best of both Soft Cell and Pet Shop Boys, layering a dazzling synth riff and dance floor-ready beat with anthemic vocals. Appropriately for the pandemics, the track laments feeling stuck in the monotony of everyday mundanities: “Let’s get out of this life/ I’m afraid and alone,” goes the chorus. Paralyzed in the purple zone.”
Their much-anticipated “Unity Tour” of North America alongside New Order, rescheduled twice following pandemics delays, kicked off in Fall 2022 and included several venues in Canada and the United States, featuring Paul Oakenfold as special guest DJ.
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The Winner
Pet Shop Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every day for the rest of out lives
Time may rush us, hurt or love us
But on this day we have arrived
It's been a long time coming
We've been in the running for so long
Let the ride just take us
Side by side and make us
See the world through new eyes every day
You're a winner
I'm a winner
This is all happening so fast
You're a winner
I'm a winner
Let's enjoy it all while it lasts
I've been a loser, I've paid my dues
I fought my way up from the ground
Now at this moment, the crowd acclaim us
Will you just listen to that song
It's been a long time coming
We've been in the running for so long
But now we're on our way
Let the ride just take us
Side by side and make us
See the world through new eyes every day
You're a winner
I'm a winner
This is all happening so fast
You're a winner
I'm a winner
Let's enjoy it all while it lasts
It took us so long
And we worked so hard
We came so far just to compete
But don't forget all
The love and laughter
Now the world is at our feet
Looking back on all the times
We felt downcast
Didn't think we were going anywhere
Just living in the past
But in that desperation
You get inspiration
You're a winner
I'm a winner
This is all happening so fast
You're a winner
I'm a winner
Let's enjoy it all while it lasts
'Cause you're a winner
Took so long, we worked so hard
We came so far and just to compete
But don't forget all
The love and laughter
Now the world is at our feet
You're a winner
I'm a winner
This is hapWening so fast
You're a winner
I'm a winner
Let's enjoy it all while it lasts
'Cause you're a winner
The song "Winner" by the Pet Shop Boys is a celebration of accomplishment and success. The lyrics celebrate the journey that the singer and his partner have taken to reach this moment and encourages them to savor it. The chorus repeats the phrase "you're a winner, I'm a winner" as an affirmation of the accomplishment while the final verse looks back on the hard road to success.
The opening lines of the song describe the event the singers are celebrating as a moment they will remember forever. This sets the tone for the rest of the song as a celebration of success. The following lines acknowledge the struggle they have faced in getting to this point while emphasizing the importance of the present moment. The chorus repeats that they are both winners, acknowledging the hard work and dedication required to succeed.
The verses describe the journey of the singers in more detail, highlighting the highs and lows that come with the pursuit of success. The final verse looks back on the hard work and dedication required to reach this point, acknowledging the struggles faced along the way. However, despite the challenges, the song encourages the singers to enjoy this moment of success to the fullest without forgetting the love and laughter that got them there.
Overall, "Winner" is a song about the celebration of success after years of hard work and dedication. It encourages listeners to appreciate the present moment and savor their accomplishments while remembering the journey that brought them there.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the moment, we'll remember
The present moment is important and will be a cherished memory.
Every day for the rest of out lives
The impact of this moment will be long-lasting and significant.
Time may rush us, hurt or love us
Life can be unpredictable, full of highs and lows.
But on this day we have arrived
Despite any challenges, we have reached our goal and should celebrate.
It's been a long time coming
Our journey to this moment was arduous and took a lot of time and effort.
We've been in the running for so long
We have worked hard and persevered towards our goal for a significant period of time.
But now we're on our way
We have achieved our goal and are now moving forward towards a bright future.
Let the ride just take us
We should enjoy the journey and see where it takes us.
Side by side and make us
Together, we will experience and grow from this shared experience.
See the world through new eyes every day
This experience will change our perspective and help us see the world in a different way.
You're a winner
Acknowledging the success and achievement of the other person.
I'm a winner
Acknowledging one's own success and achievement.
This is all happening so fast
The excitement and intensity of the moment is significant and overwhelming.
Let's enjoy it all while it lasts
We should cherish and savor the experience since it may not last forever.
I've been a loser, I've paid my dues
Acknowledging the struggles and obstacles faced in the past.
I fought my way up from the ground
Demonstrating resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.
Now at this moment, the crowd acclaim us
Recognizing and enjoying the recognition and applause from others.
Will you just listen to that song
Appreciating the music and joy in the moment.
It took us so long
Reiterating the long and difficult journey.
And we worked so hard
Acknowledging the effort and perseverance required for success.
We came so far just to compete
Highlighting the distance traveled and obstacles overcome in reaching this point.
But don't forget all the love and laughter
Remembering and cherishing the positive experiences along the way.
Now the world is at our feet
Acknowledging the potential and opportunities that lie ahead.
Looking back on all the times
Reflecting on the adversity faced and how far we have come.
We felt downcast
Acknowledging the disappointment and frustration during the journey.
Didn't think we were going anywhere
Expressing doubt in success and progress at times.
Just living in the past
Getting stuck in negative experiences and not moving forward.
But in that desperation
Despite the challenges, hope and inspiration can be found.
'Cause you're a winner
Reiterating the success and achievement of the other person.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRIS LOWE, NEIL TENNANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Desiree Montilla Requena
Hoy en la radio un músico dijo que al principio no le habían gustado los Pet Shop Boys pero que había descubierto con el tiempo que cada pieza que realizan es una auténtica obra de arte. Me emocionó oír eso.
jorge pinheiro rego
Musica linda....lembranca do tempo que eu era feliz
vesper1408
Neil's voice is still flawless !!! LONG LIVE TENNANT & LOWE !!!!
Julio MG
Siguen siendo geniales, aún son capaces de crear auténticos himnos, espero que el disco esté a buen nivel como esta canción
Edivania Santos
Tem que respeitar o Pet Shop Boys Neil Tennant arrasa voz inconfundível❤💓🎶
klauditagore
Que hermosa letra, así dan ganas de levantarse día a día. Gracias PSB <3
Cherry Cheung
Absolutely right, it has just illustrated my moment of struggle and triumph that I have with my darling husband. It's sad our relationship has come to the end. But it's not too late to understand the meaning of our life. We will never lose each other because we have been marked in each other's mind. I wish us both happy in the future life that is left for us!
Angeles Sol
As always, Neil and Chris are the best music in the world! Always "PSB"!
Snarfifications
What can I say... sheer brilliance. No idea how they do it, but PSB keep making great Music!
Wellington Andrade
É o tipo de música que faz com que tenhamos sempre força para seguirmos em frente , mesmo nas adversidades . Música marcante ! 👏👏👏👏👏👏