It's a Sin
Pet Shop Boys & BBC Concert Orchestra Lyrics
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T minus fifteen seconds, guidance is okay)
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!)
The Pet Shop Boys' song "It's a Sin" is a reflection on one's past, with the singer looking back on their life and feeling ashamed of the things they have done. The song begins with a countdown, giving it a sense of urgency and panic, before the lyrics launch into the character's lament. The first verse talks about how they always feel to blame for everything they long to do, a feeling which is echoed throughout the song. The character then talks about failing to live up to the purity that was taught to them in school, and how their attempts to turn over a new leaf were unsuccessful.
The chorus repeatedly declares that everything the character has ever done, and everything they will ever do, is a sin. This religious language is used to indicate a sense of guilt and shame that the character feels, even though in reality their actions may not be particularly egregious. In the second verse, the character directly addresses their father, asking for forgiveness and reflecting on the fact that they didn't believe in the lessons they were taught, even as their father fought to correct them.
The Latin phrase that is spoken towards the end of the song is a Catholic confession, highlighting the religious themes that are present throughout the song. Overall, "It's a Sin" is a deeply introspective look at personal responsibility, guilt and the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
When I look back upon my life
Reflecting on my past, I cannot help but feel ashamed
It's always with a sense of shame
My memories are clouded by the guilt I feel for my actions
I've always been the one to blame
I take full responsibility for everything I have done in my life
For everything I long to do
Regardless of my desires or goals
No matter when or where or who
Across all aspects of my life
Has one thing in common, too
They all share a common characteristic
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
All of my actions, desires, and goals are sinful
Everything I've ever done
Every decision and action I have ever taken
Every place I've ever been
Every location in which I have resided or visited
Everywhere I'm going to
Every future destination I plan to visit or reside in
At school they taught me how to be
During my formal education, I was instructed in appropriate behavior
So pure in thought and word and deed
To be morally upright in both my thoughts, words and actions
They didn't quite succeed
However, they were not able to instill these principles firmly in me
Father, forgive me, I tried not to do it
Asking for forgiveness for my sinful actions, despite my strong efforts to resist temptation
Turned over a new leaf, then tore right through it
Although I tried to change my ways, I failed miserably and fell back into sin
Whatever you taught me, I didn't believe it
I did not fully believe or follow the religious or moral teachings I received
Father, you fought me, 'cause I didn't care
I was indifferent to religious teachings, and as a result, God's guidance had no effect
And I still don't understand
I don't comprehend what I did wrong or the reason behind why I am always drawn to sinful behavior
Forever with a sense of shame
This feeling of guilt and regret will be with me for the rest of my life
Confiteor Deo omnipotenti vobis fratres, quia peccavi nimis cogitatione
I confess to Almighty God, to my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought
Verbo, opere et omissione, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa
In word, deed, and omission, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault
(Zero!)
Countdown to the consequences of my sinful actions has begun.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Neil Francis Tennant, Christopher Sean Lowe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jiros00
It's so rewarding when the favourite music of your teens has a new generation of fans.
@fuzzybobbles
I saw them live in 2017 for the super tour in 5 different venues. Each time I saw so many who were my childrens age or younger. I felt old lol. But good music doesn't have an age limit. You feel it with your soul.
@alviilmie1869
Classic
@finroddd
That's what great music is capable to do!
@simon5005
I became a fan at 30..............and still going strong at 67!!!
@RodrigoBrionesMora
This year this turned into my favorite song. It’s the most played one on my Apple Music.
@dungeonslayer8122
40 years later and still going strong. They are absolutely on fire and amazing ❤️❤️❤️
@MarceloNocera-tc1kd
https://youtu.be/kYHhtIV4Q1k
@MarceloNocera-tc1kd
https://youtu.be/9SQDhMUu_wI
@lindasmith-wj5nk
Magnificent 🎉