It's a Sin
Tenebre Lyrics


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[Pet Shop Boys cover]

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
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

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

Overall Meaning

In "It's a Sin," Tenebre covers the Pet Shop Boys classic song, delving into the complexities of shame, guilt, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The opening lines set the tone, as the singer reflects on their life with a sense of shame. The lyrics suggest that the singer has always been to blame for everything they've longed to do. Their actions and desires have always been seen as sinful, no matter what the context.


The song then takes us back to the singer's school days, where they were taught to be pure in thought, word, and deed. However, despite the best attempts of their teachers, they didn't quite succeed, and the singer is left grappling with the contradictions and conflicts that arise when one's natural desires and impulses are at odds with society's expectations. They are constantly thwarted by the realization that everything they've ever done, no matter the place or situation, is a sin.


The lyrics become increasingly introspective as the singer asks for forgiveness from their father and admits that they didn't believe what they were taught. They still struggle to understand why they are always compelled to go against the grain, forever looking back on their life with a sense of shame.


Overall, "It's a Sin" is a potent exploration of the internal battle that occurs when one is torn between their own desires and the expectations of society. Tenebre's cover adds an element of urgency and intensity to the lyrics, underscoring the sense of shame and guilt that the singer is grappling with.


Line by Line Meaning

When I look back upon my life
Reflecting on my life is always accompanied by shame.


It's always with a sense of shame
Every time I analyze my choices and actions, I feel shame.


I've always been the one to blame
I have been the sole culprit for all the bad things that have happened or will happen in my life.


For everything I long to do
All the actions, desires or dreams I aspire to achieve.


No matter when or where or who
Irrespective of the time, place or person that comes in my way.


Has one thing in common, too
There is one shared quality in all my endeavors.


It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
All my deeds, intentions, and aspirations are sinful.


Everything I've ever done
All the actions I have performed in the past.


Everything I ever do
All the actions I am committing or will commit in the future.


Every place I've ever been
All the physical locations that I have visited in the past.


Everywhere I'm going to
All the places I am eager to visit in the future.


At school they taught me how to be
During my schooling days, I learned how to lead an ethical life.


So pure in thought and word and deed
I was taught to be virtuous not only in my actions but also in my thoughts and words.


They didn't quite succeed
Even after receiving this education, I couldn't lead a virtuous life.


Father, forgive me, I tried not to do it
I ask for forgiveness, Father, as I tried my best not to commit any sin.


Turned over a new leaf, then tore right through it
Even though I tried to change myself and become a better person, I failed miserably.


Whatever you taught me, I didn't believe it
Even though you tried to teach, I didn't believe in your words.


Father, you fought me, 'cause I didn't care
You tried to convince me, but I didn't pay attention or care.


And I still don't understand
Even now, I don't grasp the severity of my deeds.


Forever with a sense of shame
Throughout my life, I will always carry a feeling of guilt and regret.


Everything I long to do
Every desire or dream I have in life.


Has one thing in common, too
There is a shared quality present in everything I desire.


It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
All my aspirations are filled with transgressions and misdeeds.




Contributed by Hudson R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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