Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Intro]
Come on, come on, come on, come on

[Verse 1]
(Together) We will go our way
(Together) We will leave someday
(Together) Your hand in my hand
(Together) We will make our plans
(Together) We will fly so high
(Together) Tell all our friends goodbye
(Together) We will start life new
(Together) This is what we'll do

[Chorus]
(Go west) Life is peaceful there
(Go west) In the open air
(Go west) Where the skies are blue
(Go west) This is what we're gonna do

[Post-Chorus]
Go west
This is what we're gonna do
Go west

[Verse 2]
(Together) We will love the beach
(Together) We will learn and teach
(Together) Change our pace of life
(Together) We will work and strive
(I love you) I know you love me
(I want you) How could I disagree
(So that's why) I make no protest
(When you say) You will do the rest
[Chorus]
(Go west) Life is peaceful there
(Go west) In the open air
(Go west) Baby, you and me
(Go west) This is our destiny
(Go west) Sun in winter time
(Go west) We will do just fine
(Go west) Where the skies are blue
(Go west, this is what we're gonna do)

[Bridge]
There where the air is free
We'll be what we want to be
(We'll be)
Now if we make a stand
We'll find our promised land
(We'll find)

[Verse 3]
(I know that) There are many ways
(To live there) In the sun or shades
(Together) We will find a place
(To settle) Where there's so much space
(Without rush) And the pace back east
(The hustling) Rustling just to feed
(I know I'm) Ready to leave too
(So that's what) We are gonna do
[Chorus]
(What we're gonna do is go west) Life is peaceful there
(Go west) Here in the open air
(Go west) Where the skies are blue
(Go west) This is what we're gonna do

[Chorus]
(Life is peaceful there)
Go west (In the open air)
Go west (Baby, you and me)
Go west (This is our destiny)
Come on, come on, come on, come on
(Go west) Sun in winter time
(Go west) We will feel just fine
(Go west) Where the skies are blue
(Go west) This is what we're gonna do
(Come on, come on, come on, come on, go west)

[Outro]
(Go west)
(Go west)
(Go west)
(Go west)
(Go west)
(Go west)
(Go west)

If you're an avid music listener, you've most likely heard the song "Go West" by the Pet Shop Boys at some point. A cover of the Village People's original 1979 track, the song has become an iconic symbol of a particular era, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs of young gay men during a time of social and political change.

Originally written and performed by the Village People, "Go West" tells the story of young gay men from across the United States as they head to San Francisco, seeking freedom, acceptance, and love. The Pet Shop Boys reinterpreted the song in 1993, changing the context to highlight the fall of the Soviet Union and the symbolism of different political ideologies.

About Go West

Released in 1993, the Pet Shop Boys version of "Go West" is a reimagining of the original Village People song. The lyrics remain largely the same, though the song's underlying themes and contexts have shifted.

The Pet Shop Boys version of "Go West" speaks to the fall of the Soviet Union and the supposed freedom of the capitalist West. The lyrics suggest that everything desired is available in this new world, encouraging the listener to "go west" to find it. Many saw this as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the idea of the "American Dream" and the hyperindividualism that comes with it.

Unlike the original song, which celebrated the journey of young gay men to San Francisco, the Pet Shop Boys version of "Go West" has a more cynical tone. It is not a celebration of freedom or the democratic West but rather a commentary on its limitations. The song's anthem-like composition and infectious melody lend it a sense of irony and sarcasm, making it clear that the song's message is not to be taken at face value.

With its catchy melody and iconic message, "Go West" remains a popular song today, a symbol of a particular time in history and a testament to the power of music to convey important messages. Whether you're a longtime Pet Shop Boys fan or simply appreciate good music, listening to "Go West" is sure to be a memorable experience.

• Release Date: September 6, 1993
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys