Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You live upon a stage and everyone's agreed
You're the brightest hope by far that anyone can see
So, when you take the limelight, you can guarantee
You're gaining fame and claiming credibility

[Pre-Chorus]
Tell me, baby, are you gonna get high as a kite?
Tell me, baby, are you gonna let it happen every night?

[Chorus]
How can you expect to be taken seriously?

[Verse 2]
You live within the law, and everyone assumes
You must find this a bore, and try something new
You're an intellectual giant, an authority
To preach and teach the whole world about ecology

[Pre-Chorus]
Tell me, baby, are you gonna make any other claims?
Tell me, baby, are you gonna take any of the blame?

[Chorus]
How can you expect to be taken seriously?
How can you expect to be taken seriously?
[Post-Chorus]
(Seriously)
(Seriously)

[Verse 3]
You live within the headlines, so everyone can see
You're supporting every new cause and meeting royalty
You're another major artist on a higher plane
Do you think they'll put you in the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame?

[Pre-Chorus 3]
Tell me, baby, how you generate longevity
Tell me, baby, how you really hate publicity

[Chorus]
How can you expect to be taken seriously?
How can you expect to be taken seriously?

[Post-Chorus]
Seriously
(Seriously)
Seriously

[Spoken Interlude]
"Do you have a message for your fans?"
[Chorus]
How can you expect to be taken seriously?
How can you expect to be taken seriously?

[Post-Chorus]
(Seriously)
Seriously
(Seriously)
Seriously
Seriously

How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? is a song by the English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. Released in 1990, the song is known for its catchy tune and satirical lyrics that criticize the superficiality and pretentiousness often depicted in the music industry.

About How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?

The song starts with a simple and rhythmic beat, accompanied by a piano chord progression that sets the tone for a sarcastic and critical approach towards the music industry. The lyrics, sung by Neil Tennant, are a direct attack on artists who, in the pursuit of their creative goals, forget about the importance of remaining ‘credible’ and authentic to their true musical identity.

As the chorus kicks in, we hear Tennant ask the rhetorical question: “How can you expect to be taken seriously?”, condemning the all too common use of gimmicks and marketing strategies as a way of selling an artist’s image rather than their music. The song’s theme targets the music industry’s perception, which is looked at as a shallow and a masquerade, where often, the lesser talent is given massive stage time at the expense of those who have worked hard to be who they are.

Interestingly, the song is believed to be a direct response to Wendy James's comments about Pet Shop Boys' music; James, the lead singer of the band Transvision Vamp, allegedly said that their music made her want to "emigrate to a planet where they don't exist.” The lyrics of the song respond to this statement with some clever wordplay and subtle digs at Transvision Vamp’s music and style.

Neil Tennant, the lyricist and vocalist of the band, wrote the song with Chris Lowe, their keyboardist. The music arrangement is a unique blend of electronic beats and piano melodies. The percussion is minimal yet strong, and the piano arrangement tastefully compliments the vocals of Neil Tennant.

The song was included in the album Behaviour, which was released in 1990 and was received positively by fans and critics alike. It reached number 13 on the UK charts and became a hit in several other countries. The music video for the song is equally exciting, with a simple yet effective visual representation of the music industry’s superficiality, where the artists are treated like mere commodities.

Today, How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? continues to resonate with fans of Pet Shop Boys, who appreciate the song’s satirical commentary on the music industry’s pretentiousness. The song’s message will also remain relevant to future generations of music lovers who are passionate about staying true to their creative identity and remaining authentic in their pursuit of musical expression.

In a world where the music industry is often marred by superficiality and gimmickry, How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously? remains a powerful and witty critique of that very world. The song’s clever lyrics, simple yet catchy melody, and engaging arrangements make it a standout work of art and an unforgettable satirical masterpiece.

• Release Date: March 11, 1990
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys