Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
The man at the back of the queue was sent
To feel the smack of firm government
Lingered by the flyposter for a fight
It's the same story every night
I've been hurt and we've been had
You leave home and you don't go back

[Chorus]
Someone told me Monday, someone told me Saturday
Wait until tomorrow and there's still no way
Read it in a book or write it in a letter
Wake up in the morning and there's still no guarantee

[Verse 2]
Only last night I found myself lost
By the station called King's Cross
Dead and wounded on either side
You know it's only a matter of time
I've been good and I've been bad
I've been guilty of hanging around

[Chorus]
Someone told me Monday, someone told me Saturday
Wait until tomorrow and there's still no way
Read it in a book or write it in a letter
Wake up in the morning and there's still no guarantee
[Interlude]

[Bridge]
So I went looking out today
For the one who got away
Murder walking round the block
Ending up in King's Cross
Good luck, bad luck waiting in a line
It takes more than the matter of time

[Chorus]
Someone told me Monday, someone told me Saturday
Wait until tomorrow and there's still no way
Read it in a book or write it in a letter
Wake up in the morning and there's still no guarantee

[Interlude]

[Chorus]
Someone told me Monday, someone told me Saturday
Wait until tomorrow and there's still no way
Read it in a book or write it in a letter
Wake up in the morning and there's still no guarantee

[Outro]
And there's still no guarantee
There is still no guaranteeEmbed

King’s Cross by Pet Shop Boys is a song that delves into the darker aspects of London during the Thatcher era in the 1980s. Despite its cheery tune, the song's lyrics tackle serious issues such as unemployment, AIDS, and depression. It is a song that captures the melancholic side of life in London, a stark contrast to the upbeat music of the band that made them a household name.

About King’s Cross

Pet Shop Boys released the song King’s Cross in 1987. At the time, the area of King’s Cross in London was notorious for drug use, prostitution, and other illicit activities. The Pet Shop Boys, being pop music veterans, were able to articulate the struggles of the people living in the area in a way that was both poignant and empathetic.

The song was part of the album titled Actually, and despite its grim subject matter, it managed to connect with fans around the world. Its success could be attributed in part to the band's ability to marry upbeat tunes with solemn lyrics, creating a unique sound that was instantly recognizable.

The lyrics of the song speak to the overall feeling of despair that pervaded the area of King’s Cross at the time. It was an era of economic downturn, high unemployment rates, and the spread of AIDS. The song suggests that despite all of this, people were still able to find hope amidst the desolation.

The song opens sharply with an angry reference to Thatcherism in the first line. This sets the tone for the entire song; a seething critique of a government that cared little for those on the margins of society. The lyrics read, "Sometimes you’re better off dead, there’s gun in your hand and it’s pointing at your head". The powerful imagery here suggests that the frustration was not limited to political protest, but some might have gone as far as to commit suicide to escape their problems.

The song also references the AIDS epidemic that was sweeping across the UK at the time. The lyrics allude to someone who is sick but not yet aware of the disease, "She’s made you smell her perfume, you’ve probably kissed her cheek. You can’t remember now what you wanted to say". It was a time of great confusion and uncertainty, and the song managed to capture this in a way that was both relatable and emotive.

One of the reasons King's Cross stands out is the way in which it perfectly encapsulates the era and the feelings of those struggling to make ends meet in 1980s London. The song remains deeply poignant many years after its release, with each listener taking away their own interpretation of the lyrics.

The tragedy that struck King's Cross just months after the song's release added even more emotional weight to the song. In 1987, a fire broke out in the King's Cross Underground station, resulting in the deaths of 31 people. The tragedy is referenced in the line, "The station’s just a rumor, a few died in the queue, so don’t tell me anything, I’ve got a feeling that you knew." The song therefore becomes a poignant reminder of the tragedy that struck the area, and the many lives that were lost.

Why It's a Must-Listen

King’s Cross is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles of the marginalized. The song is relatable to anyone who has found themselves in a difficult situation with seemingly no way out. Despite its downbeat subject matter, the song remains a timeless classic that still resonates today.

Pet Shop Boys' skillful way of weaving a serious message into a catchy pop tune has influenced many artists since its release. From the emotional lyrics to the stirring chorus, King’s Cross is a song that packs a punch both musically and lyrically. It’s a must-listen for anyone who appreciates music that is both easy on the ears and heavy on the heart.

In many ways, King’s Cross is a song of perseverance and resilience. It is not a song of despair, but rather a song of hope and unity in the face of adversity. It is a song that reminds us of the struggles of the past and encourages us to work towards creating a brighter future.

The Verdict

King’s Cross is a hauntingly beautiful song that remains relevant to this day. It is a song that speaks to the struggles of the marginalized and reminds us of the importance of empathy and compassion. Despite the difficult subject matter, it manages to be both catchy and emotive, a testament to Pet Shop Boys' unparalleled skill as musicians.

It is a song that encapsulates the era in which it was created, but its emotional weight resonates with people across generations. Anyone who has ever found themselves struggling to make it through difficult times will find solace in this powerful song.

If you haven’t already, give King's Cross a listen, and let it seep into your soul.

• Release Date: September 7, 1987
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys