Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Intro: Sally Bradshaw]
House
House

[Interlude]

[Verse 1: Neil Tennant]
I get out of bed at half past ten
Phone up a friend who's a party animal
Turn on the news and drink some tea
Maybe if you're with me we'll do some shopping

[Verse 2: Neil Tennant]
One day I'll read or learn to drive a car
If you pass the test you can beat the rest
But I don't like to compete or talk street, street, street
I can pick up the best from the party animal

[Chorus: Neil Tennant]
I could leave you, say goodbye
Or I could love you, if I try
And I could
And left to my own devices, I probably would
Left to my own devices, I probably would

[Verse 3: Neil Tennant]
Pick up a brochure about the sun
Learn to ignore what the photographer saw
I was always told that you should join a club
Stick with the gang if you want to belong
[Verse 4: Neil Tennant]
I was a lonely boy, no strength, no joy
In a world of my own at the back of the garden
I didn't want to compete or play out on the street
For in a secret life I was a roundhead general

[Chorus: Neil Tennant]
I could leave you, say goodbye
Or I could love you, if I try
And I could
And left to my own devices, I probably would
Left to my own devices, I probably would
Oh, I would

[Bridge: Neil Tennant]
I was faced with a choice at a difficult age
Would I write a book or should I take to the stage?
But in the back of my head I heard distant feet
Ché Guevara and Debussy to a disco beat

[Verse 5: Neil Tennant]
It's not a crime when you look the way you do
The way I like to picture you
When I get home it's late at night
I pour a drink and watch the fight
[Verse 6: Neil Tennant]
Turn off the TV, look at a book
Pick up the phone, fix some food
Maybe I'll sit up all night and day
Waiting for the minute I hear you say

[Chorus: Neil Tennant]
I could leave you, say goodbye
Or I could love you, if I try
And I could
And left to my own devices, I probably would

[Chorus: Neil Tennant]
Come on, baby, say goodbye
Or I could love you, if I try
And I could
And left to my own devices, I probably would
Left to my own devices, I probably would
Come on, baby
Left to my own devices, I probably would

[Interlude]

[Verse 7: Neil Tennant]
Out of bed at half past ten
The party animal phones a friend
Picks up news about the sun
And the working day has just begun
[Interlude]

[Verse 8: Neil Tennant]
Sticks with the gang at the back of the street
Pass the test and you don't compete

[Verse 9: Neil Tennant]
Drive the car if you're with me
Ché Guevara's drinking tea
He reads about a new device
And takes to the stage in a secret life

[Interlude]

[Chorus: Neil Tennant]
Left to my own devices, I probably would
If I was left to my own devices, I possibly would
If I was left to my own devices, I probably would
If I was left to my own devices, I probably would

[Chorus: Neil Tennant]
I could leave you, say goodbye
Or I could love you, if I try
And I could
And left to my own devices, I probably would
Left to my own devices, I probably would

[Outro: Neil Tennant]
Come on, baby
Left to my own devices, I probably would

When it comes to classic synthpop, few bands are as iconic as Pet Shop Boys. Their 1988 album Introspective is widely regarded as one of their best, and it all starts with the opening track, "Left to My Own Devices." This semi-biographical song is a testament to Neil Tennant's struggles with identity and life ambition during his youth, all while showcasing the band's signature sound that made them a household name.

About Left to My Own Devices

At its core, "Left to My Own Devices" is a confession of sorts, with Tennant acknowledging that he has "had to work much harder than this for something I want" throughout his life. The song's lyrics tell the story of a man who feels like he's on the outside looking in, never quite able to fit in with the crowd and constantly struggling to find his place in the world.

Of course, no Pet Shop Boys song would be complete without their trademark synthpop sound, and "Left to My Own Devices" is no exception. From the opening notes, the song is classic Pet Shop Boys, with a catchy and upbeat melody that's sure to get stuck in your head. But beyond the surface-level catchiness, the song's production is intricate and layered, with a plethora of electronic elements and sound effects that add depth and texture to the track.

In many ways, "Left to My Own Devices" is a quintessential Pet Shop Boys song. It combines their signature sound with deeply personal lyrics that touch on issues of identity and self-worth, creating a track that is both catchy and thought-provoking. For fans of synthpop and 80s music in general, this song is a must-listen and a prime example of why Pet Shop Boys are still beloved to this day.

So, whether you're a diehard Pet Shop Boys fan or just looking to explore the world of synthpop, "Left to My Own Devices" is a song that should definitely be on your radar. With its catchy melody, intricate production, and deeply personal lyrics, it's a track that stands the test of time and continues to be a fan favorite more than thirty years after its initial release. So go ahead and give it a listen – who knows, it may just become your new favorite Pet Shop Boys song.

• Release Date: November 14, 1988
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys