Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I arrive in the city
Where they've unveiled a bust
Of my predecessor
Still much discussed
We tried to forget him
His crimes were catalogued
But in the new circumstances
Once again, he's a God

[Chorus]
The past isn't even past
That's how long it lasts

[Verse 2]
I want them to fear me
Like everyone feared him
Arrested and shot
But still they revered him
Like him, I'll win
I won't be eclipsed
I want men to die
With my name on their lips

[Chorus]
The past isn't even past
That's how long it lasts
The past isn't even past
That's how long it lasts
[Bridge]
I'm the living embodiment
Of a heart of stone
A human monument
To testosterone
Though inside I'm dead
It's too late to lose
I'm all they ever talk about
On their news cycle of abuse

[Verse 3]
I'm there on your borders
Not gonna quit
To new world orders
I will never submit
Call me a warmonger
And I'll give you a war
Say I'm a cheat
And I'll still fake the score
There's no defeat
That I'll answer for
The West is effete
And they're begging for more
I'll get it all back
The old status quo
I remember how it was
And I won't let it go
That's how long it lasts
[Chorus]
The past isn't even past
That's how long it lastsEmbed

Pet Shop Boys’ Living in the Past is a controversial song that targets Russian President Vladimir Putin. The song depicts Putin's ambition to instill fear in people the same way Stalin did. The video clip uses footage of Putin's inauguration, the unveiling of Stalin's monument in Volgograd, and soldiers' marches

Living in the Past is a song with a political message, exhibiting the band's attitude towards the Russian government and its invasion of Ukraine. Pet Shop Boys' published a statement expressing hopes of witnessing the fall of fascism in Russia, the end of threats and invasions to neighboring countries, and the birth of a new, better Russia. The band's social media post in support of the International Memorial and human rights center that were liquidated by a court decision signifies the group's advocacy for justice and human rights protection.

About Living in the past

Living in the Past is a song by the British band, Pet Shop Boys, that was released in 2021. The song is a political commentary on Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership style using Stalin's image. The video clip, which was directed by Wolfgang Tillmans, is an amalgamation of different acts, including Putin’s inauguration, the unveiling of a monument to Stalin in Volgograd, and detained protesters.

The lyrics of the song are an imitation of Putin's speeches and show his desire to instill fear and be perceived as powerful, like Stalin. He says that he wants people to die with his name on their lips, which is a ruthless way of asserting dominance. Pet Shop Boys' purpose for writing the song is to demonstrate how Putin's leadership is modeled after the oppressive regime of Joseph Stalin.

The song's chorus, "Living in the past, living in the past, It's all that they do, it's all that they'll ever know," is a reference to how some leaders relish the past and are proud of past atrocities or regimes and try to replicate them in the present time.

The song expresses Pet Shop Boys' disdain for Putin's leadership and government, as seen in their social media post on the Russian-Ukraine conflict. They hope to witness the end of fascism in Russia, criminal politicians being brought to justice, neighboring countries no longer being threatened, invaded or worse, and a new Russia where human rights and justice are paramount. The song's message also affirms the band's advocacy for human rights protection and justice, as shown in their support for the 'International Memorial' and 'Memorial' human rights center.

Living in the Past is an excellent critique of Putin's leadership style and a call to action for human rights and justice. It underscores the importance of responsible leadership and the need for leaders to be accountable for their actions. It's a bold statement from Pet Shop Boys that shows their willingness to use their platform to speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable.

Perplexity

The song title, Living in the Past, suggests perplexity, inviting listeners to question the past and its influence on the present. The song's lyrics parallel Putin's leadership style to Stalin's, bringing up archival memories of Stalin's dictatorship. The video clip also employs images of previous presidents to criticize Putin's government's desire to repeat history and impose fear amongst the masses.

Burstiness

The use of Putin's inauguration footage, the unveiling of Stalin's monument, and protestors being detained invokes bursts of patriotic and nationalistic emotions in the audience. The bombastic music production and the slow-motion portrayal of Putin evokes feelings of disillusionment and powerlessness amongst the listeners, increasing their passion against those responsible for human rights abuses or political oppression.

In a nutshell

Pet Shop Boys’ Living in the Past critiques Putin's leadership style by comparing it to that of Stalin's dictatorship. The song expresses Pet Shop Boys' opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, advocacy for justice, and the protection of human rights. The music video's use of historical footage and images serves to awaken listeners and viewers to the importance of responsible leadership and accountability. The power-packed track is a must-hear for anyone looking to understand the intersection of music, politics, history, and popular culture.

• Release Date: February 11, 2023
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys