Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I've been taking my time for a long time
Putting my feet up a lot
Speaking English as a foreign language
Any words that I haven't forgot
I've been thinking how I can't be bothered
To wash the dishes or remake the bed
What's the point when I could doss instead?

[Verse 2]
I've been hanging out with various riff-raff
Somewhere on the Goldhawk road
I don't think it's gonna be much longer
'Til I'm mugging up on the penal code
Love is a bourgeois construct
So I've given up the bourgeoisie
Like all their aspirations, it's a fantasy

[Verse 3]
When you walked out you did me a favour
You made me see reality
That love is a bourgeois construct
It's a blatant fallacy
You won't see me with a bunch of roses
Promising fidelity
Love doesn't mean a thing to me
[Chorus]
Talking tough and feeling bitter
But better now it's clear to me
That love is a bourgeois construct
So I've given up the bourgeoisie

[Verse 4]
While the bankers all get their bonuses
I'll just get along with what I've got
Watching the weeds in the garden
Putting my feet up a lot
I'll explore the outer limits of boredom
Moaning periodically
Just a full-time lonely layabout, that's me

[Verse 5]
When you walked out you did me a favour
It's absolutely clear to me
That love is a bourgeois construct
Just like they said at university
I'll be taking my time for a long time
With all the schadenfreude it's cost
Calculating what you've lost

[Verse 6]
Now I'm digging through my student paperbacks
Flicking through Karl Marx again
Searching for the soul of England
Drinking tea like Tony Benn
Love is just a bourgeois construct
So I'm giving up the bourgeoisie
Until you come back to me
[Chorus]
Talking tough and feeling bitter
But better now it's clear to me
That love is a bourgeois construct
So I've given up the bourgeoisieEmbed

Love is a Bourgeois Construct by Pet Shop Boys is a satirical, electro-pop song that explores the emptiness of a bourgeoisie man's life after a breakup. The song was released as a single from their 2013 album Electric, and it showcases the duo's signature synth-pop style fused with electric beats and catchy hooks.

About Love is a Bourgeois Construct

The inspiration for the song comes from the satirical novel Nice Work by David Lodge, where the protagonist, Vic Wilcox, is rejected by an uptight academic who claims that "love" is nothing but a bourgeois fallacy. The protagonist is perplexed by the academic's response, leading to a poignant reflection on the nature of love and relationships in society.

The lyrics of the song echo this sentiment, as the protagonist mourns the end of a relationship and a life that he thought he wanted, only to realize that he was living his life by societal expectations rather than his own desires. The song's melody is based on the instrumental "Chasing Sheep Is Best Left to Shepherds," composed by Michael Nyman for the soundtrack of Peter Greenaway's The Draughtsman's Contract in 1982.

The song's lyrics are both witty and thought-provoking, delivering a scathing critique of the concept of love as a purely bourgeois construct. Neil Tennant's vocals perfectly capture the mood and tone of the song, weaving a tale of disillusionment and self-discovery that is both deeply personal and relatable.

The song's chorus is the most memorable part, with Tennant belting out the lines "Love is a bourgeois construct, it's gone from my life," over a pulsating bassline and synth-heavy melody. The instrumentation is top-notch, featuring a combination of electronic and acoustic instruments that creates an otherworldly soundscape that is both hypnotic and captivating.

The song's music video is equally mesmerizing, featuring stunning visuals that complement the song's theme. The video was directed by Bruce Weber and premiered on YouTube on 2 September 2013. It features people dressed in bright-colored clothing, dancing in an empty parking lot as they lip-sync to the song's lyrics.

In another scene, Tennant is seen alone in an apartment, staring blankly out the window as he sings the song's lyrics. The video's vibrant colors and stunning visuals perfectly capture the mood of the song, providing a visual representation of the song's theme of disillusionment and emptiness in relationships.

Love is a Bourgeois Construct is a tour-de-force of synth-pop and electronic music. Its witty lyrics, memorable chorus, and stunning visuals make it a standout track on the album Electric, and a classic in Pet Shop Boys' extensive discography.

The song's message is a timeless one - that love, as we know it, is nothing but a construct of society, and that true happiness can be found only when we live our lives on our own terms. The song's humor, wit, and satire make it an engaging and thought-provoking listen, and its catchy melody is sure to stay in your head long after the song is over.

In short, Love is a Bourgeois Construct is a must-listen for anyone who loves thought-provoking pop music that is both catchy and insightful. Pet Shop Boys have once again proven why they are regarded as one of the most influential and innovative bands in the history of pop music.

• Release Date: July 12, 2013
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys