Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Chorus]
I've got the brains, you've got the looks
Let's make lots of money
You've got the brawn, I've got the brains
Let's make lots of...

[Verse 1]
I've had enough of scheming
And messing around with jerks
My car is parked outside
I'm afraid it doesn't work
I'm looking for a partner
Someone who gets things fixed
Ask yourself this question:
Do you want to be rich?

[Chorus]
I've got the brains, you've got the looks
Let's make lots of money
You've got the brawn, I've got the brains
Let's make lots of money

[Verse 2]
You can tell I'm educated
I studied at the Sorbonne
Doctored in mathematics
I could have been a don
I can program a computer
Choose the perfect time
If you've got the inclination
I have got the crime
[Bridge]
Oh, there's a lot of opportunities
If you know when to take them
You know, there's a lot of opportunities
If there aren't you can make them
Make or break them

[Chorus]
I've got the brains, you've got the looks
Let's make lots of money
Let's make lots of

[Interlude]
Money

[Verse 3]
You can see I'm single-minded
I know what I could be
How'd you feel about it?
Come and take a walk with me
I'm looking for a partner
Regardless of expense
Think about it seriously
You know it makes sense

[Chorus]
Let's make
(Got the brains, got the looks)
Let's make lots of money
(Money)
(Let's make)
You've got the brawn, I've got the brains
(Ooh)
Let's make lots of money
(Money)
[Chorus]
I've got the brains, you've got the looks
(Got the brains, got the looks)
Let's make lots of money
(Ooh money)

[Outro]
Money

If you're a fan of the synthpop genre or 80s music in general, then chances are that you've heard of the Pet Shop Boys at some point. The duo, consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, have been churning out hit songs since the 80s and continue to be respected figures in the music industry to this day. One of their most popular tracks is "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)", a catchy and upbeat tune that has become a staple of the Pet Shop Boys' discography.

Originally released in 1985, "Opportunities" was written by Neil Tennant in the early 80s. The genesis of the song came about when Chris Lowe challenged Tennant to craft a song around the phrase "let's make lots of money", which he did with aplomb. The resulting piece is a satirical take on materialism in the Thatcher era, although it can also be read as a story about bumbling crooks. In fact, the song's lyrics are intentionally ambiguous, allowing the listener to interpret them in different ways.

About Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)

At its core, "Opportunities" is a song about the pursuit of money and success. The lyrics are filled with references to making deals, climbing up the corporate ladder, and finding ways to get ahead in life. The chorus is particularly catchy, with Tennant's vocals declaring "let's make lots of money, let's spend it all". The whole song is infused with a sense of energy and optimism, making it a perfect anthem for those looking to achieve their dreams.

One of the interesting things about "Opportunities" is the way that it can be interpreted in different ways. On the one hand, the lyrics can be seen as a biting satire of the greed and materialism that was rampant in the 80s. The line "I've got the brains, you've got the looks, let's make lots of money" is particularly notable in this regard, as it exposes the shallow motivations of the characters in the song. On the other hand, "Opportunities" can also be read as a more straightforward tale of two friends who are trying to make it in the world, using their wits and charm to get ahead.

Another aspect of "Opportunities" that is worth mentioning is the way that it draws on pop culture for inspiration. According to Tennant, one of the main influences on the song was the relationship between Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight in the movie Midnight Cowboy. This is particularly evident in the song's homoerotic undertones, which are present throughout the lyrics. The line "I've got the brains, you've got the brawn, let's make lots of money" is a good example of this, as it suggests a level of intimacy between the characters that goes beyond mere business partners.

Of course, one of the reasons why "Opportunities" has stayed popular over the years is simply because it's a great song. The Pet Shop Boys are known for their catchy hooks and danceable beats, and "Opportunities" is no exception. The song's synth-heavy instrumentation and driving rhythm make it a perfect addition to any dance party or workout playlist. And even though the song is over thirty years old, it still manages to feel fresh and relevant today.

In the end, "Opportunities" is a perfect encapsulation of the Pet Shop Boys' signature sound and style. It's a song that's both catchy and complex, offering up layers of meaning for those who are willing to dig a little deeper. Whether you're a longtime fan of the band or just discovering their music for the first time, "Opportunities" is a must-listen track that deserves to be part of any music collection.

• Release Date: May 19, 1986
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys