Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Lost in the high street, where the dogs run
Roaming suburban boys
Mother's got her hairdo to be done
She says they're too old for toys
Stood by the bus stop with a felt pen
In this suburban Hell
And in the distance a police car
To break the suburban spell

[Chorus]
Let's take a ride and run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia

[Verse 2]
Break the window by the town hall
Listen, a siren screams
There in the distance like a roll call
Of all the suburban dreams

[Chorus]
Let's take a ride and run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
[Bridge]
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around
I only wanted something else to do but hang around

[Interlude]

[Verse 3]
It's on the front page of the papers:
"This Is Their Hour of Need"
Where's a policeman when you need one
To blame the colour TV?

[Chorus]
Let's take a ride and run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia

[Chorus]
Take a ride and run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
[Outro]
Run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
You can't hide
In suburbia
In suburbia
In suburbia
In suburbia
In suburbia

If you are a fan of 80s synth-pop, then you might have already heard of Pet Shop Boys. The duo, consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, has been a staple in the music industry for over three decades. One of their most popular songs, and also the subject of this article, is Suburbia. First released in 1986, Suburbia reached number 5 in the UK Charts. It has since become a classic, loved by many for its catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics.

About Suburbia

Suburbia is a song that explores the theme of suburban ennui and examines the societal pressures that come with living in the suburbs. The lyrics offer a powerful insight into the disillusionment felt by young people growing up in this environment. The song begins with an opening line that sets the tone for the rest of the song, 'Lost in your room, you've got the dial on your radio tuned to the stations that play forgotten songs'. This line sets the stage, painting a picture of young people locked in their rooms, listening to music and feeling alone in a sea of conformity.

The chorus of the song is particularly potent, with the repetition of the phrase 'How can you tell when to stop?', leaving the listener to ponder. This question throws into sharp relief the difficulty of navigating the societal pressures that come with living in the suburbs. The sense of isolation is further heightened by the line, 'What are you going to do when you get out of here?', the suggestion being that the suburbs are a place of confinement.

The song's melancholic tone is set by its sparse but powerful instrumentation, with the synthesizer playing a key role. The repetition of the melody throughout the song creates a hypnotic and almost trance-like feeling, which underscores the sense of listlessness that runs throughout the lyrics.

In terms of the song's production value, it is clear that Pet Shop Boys paid considerable attention to detail. The use of vocal layering, percussion, and sound effects makes this song an intricate and complex piece of music. The track is a fascinating blend of synth-pop and disco, with Pet Shop Boys' signature sound evident throughout.

The music video for Suburbia, while not as iconic as some of their other videos, is still worth a mention. Directed by Eric Watson, it features surreal imagery, including a cake with human faces and a person with a dog's head. The video reflects the themes of the song, and the sense of dissonance that it evokes is unsettling and adds to the overall sense of discomfort the song produces.

Why Suburbia is Important

Suburbia stands out as one of the most thought-provoking songs of its time. While many 80s pop songs focused on themes such as materialism and excess, Suburbia took a different approach. It put the spotlight on the struggles of young people living in the suburbs and the pressure they face to conform to societal norms.

The song is still relevant today, reminding us of the often-overlooked disillusionment of suburban life. It is a paean to the unfulfilled potential and the existential dread that can come from being forced to live in a place that doesn't align with your hopes and dreams.

Suburbia is proof that Pet Shop Boys isn't just a band responsible for catchy pop songs; they are true artists that can create masterpieces that have stood the test of time. If you haven't listened to this song, you should give it a try, as it offers a glimpse into the mind of a generation that might feel all-too-familiar.

Suburbia is an unforgettable song, a true work of art that will be loved and respected by generations to come.

• Release Date: March 24, 1986
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys