Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Neil Tennant, Dusty Springfield & Both]
You always wanted a lover
I only wanted a job
I've always worked for my living
How am I gonna get through?
How am I gonna get through?

[Verse 2: Neil Tennant, Dusty Springfield & Both]
I come here looking for money
Got to have it
And end up living with love, oh, oh
Now you left me with nothing
Can't take it
How am I gonna get through?
How am I gonna get through?

[Pre-Chorus: Neil Tennant]
I bought you drinks, I brought you flowers
I read your books and talked for hours
Every day, so many drinks
Such pretty flowers, so tell me
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I

[Chorus: Dusty Springfield, Neil Tennant & Both]
Since you went away, I've been hanging around
I've been wondering why I'm feeling down
You went away, it should make me feel better
But I don't know, oh
How I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
How I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
[Verse 3: Neil Tennant, Dusty Springfield & Both]
You always wanted me to be something I wasn't
You always wanted too much, oh, oh
Now I can do what I want to, forever
How am I gonna get through?
How am I gonna get through?

[Pre-Chorus: Neil Tennant]
At night, the people come and go
They talk too fast and walk too slow
Chasing time from hour to hour
I pour the drinks and crush the flowers
What have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I

[Chorus: Dusty Springfield, Neil Tennant & Both]
Since you went away, I've been hanging around
I've been wondering why I'm feeling down
You went away, it should make me feel better
But I don't know, oh
How I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Baby
How I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Baby
How I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Baby
How I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Tell me
How I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Baby
How I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Yeah
[Outro: Dusty Springfield & Neil Tennant]
I'm gonna get through
I'm gonna get through
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
I'm gonna get through, right?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We don't have to fall apart, we don't have to fight
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We don't need to go to hell and back every night
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We can make a deal
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We don't have to fall apart, we don't have to fight
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We don't need to go to hell and back every night
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?

In 1987, the iconic synthpop duo Pet Shop Boys released a single that would become a massive worldwide success. "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" was composed during the recording sessions for the duo's debut album, Please. They waited to record the song until they secured the participation of the legendary soul singer Dusty Springfield.

The song was eventually released in August of that year as the second single from Pet Shop Boys' second album, Actually. What followed was an enormous success: the song reached #2 on charts worldwide, becoming a chart-topping hit in several countries.

About What Have I Done to Deserve This?

One of the most striking things about "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" is the fusion of genres. Pet Shop Boys' signature synthpop sound is heavily present, but it becomes the perfect complement for Dusty Springfield's soulful, powerful voice.

The lyrics themselves are simple yet effective, following a narrator who is questioning why they've ended up in a difficult relationship. The song's title itself acts as a refrain -- a constant reminder of the narrator's confusion and heartbreak.

On a musical level, "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" is immediately catchy. The memorable melody of the chorus is one of the reasons why the song has remained popular even decades after its release. The addition of Springfield's voice elevates the song above simple synthpop; here, she acts as a counterpoint to the electronic beats.

The song's production is as important as its performers. The glossy, polished sound of the track is emblematic of the pop music of the late 80s, but it also sets "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" apart from Pet Shop Boys' earlier work. The duo's early sound was often more experimental and less accessible, whereas "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" was crafted with mainstream appeal in mind.

Furthermore, the song takes advantage of the technological innovations that were emerging at the time. "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" features the use of a Roland D-50 synthesizer, a cutting-edge machine at the time. Pet Shop Boys were known for their use of technology, and this song is no exception.

Beyond its purely musical attributes, "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" is notable for the historic collaboration between Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield. Springfield was a hugely influential figure in the soul music scene of the 60s and 70s, and had largely disappeared from the public eye by the mid-80s. Her involvement in the song brought her back into the spotlight, and paved the way for a career resurgence that would continue until her death in 1999.

"What Have I Done to Deserve This?" remains a beloved song for many fans of 80s music. Its winning combination of genres, its memorable chorus, and its star-studded lineup make it a shining example of pop music as a collaborative art form.

Today, the song's influence can be seen in the music of contemporary artists, from Lady Gaga to The Weeknd. Despite its age, "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" still sounds fresh and lively, a testament to the enduring power of great pop music.

• Release Date: August 10, 1987
• Artist: Pet Shop Boys