It's a Sin

Pet Shop Boys

About It's a Sin

"It's a Sin" is a song recorded by English synthpop duo the Pet Shop Boys which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in 1987, and was their third top ten in the US when it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant, "It's a Sin" was the lead single from the duo's second studio album, Actually. Released in June 1987, it became the duo's second UK number one single. It was also a massive hit across Europe, supposedly the best-selling European single of 1987. In the United States it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the duo's third Top 10 hit there. A demo of the track was first cut in 1984 with Bobby O, and the song's form in the demo remained intact to the final version, although the released production is far more dramatic. In this song, Tennant describes some impressions he got from his time at the Catholic St Cuthbert's High School in Newcastle upon Tyne. «At school they taught me how to be / So pure in thought and word and deed / They didn't quite succeed», the lyrics say. He ended up feeling that everything he had done or was going to do was a sin. Tennant has said that he wrote the lyrics purging his emotions in a moment of frustration and anger, but it wasn't something serious: 


Year:
2008
4:59
217 

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When I look back upon my life 
It's always with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
At school they taught me how be be
So pure in thought and word and deed
They didn't quite succeed.
For everything I long to do 
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common too
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Ever place I've ever been
Every where I'm going to
It's a sin
 
So I look back upon my life
Forever with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do 
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common too
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Ever place I've ever been
Every where I'm going to
It's a sin
 
Father forgive me 
I tried not to do it
Turned over a new leaf
Then tore right through it
What ever you taught me
I didn't believe it
Father you fought me
'Cause I didn't care 
and I still don't understand
 
For everything I long to do 
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common too
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Ever place I've ever been
Every where I'm going to
It's a sin It's a sin
It's a, it's a, it's a It's a sin

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Pet Shop Boys

Pet Shop Boys are an English electronic dance music duo, consisting of Neil Tennant, who provides main vocals, keyboards and occasional guitar, and Chris Lowe on keyboards. more »

7 fans

Written by: Neil Francis Tennant, Christopher Sean Lowe

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date and Record Label
"It's a Sin" is a song by the English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. The song was released by Parlophone Records in June 1987.
Chart Performance
In their home country, the United Kingdom, "It's a Sin" topped the UK Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks. It became Pet Shop Boys' second number one single in the UK, following "West End Girls". Additionally, it ranked highly in international charts, reaching number one in several other countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.
Meaning and Inspiration
The song's lyrical theme illustrates Neil Tennant's experiences growing up in a Catholic school. It reflects the guilt and repentance instilled in him by the idea of everything he desires, considered sinful by the church.
Music Video
The thematic music video was directed by Derek Jarman. It was noted for its theatrical style, religious imagery, and use of symbolism to link sexual desire and guilt.
Legal Issue
“It's a Sin” was embroiled in a legal dispute when Jonathan King, a British music producer and singer, alleged that the song plagiarized Cat Stevens’s 1971 hit, “Wild World.” The case was later dropped.
Modern Usage
“It's a Sin” regained its popularity in 2021 when it featured as the title track of Russel T Davies' critically acclaimed drama about the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, "It's a Sin", broadcast on Channel 4 and streamed on HBO Max.
Remixes and Cover Versions
Over the years, "It's a Sin" has been covered and remixed multiple times. One notable remix is the Eiffel 65 remix in 2004, and a popular cover version was done by metal band Gamma Ray.
Song Composition
The song is noted for its dramatic nature and synth-pop sound. It heavily uses synthesisers and digital sampling, typical of the Pet Shop Boys' style.
Album Details
"It's a Sin" is from their second studio album ‘’Actually’’, which is considered one of the band's most successful albums.
Instrumental Version
An instrumental version of "It's a Sin" was used as the theme tune to the television program, "The Clothes Show", on BBC.

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    It's a Sin

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1987

    Billboard #9


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