The Meaning Behind The Song: What Have I Done To Deserve This? by Pet Shop Boys (featuring Dusty Springfield)
Released in 1987, “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” by Pet Shop Boys (featuring Dusty Springfield) is a classic song that still remains popular today. Its infectious beat, catchy melody, and powerful lyrics make it a timeless hit that continues to speak to listeners. But what is the meaning behind this song? What inspired its creation, and how did it come to be?
Table of Contents
The Inspiration Behind the Song
Pet Shop Boys, the electronic music duo of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, wrote “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” after being inspired by a conversation they had with Dusty Springfield. Springfield, an iconic British pop singer and friend of the duo, was discussing with them her recent career struggles and how she was trying to stay relevant in the ever-changing music industry.
Tennant and Lowe were moved by Springfield’s vulnerability and the idea of someone who had achieved so much success feeling insecure about their place in the world. So they wrote the song as a tribute to Springfield, with her ultimately being the one to sing on the track.
The Lyrics and Message
The lyrics of “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” are both poignant and relatable. They speak to the feelings of self-doubt and insecurity that many people experience in their lives, regardless of their success or accomplishments.
The chorus, in particular, stands out as a powerful statement of vulnerability and self-examination:
“What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this
And I realize when I look in your eyes
That I’m saying goodbye to all that I’ve tried to be
What have I done to deserve this?”
This chorus perfectly encapsulates the song’s message, which is that despite all our efforts to succeed and be recognized, sometimes we still feel unworthy and unsure of ourselves.
The Music Video
The music video for “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” features Springfield walking through a variety of different scenes, including a factory and a hair salon. Meanwhile, Pet Shop Boys perform in the background, playing their instruments and mouthing the lyrics.
The video’s imagery is somewhat surreal and dream-like, which reflects the themes of the song itself. The contrast between Springfield’s understated presence and Pet Shop Boys’ flashy performance also highlights the relationship between vulnerability and confidence that the song explores.
The Legacy of the Song
Over 30 years after its release, “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” remains a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. Its message of self-reflection and vulnerability continues to resonate with listeners, while its upbeat melody and catchy chorus are still guaranteed to get people dancing.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue, and it has been used in a variety of films and television shows. Its legacy is a testament to the power of great music, and its message of self-doubt and self-acceptance is one that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
FAQs
1. Who wrote “What Have I Done to Deserve This?”?
The song was written by Pet Shop Boys, specifically Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe.
2. Who sings on the track?
Dusty Springfield is the featured vocalist on the song.
3. What was the inspiration for the song?
The inspiration for the song came from a conversation Pet Shop Boys had with Springfield about her career struggles.
4. What is the song’s message?
The song’s message is about self-examination and the feelings of unworthiness and doubt that can come even after achieving significant success.
5. Was the song a commercial success?
Yes, the song performed well on charts around the world, including in the UK, the US, and Germany.
6. Has the song been covered by other artists?
Yes, a number of artists have covered “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” over the years, including Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.
7. What is the music video like?
The music video features Springfield walking through a variety of scenes, while Pet Shop Boys perform in the background.
8. When was the song released?
The song was released in 1987.
9. Why is the song still so popular today?
The song’s message of vulnerability and self-reflection is still relevant today, while its catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a classic that continues to get people dancing.
10. What other songs are Pet Shop Boys known for?
Pet Shop Boys have had a number of hits over the years, including “West End Girls,” “Always on My Mind,” and “Go West.”
