PET SHOP BOYS – Left To My Own Devices (1988)

“Left to My Own Devices” is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released in November 1988 by Parlophone as the second single from their third studio album, Introspective (1988). It was also the first track of the album. The song fared better than the album’s lead single, “Domino Dancing”, charting three positions higher on the UK Singles Chart, at number four. It became the first track that Pet Shop Boys recorded with an orchestra, arranged by Richard Niles. Since its release, it has become a staple of Pet Shop Boys live performances. Eric Watson directed its music video.

I get out of bed at half past ten Phone up a friend who’s a party animal Turn on the news and drink some tea Maybe if you’re with me, we’ll do some shopping

One day, I’ll read or learn to drive a car If you pass the test, you can beat the rest But I don’t like to compete, or talk street, street, street I can pick up the best from the party animal

I could leave you, say goodbye Or I could love you, if I try And I could And left to my own devices, I probably would

Pick up a brochure about the sun Learn to ignore what the photographer saw I was always told that you should join a club Stick with the gang, if you want to belong

I was a lonely boy, no strength, no joy In a world of my own at the back of the garden I didn’t want to compete, or play out on the street For in a secret life I was a round head general

I could leave you, say goodbye Or I could love you, if I try And I could And left to my own devices, I probably would Left to my own devices, I probably would Oh, I would

I was faced with a choice at a difficult age Would I write a book? Or should I take to the stage? But in the back of my head I heard distant feet Che Guevara and De’bussy to a disco beat

It’s not a crime when you look the way you do The way I like to picture you When I get home, it’s late at night I pour a drink and watch the fight

Turn off the TV, look at a book Pick up the phone, fix some food Maybe I’ll sit up all night and day Waiting for the minute I hear you say

I could leave you, say goodbye Or I could love you, if I try And I could And left to my own devices, I probably would Come on, baby, say goodbye Or I could love you, if I try And I could And left to my own devices, I probably would Left to my own devices, I probably would (Come on baby) Left to my own devices, I probably would