The Pet Shop Boys show life before coming out in their new video for their new single “Loneliness”. And although there are no explicit scenes in the clip, it is rated 18+ on YouTube.
The almost six and a half minute short film takes place in Sheffield in 1992. Several young men are at work and some of them are flirting during their lunch break with two young women who come to visit. Relationships develop from this, but in everyday life the eyes keep furtively wandering to the other boys. On the bus, glances pass fleetingly, and in the men’s toilet, one look at the other’s genitals is enough to reveal what you’re really after.
In the cabin, the men get what they need and a note is passed to each other through the small glory hole in the wall: “Are you lonely?” Coming out in England in the early 1990s was a big step – and it still is in many places around the world today.
To view the video on YouTube, you must log in with proof of age. Except for a hint of a blowjob and kisses between men, there’s nothing to see. Nevertheless, they probably wanted to be on the safe side so as not to create a shitstorm with the pictures. The lyrics are also modest: Neil Tennant sings about deep-seated loneliness and how one can escape it. Because having to hide or be ashamed of the love and affection you feel isolates people.
Pet Shop Boys: These are the lyrics to “Loneliness”
There is a better fight
A cause close to my heart
A struggle against loneliness
that’s tearing you apart
Where are you going to run to now?
from loneliness?
Who you gonna turn to?
out of loneliness?
Like Ringo walking by the canal
downcast and alone
You’re taking time to play that part
A man who skims a stone
Where are you going to run to now?
from loneliness?
Who you gonna turn to?
out of loneliness?
When you won’t say no
and make the answer yes?
Who is here to help you out?
Oh tell me – Can’t you guess?
Wherever you go
you take yourself with you
There’s nowhere you can hide
from the loneliness
that’s haunting your life
the sense of wounded pride
Everybody needs time to think
Nobody can live without love
Where are you going to run to now?
from loneliness?
Who you gonna turn to?
out of loneliness?
When you won’t say no
and make the answer yes?
Who is here to help you out?
Oh tell me – Can’t you guess?
Where are you going to run to now?
from loneliness?
When you won’t say no
and answer yes?
Who you gonna turn to now?
from loneliness?
Who could come and help you out?
Oh, can’t you guess?
When you won’t say no
and make the answer yes?
Who is here to help you
turn your back on loneliness?
“Loneliness” is the precursor to the new album “Nonetheless,” which will be released on April 26th. The record was produced by James Ford, who has already worked with Blur and the Arctic Monkeys.