It's A Sin

Pet Shop Boys' 'It's A Sin' is a powerful synth-pop anthem that delves into the themes of guilt, shame, and rebellion against the strict moral codes of upbringing. The song, released in 1987, became one of the duo's most successful hits, resonating with a wide audience for its catchy melody and its poignant, introspective lyrics.

The song begins with a reflective look at the narrator's life, filled with a sense of shame and blame for his natural desires and actions. The repetition of 'It's a sin' throughout the song emphasizes the internalized guilt that the narrator feels for simply living life according to his own rules. This guilt is a direct result of the strict and puritanical teachings he received in his youth, particularly from religious education, which aimed to instill a sense of purity in thought, word, and deed. The Pet Shop Boys, consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, often explore LGBTQ+ themes in their music, and 'It's A Sin' can be interpreted as a critique of the way society and religion traditionally condemn the natural expressions of sexuality, especially when it deviates from the heteronormative standard.

The song also touches on the struggle between the individual and authority figures, such as the father figure mentioned in the lyrics. The narrator's attempt to conform to the expectations imposed on him ultimately fails, leading to a cycle of trying, failing, and feeling guilty. The Latin phrase 'Confiteor Deo omnipotenti...' is a part of the Catholic confession ritual, which translates to an acknowledgment of having sinned greatly in thought, word, deed, and omission. This inclusion further highlights the religious undertones of the song and the pervasive sense of guilt that can stem from religious doctrine. 'It's A Sin' is not just a catchy pop tune; it's a resonant story of personal struggle against the constraints of societal and religious expectations.