Love Is a Bourgeious Construct

Pet Shop Boys' song 'Love Is a Bourgeois Construct' delves into themes of disillusionment, class critique, and personal transformation. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who has become disenchanted with the concept of love, viewing it as a construct of the bourgeoisie—a social class characterized by materialism and conventional attitudes. This perspective is influenced by the protagonist's academic background, as indicated by references to university teachings and Karl Marx, a key figure in critiquing capitalist societies.

The song's narrative begins with the protagonist's apathetic lifestyle, marked by a lack of motivation and a sense of futility. This is evident in lines like 'I've been thinking how I can't be bothered / To wash the dishes or remake the bed.' The protagonist's disillusionment is further emphasized by their interactions with 'various riff-raff' and their contemplation of the penal code, suggesting a descent into a more rebellious or non-conformist lifestyle. The departure of a significant other serves as a catalyst for this transformation, leading the protagonist to reject traditional notions of love and fidelity.

Throughout the song, the protagonist's bitterness and cynicism are palpable. They mock the bourgeoisie and their aspirations, labeling them as fantasies and fallacies. The repeated assertion that 'love is a bourgeois construct' underscores the protagonist's belief that love, as traditionally understood, is a superficial and socially constructed concept. This rejection of love is intertwined with a broader critique of societal norms and the capitalist system, as seen in references to bankers' bonuses and the protagonist's embrace of a 'full-time, lonely layabout' existence. Ultimately, the song captures a complex interplay of personal disillusionment and socio-political critique, making it a thought-provoking commentary on modern life.