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Pet Shop Boys — West End Girls
Album: Please
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2104









Released: 1986
Length: 3:54
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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''Forever''

Sometimes you're better off dead
There's a gun in your hand and it's pointing at your head
You think you're mad, too unstable
Kicking in chairs and knocking down tables

In a restaurant in a West End town
Call the police, there's a madman around
Running down underground
To a dive bar in a West End town

In a West End town, a dead-end world
The East End boys and West End girls
In a West End town, a dead-end world
The East End boys and West End girls
West End girls

Too many shadows, whispering voices
Faces on posters, too many choices
If, when, why, what, how much have you got?
Have you got it, do you get it, if so, how often?
And which do you choose, a hard or soft option?
(How much do you need?)

In a West End town, a dead-end world
The East End boys and West End girls
In a West End town, a dead-end world
The East End boys and West End girls
West End girls
West End girls

(How much do you need?)

In a West End town, a dead-end world
The East End boys and West End girls
Ooh, West End town, a dead-end world
East End boys, West End girls
West End girls

You got a heart of glass or a heart of stone
Just you wait till I get you home
We've got no future, we've got no past
Here today, built to last
In every city, in every nation
From Lake Geneva to the Finland station
(How far have you been?)

In a West End town, a dead-end world
The East End boys and West End girls
A West End town, a dead-end world
East End Boys, West End girls
West End girls

West End girls

West End girls
(How far have you been?)

Girls
Comments (289)add comment
one of the best 80’s rap songs
Posted 3 weeks ago by hagz21    [ Reply ]
I don't think I'm unique in that I generally don't listen to the 'radio'. In NZ it's endless commercials broken up with inane chat and the odd song. Music is so rare in fact that they advertise when they're gonna play something, just so you keep listening so you can hear to that "new song from Taylor Swift." like it's some kind of revelation.
Anyway, all this complaining about a song being overplayed on commercial radio, kinda misses the point of RP.
This is a good song
This is not commercial radio. 
Posted 1 month ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
 Jack_Jefferson wrote:

I know it's been said before, but I'd still rather hear 'Inner City Pressure' by Flight of the Conchords.



One of my favorite rhymes of all time:

Counting coins on the counter of the 7-Eleven
From a quarter past six till a quarter to seven
The manager, Bevan, starts to abuse me
"Hey man, I just want some Muesli."


Posted 11 months ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
 jelgator wrote:

Well, they're not Godlike but they get a 10 anyway.




Yep. NOT Godlike, but a real good tune.
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
I was unplugged from most of 80s music as it happened, so this always first brings Flight of the Conchords to mind until I realize it's not their parody.
Posted 1 year ago by bstjames    [ Reply ]
i remember hearing these guys for the first time when they came on the radio when i was in high school. i've always thought they were very intriguing and talented. i really like it. i don't think it's just nostalgia, either. 
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Still old enough to remember April 1986, logging into BBSs to look at message boards while hearing this on my radio at the same time.  Here we are 37 years later and nothing much has changed.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Well, they're not Godlike but they get a 10 anyway.
Posted 1 year ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 admascott wrote:

I can see why people don't like this, but it is a well made song that I like a lot



Because it was played to death and beyond, if i never hear it again i would be a very happy person 
Posted 1 year ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
I love it; so it's bumped up to 9 to dis the naysayers.
Posted 1 year ago by BuellRider    [ Reply ]
I can see why people don't like this, but it is a well made song that I like a lot
Posted 1 year ago by admascott    [ Reply ]
PLEASE play some later tracks like "Being Boring" or "Left to My Own Devices" or anything off later albums. They are a great band that has accomplish much more than "West End Girls."
Posted 1 year ago by brianbouton    [ Reply ]
 garthtaljard wrote:

Stunning!  Such a catchy tune, complex production, and that trumpet solo!



Exactly. Not knowing the Pet well at all, I didn't think it could be them after a while, the whole sound, the rapping followed by singing.... Now I'm going to investigate. As someone said, dating zhis almost 40 years back is just unreal. Thanks Bill and Rebecca, for all the best reasons ❤️
Posted 1 year ago by fedtho    [ Reply ]
 Jack_Jefferson wrote:

I know it's been said before, but I'd still rather hear 'Inner City Pressure' by Flight of the Conchords.





You know you're not in high finance
Considering second hand underpants
Posted 1 year ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
History will eventually be very kind to the Eighties.  This stuff was fantastic.  
Posted 1 year ago by Alastair    [ Reply ]
Whether 80s music and the Pet Shop Boys make you smile or cringe - OMG How is this  37 years old??
Posted 1 year ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
thought this was Nils Lofgren for years...
Posted 1 year ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
If, when, why, what, how much have you got?
Posted 1 year ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
Bill cannot go wrong with 80's
The best decade ever for music. 
RP is usually on the country/folk
downer side.  So, the more of this,  the better!
Posted 2 years ago by Michaeljcovel    [ Reply ]
This song brings back some good memories driving around in GTA V 
A 9 for me.
Posted 2 years ago by Ivo001    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:
Please Bill, no more cheesy eighties stuff for a while. This was crap then and sure is crap now.


Why does Bill always get the blame?  The last time I checked RP was a team effort...  In this case, I don't think there's anything to be blamed for!  Very popular music used to be popular because it was good.  This is a perfect example of that.  
Posted 2 years ago by david16    [ Reply ]
Don't care what the nay-sayers opinions are. I still love this sound. Great beat, sound, etc. Awesome! Thanks, Bill.
Posted 2 years ago by Elaine2018    [ Reply ]
 TLynneHenry wrote:

Fun fact: the mere fact that a song was played often on the radio when it was popular does not automatically make that song unworthy of a re-listen several decades later.



Very well stated!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Wow this takes me back. I heard this song as a kid in the 80s 
Posted 2 years ago by TrevorWGoodchild    [ Reply ]
 paulmcnett wrote:

Hated this song with all my passions in high school when it came out. Love it now.




Same here!  But, I was long out of high school when this came out!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Hated this song with all my passions in high school when it came out. Love it now.
Posted 2 years ago by paulmcnett    [ Reply ]
Nailed on 1 - PSD
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Excellent!! Brings back memories! Even better in FLAC w/ great phones. Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 jp33442 wrote:

Really bill? Another overplayed 80s song!!!!!!


Fun fact: the mere fact that a song was played often on the radio when it was popular does not automatically make that song unworthy of a re-listen several decades later.
Posted 2 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
Stunning!  Such a catchy tune, complex production, and that trumpet solo!
Posted 3 years ago by garthtaljard    [ Reply ]
Really bill? Another overplayed 80s song!!!!!!
Posted 3 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Big fan of the 1984 (?) version. With the Aye, Aye Aye Ayes!!
Posted 3 years ago by robspeds    [ Reply ]
Like it or not, Iconic. (yes, I like it!)
Posted 3 years ago by bctreefarmer    [ Reply ]
I remember hearing this on alt music stations for months before it broke through to the masses. It stood out then. Can't decide if it feels a bit dated now.
Posted 3 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
1986 rap with a beat. A classic for us, and one of the songs that defined the era for our musical tastes.
Posted 4 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
 tomcool wrote:


RP plays all great songs. WEG is a great pop song and I love the fat bottom.
 
Girls? 😉
Posted 4 years ago by Btravelen    [ Reply ]
Don't care how much air play this previously got, today it rocks .
Posted 4 years ago by Btravelen    [ Reply ]
New DJ Shadow into classic Pet Shop Boys, gotta love this internet radio... Cheers Bill and Rebecca
Posted 4 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
 watercress wrote:
On of the bands, (which) I will never - I mean NEVER understand, WHY, FOR A GOD s sake got on the RP, playlist., if they aro OVERPLAYED elswhere... 
 

RP plays all great songs. WEG is a great pop song and I love the fat bottom.
Posted 4 years ago by tomcool    [ Reply ]
 adib wrote:
Don't *mind* it, for a pop song of its time, it was not one of the worst. 
But why on RP?  We come here to find interesting music, not mainstream stuff (and old/hackneyed mainstream at that).
What is old hackneyed stuff to us old-uns may be interesting to the youngsters. 'Eclectic' doesn't mean exotic. 

Posted 4 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
 

Pjesnik wrote:

What's the difference between West End and East End
 
West End - posh*, East End - rough. The prevailing wind is south-west. so the smelly parts of the city were to the east...

*POSH = port outwards, starboard home - the expensive cooler cabins on the Britain  -India trip (allegedly)
Posted 4 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
Tuuuunnnneeeeee!
Posted 4 years ago by conormchugh    [ Reply ]
Even after 34 years I still think his voice sounds like Al Stewart. Or the Pukka Orchestra.
Posted 4 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
I was surprised how well this played in the little California cowtown I lived in when it came out.  Not exactly a gritty urban setting.  More like rural with a hint of urban blight.  Hearing it again just now I'm pretty sure some heard it as "Western girls" in a "western town".  
Posted 5 years ago by Cueburned    [ Reply ]
 watercress wrote:
On of the bands, (which) I will never - I mean NEVER understand, WHY, FOR A GOD s sake got on the RP, playlist., if they aro OVERPLAYED elswhere... 
 
Because Neil and Chris make excellent music and Bill doesn`t care about elsewhere!
Posted 5 years ago by boeker    [ Reply ]
Don't *mind* it, for a pop song of its time, it was not one of the worst. 
But why on RP?  We come here to find interesting music, not mainstream stuff (and old/hackneyed mainstream at that).
Posted 5 years ago by adib    [ Reply ]
Mmmmm....

You can really taste the 80s!
Posted 5 years ago by bc    [ Reply ]
 Pjesnik wrote:
What's the difference between West and East End?
 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_End_of_London

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_of_London
Posted 5 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
On of the bands, (which) I will never - I mean NEVER understand, WHY, FOR A GOD s sake got on the RP, playlist., if they aro OVERPLAYED elswhere... 
Posted 5 years ago by watercress    [ Reply ]
The background singer sounds like Grace Jones?
Posted 6 years ago by wossName    [ Reply ]
 Pjesnik wrote:
What's the difference between West and East End?
 
180 degrees I would say
Posted 6 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
What's the difference between West and East End?
Posted 6 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
Because this gets played constantly on SXM, this song has gone from somewhat cool to highly annoying.  

 
Do people who have this problem consider maybe they should listen to less SXM and commercial radio?
Posted 6 years ago by ebcdic    [ Reply ]
Wow. Over thirty years ago. So much life lived since this came out.
Posted 6 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Good sound and product like english knew in 80'
Posted 6 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
Lost art? Better left to the ages, me thinks
Posted 8 years ago by fortheloveofpete    [ Reply ]
there is a song, don't remember the name, sung by a black singer, in a massive attack album, is almost the same, and i like it too {#Group-hug}
Posted 8 years ago by Panchoalico    [ Reply ]
Because this gets played constantly on SXM, this song has gone from somewhat cool to highly annoying.  
Posted 8 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 Netto wrote:

I still have this LP {#Yes}
 
Ditto. {#Yes}
Posted 8 years ago by 25demayo    [ Reply ]
Way to 'throw back' on a Tuesday.  Thanks, RP!! {#Smile}
Posted 8 years ago by BritGirl333    [ Reply ]
 mguziak wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wqfcwgT0Ds
Flight of the Conchords did it better. 

 
Was going to post the same thing. Looks like you'll never be a concert flautist.
Posted 8 years ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
 ench wrote:

Not everyone on here has or does listen to Commercial Radio. Just because a song is played there shouldn't preclude it from RP.

 
exactly.
I heard this one so much "in the days", but it became scarce since then. Like the song - very catchy!  

I love RP because of this often weird order of songs. So much of everything! 
Posted 8 years ago by pogowalzer    [ Reply ]
 dolumo wrote:
a little bit of everything, that is what I like about RP. the song is, one must admit,very commercial pop. But, they were good at it!! Nostalgia.....

 
correct!
Posted 8 years ago by loopbitz    [ Reply ]
{#Wink}  did ya hear the debbie harry rapping sample old school style in the middle just like back in the day

Cosby wasn't the only thing that sucked in the 80's


Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
This has just not dated well... Very much of its time.
Posted 8 years ago by ncollingridge    [ Reply ]
Another guilty pleasure from the Fabulous 80s. It was our turn to dance. An 8.
Posted 8 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
 stunix wrote:
Please leave this to the other commercial stations.  Your airtime is better spent on something else.  

 
Not everyone on here has or does listen to Commercial Radio. Just because a song is played there shouldn't preclude it from RP.
Posted 8 years ago by ench    [ Reply ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wqfcwgT0Ds
Flight of the Conchords did it better. 
Posted 8 years ago by mguziak    [ Reply ]
Nooooooooooo!
(PSD for me = play something on my iTunes for a bit. Today its 'Gary Gilmore's Eyes' by The Adverts. Once the 'now playing' display changes on RP, I'll be back. cheers)
Posted 8 years ago by springof63    [ Reply ]
Please leave this to the other commercial stations.  Your airtime is better spent on something else.  
Posted 8 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
 cShaggy wrote:
..avg song from Pet Shoppers..how about "It's a Sin" or "Always on My Mind"..?..
 

Here's my vote for "It's a Sin"...
Posted 10 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
..avg song from Pet Shoppers..how about "It's a Sin" or "Always on My Mind"..?..
Posted 12 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
I know this was written from a London perspective, but for me it connects me to my own move westward to be with the woman I loved.

...and you couldn't escape this song in the fall of 84' as it was all over the radio in So. California. 
Posted 12 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
Extreme classic. LOVE IT.

Thanks! 
Posted 12 years ago by adrianblack    [ Reply ]
This has no place here.  PSD
Posted 12 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
 beerslayer wrote:
I have absolutely no idea at all why I like this song.  It incorporates just about everything I hate about commercial "pop" music - repetitive beat, inane lyrics, boring chord progression... yet somehow, it works.

 
Yes, this song does work, for some reason, but are there really very many song which do not have "repetitive beats"? 
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
The 80s, in 3.5 minutes.

Classic track, just love it!! 
Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
I have absolutely no idea at all why I like this song.  It incorporates just about everything I hate about commercial "pop" music - repetitive beat, inane lyrics, boring chord progression... yet somehow, it works.

Posted 12 years ago by beerslayer    [ Reply ]

I'm sorry but to all the people who criticise PSB/this song for being too commercial:

You don't get it.

9.


Posted 12 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
This is a most excellent song. 
Posted 12 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
I agree with everybody! Those for AND those against...I can't even decide on a rating...
Posted 12 years ago by luca77    [ Reply ]
Oh the nostalgia for clubbing and dancing round your hand bag ;0
Posted 13 years ago by fgirl    [ Reply ]
Wow!  I sure don't hear this much these days.  I hated it in '86, but it sounds OK in 2011 as a decent mid-80's flashback (where I'm strolling through a mall in Fargo NoDak.)
Posted 13 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 Beclipsed wrote:
You shouldn't play this on Radioparadise. This used to be only on the commercial Crap Radio.
 
You shouldn´t......is a good start of conversation with a 6 to 10yr old!!!!
Posted 13 years ago by dolumo    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

Let me pile on with everyone else: even if I were trapped in a 4 foot x 4 foot cell, forced to listen to the Crappiest of Crap Radio all day, I would CRANK this song up. Every time.

10 of 10.  
 
I agree,fully!
Posted 13 years ago by dolumo    [ Reply ]
a little bit of everything, that is what I like about RP. the song is, one must admit,very commercial pop. But, they were good at it!! Nostalgia.....
Posted 13 years ago by dolumo    [ Reply ]
 Beclipsed wrote:
You shouldn't play this on Radioparadise. This used to be only on the commercial Crap Radio.
 
Let me pile on with everyone else: even if I were trapped in a 4 foot x 4 foot cell, forced to listen to the Crappiest of Crap Radio all day, I would CRANK this song up. Every time.

10 of 10.  
Posted 13 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
What part of 'Eclectic' do you not understand...sheesh!
 Beclipsed wrote:
You shouldn't play this on Radioparadise. This used to be only on the commercial Crap Radio.
 


Posted 13 years ago by loungelizard48    [ Reply ]
 Beclipsed wrote:
You shouldn't play this on Radioparadise. This used to be only on the commercial Crap Radio.
 
What kind of ignorant bullshit is that? 
Posted 13 years ago by mirland    [ Reply ]
What !
Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
 spigolli wrote:

I suppose you'd also welcome Safety Dance to the RP playlist?

 
I would for the midget images alone.

Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Beclipsed wrote:
You shouldn't play this on Radioparadise. This used to be only on the commercial Crap Radio.
 
Personally, I love this song, gave it an 8. Must say I agree with the overall point though.{#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}Good to hear!!!

Posted 13 years ago by blueice7    [ Reply ]
Has anybody noted before how much Madonna's Vogue owes to this song?  Homage or rip off?
Posted 13 years ago by sweet_melody    [ Reply ]
 raulman1 wrote:
For those of us who frequented the dance clubs in the '80s, this is a welcome blast from the past.  You kids complaining about this will learn about the value of nostalgia some day . . . {#Bounce}
 
I suppose you'd also welcome Safety Dance to the RP playlist?

Posted 13 years ago by spigolli    [ Reply ]
 Beclipsed wrote:
You shouldn't play this on Radioparadise. This used to be only on the commercial Crap Radio.
 
So what? Heavy rotation on commercial radio was a pretty long time ago and it's a good song.

Posted 13 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
 Jack_Jefferson wrote:

I'd rather hear 'Inner City Pressure' by Flight of the Conchords.


 
YES

Posted 13 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Suddenly I'm 16 again, working away from home for the first time at a summer camp where this "tape" was playing constantly.  Good memories.  
Posted 13 years ago by davedog    [ Reply ]

I know it's been said before, but I'd still rather hear 'Inner City Pressure' by Flight of the Conchords.



Posted 13 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
I really like 'Love comes quickly'       sooner or later, this happens to everyone, everywhere..
It features Andy Mackay of Roxy Music on Sax


Posted 13 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 Rooney wrote:
.. I still have it on my MP3...{#Dancingbanana_2}
 
I still have this LP {#Yes}

Posted 13 years ago by Netto    [ Reply ]
such variety!
nostalgia hit
thanks Bill
{#Motor}
Posted 14 years ago by Glencoe_JC    [ Reply ]
 apd wrote:

You'll never be a concert flautist.

 

You know you're not in high finance considering second-hand underpants.
Posted 14 years ago by Radio_Man    [ Reply ]
You shouldn't play this on Radioparadise. This used to be only on the commercial Crap Radio.
Posted 14 years ago by Beclipsed    [ Reply ]
I like this.  Reminds me of my traveling days abroad.  I still have it on my MP3...{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
For those of us who frequented the dance clubs in the '80s, this is a welcome blast from the past.  You kids complaining about this will learn about the value of nostalgia some day . . . {#Bounce}
Posted 14 years ago by raulman1    [ Reply ]
I

hate

this.
Posted 14 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]

To each their own, I guess, but I don't even think more cowbell will help this one.


Posted 14 years ago by katiediddler    [ Reply ]
Reminds of a club in Long Island in the mid-80's called 007.  Dancing and having fun.
Posted 14 years ago by HudValGal    [ Reply ]
I played the crap out of that album back in the day...but it makes me shiver today. 2.
Posted 14 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Yuck yuck yuck! Sorry, but if I wanted to hear this kind of dreck, I'd tune into a local Adult Contemporary (or Oldies) radio station. A perfect example of synth snooze. Zzzzz...
Posted 14 years ago by Alexandria    [ Reply ]
What do I get from this? I get the feeling I´m in a West End wannabe hair salon. It can be entertaining for the 3 minutes you hear a snippet of gossip, smell the hair gel and maybe get a head massage before a hair cut. One you´re out of there, you want to be rid of the whole thing. Like Neruda said in his poem Walking Around, "el olor de las peluquerías me hace llorar a gritos".
Posted 14 years ago by dyharenas    [ Reply ]
I rarely/never post, but I have to post just to say how happy I was to hear this playing!!!
Posted 14 years ago by AcquaCow    [ Reply ]
This song always makes me homesick for a trip to London — I started traveling there in the 80s and I'll always associate the Brit Pop bands of the time with my journeys there.  Going again in a few months, so thanks for this nostalgic reminder.
Posted 14 years ago by Sorcha    [ Reply ]
For a long time I thought it was eastern boys and western girls.  I prefer it that way, actually.
Posted 14 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
Oversaturated, yes, cheesy, perhaps, great freekin' song, you betcha!!{#Notworthy}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Hmm. Al Stewart can sing well and write lyrics that tell a story, two abilities that these guys lack. To me the PSB have always been the very essence of Ho-Hum. Inoffensive and MOR, with all the edge of a comfy chair.

 
I have to agree with you there. It sounds like how Al Stewart would sound if he went "strictly commercial".

Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 Blasserman wrote:
So Original, NOT
 


Posted 14 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Almost unequaled in capturing the mid 80s vibe.  Now I just need to make up my mind if that's a good thing or not.
Posted 14 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
So often Bill follows Morphine's "Whisper" with "Rock the Casbah," I was skewed sideways when this came on. I've always liked this band.
Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]