Pet Shop Boys, the British synth-pop duo of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, have been one of the most enduring and innovative acts in modern pop music since their formation in 1981. Rising to global fame with the 1985 hit “West End Girls,” they quickly established a signature style defined by lush electronic arrangements, witty and often socially observant lyrics, and a flair for theatrical presentation.
Across their decades-long career, the duo has achieved multiple chart-topping singles including “West End Girls”, “It’s A Sin,” “Always On My Mind,” and “Heart,” while continually reinventing their sound to reflect evolving musical landscapes. Beyond commercial success, Pet Shop Boys are celebrated for their artistry, cultural commentary, and groundbreaking live performances, securing their place as one of the most influential pop duos of all time.
Pet Shop Boys’ 1987 single “What Have I Done To Deserve This?” is a dazzling collaboration with the legendary Dusty Springfield that brought together two generations of pop brilliance. Blending Neil Tennant’s cool, reflective vocals with Springfield’s soulful warmth, the track creates a perfect balance of synth-pop sophistication and heartfelt emotion. The song became one of the duo’s biggest hits, reaching No. 2 in both the UK and US charts, and reintroduced Springfield to a new audience, revitalizing her career. With its lush production, sharp lyrics about love and regret, and unforgettable chorus, “What Have I Done To Deserve This?” remains a standout moment in the Pet Shop Boys’ catalog and a true 80s classic.
The song peaked at No. 02 in the UK charts on 29th August 1987.
| A-Side | What Have I Done To Deserve This? (4:23) (Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe, Allee Willis) Produced By Stephen Hague |
| B-Side | A New Life (4:55) (Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe, Helena Springs) Produced By Pet Shop Boys & David Jacob |
| Genre | Electronic, SynthPop, Pop |
| Release Date | 10th August 1987 |
| Label | PARLOPHONE RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | R 6163 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 22nd August 1987 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 02 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 09 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [9 Weeks] – 22nd August 1987 – 17th October 1987 |
| 10-[2]-2-3-8-15-25-42-61 |
Officially Released Versions
What Have I Done To Deserve This [Single Version] [4:23]
What Have I Done To Deserve This [Extended Mix] [6:50]
What Have I Done To Deserve This [Disco Mix] [8:13]
What Have I Done To Deserve This [Shep Pettibone Remix] [8:30]
What Have I Done To Deserve This [Dub Mix] [6:50]
See ALL releases of ‘What Have I Done To Deserve This?’ on Discogs.
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
You always wanted a lover
I only wanted a job
I’ve always worked for my living
How am I gonna get through?
How am I gonna get through?
I come here looking for money
(Got to have it)
And end up living with love, oh, oh
Now you left me with nothing
(Can’t take it)
How am I gonna get through?
How am I gonna get through?
I bought you drinks, I brought you flowers
I read you books and talked for hours
Every day, so many drinks
Such pretty flowers, so tell me
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I …
Since you went away I’ve been hanging around
I’ve been wondering why I’m feeling down
You went away, it should make me feel better
But I don’t know, oh
How I’m gonna get through?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
How I’m gonna get through?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
You always wanted me to be something I wasn’t
You always wanted too much, oh, oh
Now I can do what I want to – forever
How am I gonna get through?
How am I gonna get through?
At night, the people come and go
They talk too fast, and walk too slow
Chasing time from hour to hour
I pour the drinks and crush the flowers
What have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
What have I, what have I, what have I …
Since you went away I’ve been hanging around
I’ve been wondering why I’m feeling down
You went away, it should make me feel better
But I don’t know, oh
How I’m gonna get through? (baby)
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
How I’m gonna get through? (baby)
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
How I’m gonna get through? (baby)
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
How I’m gonna get through? (tell me)
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
How I’m gonna get through? (baby)
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
How I’m gonna get through? (yeah)
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Gonna get through?
Gonna get through?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
I’m gonna get through, right?
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We don’t have to fall apart, we don’t have to fight
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We don’t need to go to hell and back every night
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
You never ever left me, baby, think of me…
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Oh, babe
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We don’t have to fall apart, we don’t have to fight
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
We don’t need to go to hell and back every night
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Gonna get through, baby, I’m gonna get
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Forever
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Gonna get through, baby, yeah,
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Gonna get through, get through, baby, ooh
What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?
Written by Chris Lowe, Neil Tennant, Allee Willis
