Story Behind The Song
Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s Alright” is a strikingly optimistic piece of electronic pop, despite beginning with references to political unrest, oppression and environmental destruction. Released in 1989 from their album Introspective, it was originally written and recorded by Chicago house artist Sterling Void, whose version first caught the duo’s attention on a house-music compilation. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe were immediately drawn to its message and decided to create their own interpretation.
Produced by Trevor Horn, the Pet Shop Boys version retains the house-inspired foundation of the original while giving it a more expansive, polished pop sound. Tennant added new lyrics addressing the threat to the natural environment, broadening the song’s concerns beyond politics and into the future of the planet. The contrast between the serious subject matter and the uplifting refrain gives the track much of its emotional power.
At its heart, “It’s Alright” is a celebration of music as a force for good. Tennant’s lyrics imagine music surviving long after political systems and generations have disappeared, existing on a “timeless wavelength” and continuing to provide strength. It is an unusually sincere and hopeful Pet Shop Boys song, combining global anxiety with an enduring belief in the power of music.
The song peaked at No. 05 in the UK singles chart on the 2nd July 1989.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
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Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
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ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | It’s Alright (4:18) (Sterling Void) Produced By Trevor Horn |
| B1-Side | One Of The Crowd (3:54) (Tennant, Lowe) Produced By Pet Shop Boys |
| B2-Side | Your Funny Uncle (2:16) (Tennant, Lowe) Produced By Pet Shop Boys |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [6 Weeks] – 8th July 1989 – 12th August 1989 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
It’s Alright (Single Version) (4:18)
It’s Alright (Extended Disco Version) (8:47)
It’s Alright (Alternative Mix / 10″ Version) (4:46)
It’s Alright (Extended Dance Mix) (10:34)
It’s Alright (Sterling Void Mix) (5:34)
It’s Alright (Tyree Mix) (8:55)
It’s Alright (Album Version) (9:24)
It’s Alright (Album Version) (Edit) (3:41)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
Dictation being forced in Afghanistan
Revolution in South Africa taking a stand
People in Eurasia on the brink of oppression
I hope it’s going to be alright
I hope the music plays forever
Forests falling at a desperate pace
The earth is dying and desert taking its place
People under pressure on the brink of starvation
I hope it’s gonna be alright
(Alright, alright, alright)
‘Cause the music plays forever
(For it goes on and on and on and on and on)
I hope it’s gonna be alright
(On and on and on and on forever)
And the music plays forever
(Alright, alright)
Generations will come and go
But there’s one thing for sure
Music is our life’s foundation
And shall succeed all the nations to come
(Alright, alright, alright, alright)
‘Cause the music plays forever
(For it goes on and on and on and on and on)
I hope it’s gonna be alright
(On and on and on and on forever)
And the music plays forever
The year three thousand may still come to pass
But the music shall last
I can hear it on a timeless wavelength
Never dissipating, but giving us strength
(It’s alright)
I think it’s gonna be alright
(It’s gonna be)
(Alright, alright, alright, alright)
[Chorus: Neil Tennant & Tessa Niles]
‘Cause the music plays forever
(Gonna be alright)
If the music plays forever
(It will be alright)
If the music plays forever
(I think it’s gonna be alright)
It’s gonna be alright
(If the music plays)
(It’s al… alright)
(It’s alright)
(For it goes on and on and on and on)
Written By Sterling Void
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