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’ “West End Girls” isn’t just another ’80s hit—it’s the song that put the duo on the map and helped define an era. Released in 1985, the track blends moody synths, a hypnotic beat, and Neil Tennant’s cool, talk-sing vocals to capture the grit and glamour of London life. Touching on themes of class, city streets, and shifting identities, it stood out from the glossy pop of the time and struck a chord with listeners around the world.
The song shot to No. 1 on both the UK and U.S. charts, turning Pet Shop Boys into international stars. Decades later, “West End Girls” still feels fresh—a timeless reminder of how smart, stylish pop can tell a bigger story.
It was the first single released from their debut album “Please”.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK Singles Chart on the 11th January 1986.
| A-Side | West End Girls (4:01) (Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe) Produced By Stephen Hague |
| B-Side | A Man Could Get Arrested (4:50) (Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe) Produced By Stephen Spiro |
| Genre | Electronic, SynthPop, Pop |
| Release Date | 28th October 1985 |
| Label | PARLOPHONE RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | R 6115 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 30th November 1985 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 12 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [12 Weeks] – 30th November 1985 – 15th February 1986 |
Officially Released Versions
West End Girls (Single Version) (4:01)
West End Girls (Dance Mix) (6:39)
West End Girls (10” Version) (7:05)
West End Girls (Shep Pettibone Mastermix) (8:09)
West End Girls (Dub Version) (9:30)
West End Girls (‘Disco’ Mix) (9:03)
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
Sometimes you’re better off dead
There’s 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
Oooh West End town, a dead end world
East End boys, West End Girls
West End girls
You’ve got a heart of glass or a heart of stone
Just you wait ’til 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
East End boys
And West End girls
And West End girls
(… forever)
And West End girls
(How far have you been?)
East End boys
The West End girls
The West End boys
And West End girls
The West End girls
The West End boys
The West End girls
Written By Neil Tennant / Chris Lowe
