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Yesterday, When I Was Mad Lyrics

Darling, you were wonderful, you really were quite good
I enjoyed it, though, of course, no one understood
A word of what was going on, they didn't have a clue
They couldn't understand your sense of humour like I do

You're much too kind
I smiled with murder on my mind

Yesterday, when I was mad
And quite prepared to give up everything
Admitting, I don't believe
In anyone's sincerity, and that's what's really got to me

You have a certain quality, which really is unique
Expressionless, such irony, although your voice is weak
It doesn't really matter 'cause the music is so loud
Of course it's all on tape, but no one will find out

You hated me too
But not as much as I hated you

Yesterday, when I was mad
And quite prepared to give up everything
Admitting, I don't believe
In anyone's sincerity, and that's what's really got to me

Then, when I was lonely
I thought again
And changed my mind

Then we posed for pictures with the competition winners
And argued about the hotel rooms, and where to go for dinner
And someone said: "It's fabulous you're still around today,
You've both made such a little go a very long way"

Yesterday, when I was mad
And quite prepared to give up everything
Admitting, I don't believe
In anyone's sincerity, and that's what's really got to me

Yesterday, when I was mad
And quite prepared to give up everything
Admitting, I don't believe
In anyone's sincerity, and that's what's really got to me

Then, when I was lonely
I thought again
And changed my mind
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Cover art for Yesterday, When I Was Mad lyrics by Pet Shop Boys

You know, I very much suspect that this song was having a serious pop at Bobby O - their original manager who (allegedly) shafted them for a shedload of money after the (original) release of Opportunities and the release(s) of West End Girls. They apparently didn't see a penny of the royalties for months...if ever.

It is definitely about Tennant and Lowe and their huge success (both made such a little go a very long way) and there seems to be someone, from their past, who slagged them off or left them high and dry in the past NOW saying how wonderful they are...yeah that would make me seeth. Maybe he's saying, well, if it were yesterday, then I would have killed you. Today I will grit my teeth in the knowledge that I have to take all compliments, particularly from you, with a proverbial pinch of salt.

Cover art for Yesterday, When I Was Mad lyrics by Pet Shop Boys

Nope, Bobby O was their producer before even Please, their manager was Tom Watkins, but either way this song is about the press and the people working in it, after their first proper tour (before Very).

The verses are the insincere comments from the press "Of course it's all on tape, but no one will find out" The pre-chorus and chorus is Neil's response "I smiled with murder on my mind" and then his personal thoughts "Admitting I don't believe in anyone's sincerity, and that's what really got to me"

And then, the dénouement is the ending coda "Then, when I was lonely, I thought again and changed my mind..."

A really well written song that starts as bitchy as hell and ends really sweet, and contains some of their best music, probably their most energetic and powerful with Always on My Mind a very close second.

 
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