Pet Shop Boys, Dusty Springfield – What Have I Done To Deserve This?: Lyrics and Music Video

"What Have I Done to Deserve This?" is a landmark synth-pop duet by Pet Shop Boys featuring Dusty Springfield that exemplifies the innovative pop sound of the late 1980s. Released in 1987 as a single from the Pet Shop Boys' album Actually, the song became one of their biggest hits, blending the duo's signature electronic production with Dusty Springfield's soulful, expressive vocals.

Key Details:

• Release Date: 1987
• Album: Actually
• Artists: Pet Shop Boys featuring Dusty Springfield
• Writers: Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe (Pet Shop Boys)
• Genre: Synth-Pop, Dance-Pop
• Label: Parlophone (in the UK) and EMI America (in the US)

Themes and Meaning:

• Unexpected Romance:
  The lyrics convey a sense of surprise and ambivalence about falling into love. The refrain—“What have I done to deserve this?”—expresses both delight and a bit of guilt over the unexpected emotional connection.

• Playful Irony:
  There’s an ironic twist in the song as the narrator grapples with the simultaneous pleasure and confusion that comes with a relationship that seems to appear out of nowhere.

• Emotional Complexity:
  The song captures the nuances of desire, mixing vulnerability with a confident, almost defiant acknowledgment of one’s feelings.

Musical Style:

• Infectious Synth-Driven Groove:
  The track is built on upbeat synthesizers, crisp electronic beats, and a danceable rhythm that exemplify the late ‘80s pop sound.

• Dynamic Vocal Contrast:
  Neil Tennant’s smooth, cool delivery interplays with Dusty Springfield’s rich, soulful vocals, creating a captivating contrast that enhances the song’s emotional impact.

• Polished Production:
  The production, typical of Pet Shop Boys' work, is sleek and radio-friendly, yet layered with enough depth to invite repeated listening.

Commercial Success and Legacy:

• Chart Performance:
  The single was a commercial smash, reaching high positions on both the UK and US charts. It became a crossover hit, appealing to fans of dance music, pop, and adult contemporary.

• Cultural Impact:
  The collaboration brought together two generations of pop music—Pet Shop Boys, the innovative electronic duo, and Dusty Springfield, a legendary soul singer—creating a fusion that broadened their audiences and left a lasting impression on the pop music landscape.

• Enduring Appeal:
  Over the years, "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" has remained a staple on ’80s playlists and retrospectives, celebrated for its catchy hook, innovative sound, and the surprising yet effective vocal pairing.

Fun Facts:

• Unexpected Collaboration:
  Dusty Springfield’s involvement was initially unexpected; her soulful voice provided a striking contrast to the electronic, modern sound of the Pet Shop Boys, revitalizing her career and introducing her to a new generation.

• Music Video:
  The song’s music video, with its stylish visuals and playful imagery, further cemented the track’s status as an emblem of ‘80s pop culture.

• Influence on Pop Culture:
  The song’s clever blend of modern synthesizer pop and classic soul elements has inspired numerous covers and has been featured in various media, underscoring its lasting influence.

In Summary:

"What Have I Done to Deserve This?" by Pet Shop Boys featuring Dusty Springfield is a quintessential 1980s synth-pop hit that masterfully fuses the electronic dance sound of its era with timeless soul. Its playful yet emotionally complex lyrics, combined with a dynamic vocal duet and polished production, have secured its place as a beloved classic and a defining moment in pop music history.