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I Want to Wake Up

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First released in 1987, this song was included on Pet Shop Boys' second studio album, Actually. It was subsequently released as a bonus track for "Can You Forgive Her?" Its popularity grew significantly after its second release, which led to it being re-recorded several times and eventually becoming a fan favorite. "I Want to Wake Up" is about unrequited love, how deeply agonizing it is be in love with someone who doesn't love you back. The narrator is desperately begging to wake up from the "bad dream" of loving in love with someone who doesn't love him back. The song's lyrics describe the overwhelming anxiety and masochistic nature of being in love with someone who does not love you back, but it pairs its strong message with upbeat, danceable music. This is a common occurrence in the band's musical library.

I heard what you said and I can tell you it’s true
I heard you’ve said that I am crazy about you
Turn in my sleep, a bad dream is over
Think of you and shall I ever recover?

Now I want to wake up
How I want to wake up

I stood at the kitchen sink, my radio played
Songs like ‘Tainted Love’ and ‘Love Is Strange’
As I listened and the words hit my ears
I cried sudden tears

Now, I want to wake up
How I want to wake up

It’s mad, to be in love with someone else
When you’re in love with he
She’s in love with me
But you know as well as I do
I can never think of anyone but you
All my life
Play with fire, play with guns
It’s easy to impress someone
Turning in my sleep, you called me a fool
To fall in love, is it so uncool?

Now I want to wake up
How I want to wake up
Now I want to wake up

I want to wake up with you

Written by Tenant/Lowe.

Works Cited

Some of this song analysis was attained from the Pet Shop Boys fansite Geowayne: Commentary, Interpretation, and Analysis of Every Song by Pet Shop Boys. Retrieved from http://www.geowayne.com/newDesign/alternative/shameless.htm

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