Footsteps

Information Page

First released in 1999, this song was included on the Pet Shop Boys album Nightlife. This song is about a woman's decision to be ok with her lover galvanting with another woman as long as he eventually returns home. Two stylistic innovations set this song apart from the rest. First, it forms a lyrical bookend with the album's first song, which introduces the narrative of a woman waiting for her lover's call. The first song asks the question, and the last song answers it. Second, it features a full classical choir, which gives the song an epic grandeur, a new sound for the band.

Footsteps in the dark
Only love will break your heart
Footsteps, footsteps

Whenever trouble comes around
Or lonely nights lead underground
And far in the dark
Abandoned cars suddenly start up
An anxious sound
As long as I hear your footsteps in the dark
That's all I need

Footsteps in the dark
Only love will break your heart
Footsteps, footsteps

When loneliness induces fear
Like waves against a ramshackle pier
When thunder and rain
Scar the windowpane once again
I want you near
As long as I hear your footsteps in the dark
That's all I need

I'm longing to see you
I want you, I need you

Like a child who feels afraid
Of the dark at night
Hoping to hear a gentle touch
Turning on a welcome light
As long as I hear your footsteps in the dark
That's all I need
As long as I hear your footsteps in the dark
That's all I need

Footsteps in the dark
Only love will break your heart
Footsteps, footsteps
Footsteps in the dark
Only love will break your heart
Footsteps, footsteps

Written by Tenant/Lowe

Works Cited

A large part 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/nightlife/footsteps.htm

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