Delusions of Grandeur

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First released in 1997, this song was a bonus track of the Pet Shop Boys song "A Red Letter Day", the fourth single from their album Bilingual. This song is about hating people so much that we fantasize about having great power and getting even with them. The song's music is far more prominent than the vocals, which makes Neil's voice sound hollow and empty as if he were in a large room all by himself. This conveys the idea that exacting our revenge would leave us feeling lonely and unfulfilled, ultimately suggesting that it may not be worth the effort.

The cathedral's glittering on coronation day
Crowned heads and cardinals under military sway
I approach the altar slowly in a humble shroud
To receive the acclamation of the loyal crowd

Give me power over people in a palace
With a permanent guard
And the flags unfurled
Give devotion, dedication, celebration
Not some cheap charade
And I'll rule the world
All of these delusions of grandeur
Because they said 'We don't understand you'
And I want revenge

In audience I receive the media's pleas
They kiss my ring in interviews on bended knees
In victory I'm magnanimous and charming when
I speak exclusively at length to CNN

About power over people in a palace
With a permanent guard
And the flags unfurled
With devotion, dedication, celebration
Not some cheap charade
I will rule the world
All of these delusions of grandeur
Because they said 'We don't understand you'
And I want revenge

Ring the bells, tell everyone
Revolution can be fun

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/format/delusions.htm

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