Pet Shop Boys'”I’m with Stupid” Lyrics Meaning
On the surface, Pet Shop Boys’ “I’m with Stupid” features what we would classify as a complex relationship between the vocalist and addressee. However, it is obvious they share a deep association, possibly even a romance. And the conclusively sentiment the singer is putting forth, most simply explained, is one of doubting the validity of the love between the two of them.
But of course it would be unconventional to refer to a loved one as “stupid”, as implied by the title. And relatedly, it has been ascertained that the reason the lyrics of this song are so relatively complex is because they’re actually serving as a shrouded criticism of two individuals who were in power and worked closely together at the time, US President George Bush and his British counterpart, Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Or more simply explained, taking the title of the song into consideration, it is meant to be sort of a diss against the Anglo-American establishment.
What “I’m with Stupid” is all about
Pet Shop Boys use a complex and unfulfilling relationship between loved ones as a metaphor for the “special” relationship between former U.S. President George Bush and his British counterpart Tony Blair.
“I’m with Stupid” Facts
Artist(s): Pet Shop Boys
Album: “Fundamental”
Was “I’m with Stupid” a single release?
Yes. On May 8th, 2006, it was issued as single No.1 from the group’s 9th studio album. The Boys titled the said album “Fundamental”.
Writing and Production Credits
The song was written by the Boys themselves. Trevor Horn took care of its production.
What Genre(s) is “I’m with Stupid”?
It is a proper synth-pop song.
Awards/Honors:
“I’m with Stupid” was nominated for the “Best Dance Recording” award at the Grammys in 2007. It was however, defeated by Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack”. The category also included the following songs:
Chart Performance
This was a major hit for Pet Shop Boys. Below are the countries in which “I’m with Stupid” charted within the top-10:
- US – 7
- UK – 8
- Sweden – 10
- Spain – 5
- Scotland – 9
- Denmark – 3
- Belgium – 4
Controversies
The song has been acknowledged to be satirizing the relationship that existed between then president of the US, George Bush and UK Prime Minister, Blair at the time. Owing to this, not too many sympathizers of the above-mentioned names were cool with it.
The “Fundamental” Album
The English duo, Pet Shop Boys, released the synth-pop song, I’m with Stupid, as the lead single from their 2006 album titled, Fundamental. The album was the duo’s ninth studio album.
Parlophone Records released Fundamental on May 22, 2006. However, the album was recorded in 2005. British producer Trevor Horn and the duo produced the whole album. The liner notes on the L.P. record of the album suggest that the album was dedicated to two late male Iranian teenagers.
Avaz Marhoni and Mahmoud Asgari were their names. The pair were reported to be executed for practicing homosexuality. It should be noted that homosexuality is currently illegal in Iran.
Just as the album’s title suggests, its concept portrays the urgency and critical need for religious fundamentalism and religious freedom in our societies.
Fundamental was very successful, especially in the United Kingdom. For example, here, it ranked fifth on the official album chart. It was nominated for the Best Electronic Album at the 2007 Grammys.
