British synth-pop legends Pet Shop Boys have once again turned their sharp wit to the political landscape with their latest track, “Give Stupidity a Chance.” While not literally about “Trump Pets Song,” this new release cleverly satirizes the kind of figures and ideologies that might resonate with the very concept of a “trump pets song”—if such a thing were to exist in the realm of political commentary through music. The song, dripping with irony, is a commentary on the rise of anti-intellectualism and self-centeredness in contemporary society, themes often associated with figures like Donald Trump.
The upbeat melody of “Give Stupidity a Chance” belies its biting lyrical content. Neil Tennant’s vocals deliver lines that are both humorous and deeply critical. “Intelligent people have had their say / It’s time for the foolish to show the way,” he sings, echoing the sentiment of those who dismiss expertise and reasoned argument in favor of gut feelings and simplistic solutions. This lyric directly references Michael Gove’s infamous dismissal of experts during the Brexit campaign, a moment that perfectly encapsulates the kind of populist wave the Pet Shop Boys are critiquing. The song questions the value placed on informed opinions, suggesting a world where ignorance is not just bliss but a guiding principle.
Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys, pictured in a promotional shot, reflecting on the artistic merit of contemporary songwriting.
Further into the track, the satire becomes even more pointed, specifically targeting Donald Trump’s persona and past controversies. The lyrics, “Chicks are always up for it / You’ve got to grab whatever you can / We need a leader who knows money means class / With an eye for a peach-perfect piece of ass,” are a thinly veiled reference to Trump’s infamous “grab them by the pussy” statement. This section of the song doesn’t just criticize Trump’s objectification of women, but also his brand of leadership that equates wealth with inherent superiority and reduces individuals to mere objects of desire. While not explicitly mentioning “trump pets song,” the underlying tone captures a similar sentiment of reducing complex issues and relationships to simplistic, even crude, terms – much like how a simplistic, meme-like phrase like “trump pets song” might attempt to capture a complex political phenomenon.
The Pet Shop Boys have a long history of embedding political commentary within their pop anthems. From their early hit “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money),” which satirized Thatcherite self-interest, to “Go West,” which became an anthem for gay rights, their music has consistently engaged with social and political issues. “I’m With Stupid,” released in 2006, was a direct critique of the relationship between Tony Blair and George Bush, questioning the UK’s subservient role to the US. Similarly, “Integral” tackled government surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties. “Give Stupidity a Chance” continues this tradition, updating their satirical lens for the current political climate.
Promotional image of the Pet Shop Boys for their album ‘Super’, showcasing their modern and vibrant aesthetic.
In a world grappling with misinformation and the rejection of expert consensus, “Give Stupidity a Chance” is a timely and relevant song. It serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the dangers of embracing ignorance. While the phrase “trump pets song” might seem nonsensical on the surface, Pet Shop Boys’ new track uses satire to dissect the very mindset that could give rise to such simplistic and potentially misleading political narratives. The song encourages listeners to question the prevailing trends of anti-intellectualism and to value informed discourse over blind faith in simplistic slogans or figures who champion ignorance. It’s a call for a more nuanced and intelligent approach to the challenges facing society, delivered with the Pet Shop Boys’ signature blend of pop sensibility and lyrical depth.
