Rent (song)

Infobox Single
Name = Rent


Artist = Pet Shop Boys
from Album = Actually
B-side = "I Want a Dog"
Released = October 12, 1987
Format = 7", 12", cassette, CD
Recorded =
Genre = Synthpop
Length = 3:35
Label = Parlophone - R 6168
Writer = Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe
Producer = Julian Mendelsohn
Last single = "What Have I Done to Deserve This?"
(1987)
This single = "Rent"
(1987)
Next single = "Always on My Mind"
(1987)

Rent is a 1987 single by the Pet Shop Boys. It was released in the UK by Parlophone on 12 October 1987. The lyrics concern a financially one-sided relationship, i.e. that of a kept man, or woman, the title implying more specifically the lot of a rent boy.

Peaking at number 8 in the UK charts, the video, directed by Derek Jarman, features scenes filmed at London's King's Cross station. The video stars Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath hosting a dinner party when his partner gets annoyed as he shows her no attention, she then gets Neil Tennant to drive her to Kings Cross and she meets Chris Lowe on the platform and they both leave together.

Cover versions

* Serbian punk rock band KBO! recorded a version on their 2001 cover album "(Ne) Menjajte Stanicu" (Do Not) Change The Station).
* In 2007, Thirteen Senses covered the song to be placed on preloaded iPod Nanos. These were then given away as prizes at their May 2007 tour of the UK. "Rent" has been performed live by Neil Tennant with Suede and has also been covered by Carter USM and Liza Minnelli on her 1989 album "Results".

Track listing

7": Parlophone / R 6168 (UK)

# "Rent" - 3:35
# "I want a dog" - 4:57

12": Parlophone / 12R 6168 (UK)

# "Rent" (Extended Mix) - 7:06
# "Rent" (Dub) - 6:06
# "I want a dog" - 4:57

* also available on CD (Parlophone / CD R 6168)

Chart performance