PET SHOP BOYS - A MAN COULD GET ARRESTED

Released: October 28, 1985

Album: Alternative

"A Man Could Get Arrested" initially served as the B-side for the 1985 release of the West End Girls single. The track was originally recorded during sessions with Bobby Orlando but remained unreleased until later. Neil and Chris recorded it in Bobby O's office studio while he was out of town.

The 12" version of the original cut was completed by Neil and Chris after they signed with EMI. They later recorded a more intricate and refined version for the 7" release. Consequently, depending on the version you listen to, you'll experience a different rendition of the song. The bass part was performed by John 'Rhino' Edwards, bassist for Judie Tzuke, who later joined Status Quo.

In the booklet accompanying the Alternative collection, Neil Tennant reveals that "A Man Could Get Arrested," initially recorded in 1984 draws inspiration from an incident the evening he and Chris encountered Peter Andreas, who would later become their close friend. While walking through London, they got entangled in a confrontation with some "yobs" in Russell Square, resulting in Neil and Peter briefly being detained by the police (Chris managed to evade capture). Despite Russell Square's reputation as a popular nighttime spot for gay men, Neil clarifies that the underlying theme of the song is heterosexual: it portrays a man struggling to persuade his girlfriend to sleep with him. Neil describes it as a reflection of sexual frustration, where the protagonist's exasperation reaches a point where he feels "a man could get arrested."

The line "You want to see a doctor before our love is tested" has prompted speculation about its meaning, particularly in relation to HIV testing. While HIV tests weren't available until 1985, the same year the song was released, it's plausible that the song was written before then. The preceding line about having "so many problems and a split personality" suggests the possibility that the reference to seeing a doctor could pertain to psychiatry rather than HIV testing. However, the later line, "You got your health, you got everything," a phrase reportedly associated with Bobby "O" Orlando, underscores a recurring theme of health in the song.