Dusty Springfield – In Private

About the song

By the time Dusty Springfield released “In Private” in 1989, she was already a legend, known for her emotionally rich voice and a career that spanned decades. But this song marked a striking reinvention—one that placed her firmly in the realm of contemporary pop while still retaining the depth and elegance that defined her artistry. Written and produced by Pet Shop Boys, “In Private” is a dramatic, synth-driven anthem that perfectly blended Springfield’s signature vocal warmth with the slick, pulsating sound of late ’80s electronic pop.

At its core, the song is about secrecy, guilt, and hidden love affairs, with lyrics that depict a clandestine relationship coming to light. Lines like “When you run for cover, you still run right back to me” suggest a love that is both irresistible and deeply complicated. Unlike many of Springfield’s earlier ballads, which often explored love with a soft vulnerability, “In Private” is more urgent, more accusatory—delivered with a sense of knowing strength rather than wistful longing.

Musically, “In Private” is unmistakably influenced by the high-energy, synth-laden production style of Pet Shop Boys, who were at the peak of their career at the time. The song features lush synthesizers, a driving beat, and a dramatic, almost cinematic arrangement, making it an ideal vehicle for Springfield’s powerful yet intimate vocal delivery. It’s polished and contemporary while still carrying a sense of classic drama—a quality that had always been a hallmark of her greatest recordings.

Though the song was a hit in Europe, particularly in Germany and the UK, it didn’t gain the same level of recognition in the U.S., where Springfield’s popularity had faded by that point. However, “In Private” remains a standout moment in her later career—a reminder that even after decades in the industry, she could still deliver music that felt fresh, relevant, and emotionally gripping. Today, it stands as a testament to her versatility and her ability to evolve without losing the essence of what made her such an iconic vocalist.

Video

Lyrics

Take your time
And tell me
Where you lie
I realize
That we’ve been found out
This time

We should stay
Together
If we can
But what you planned
Means there’s a difference
Between

What you’re gonna say
In private
You still want my love
We’re in this together
And what you’re gonna do
In public
Say you were never in love
That you can remember

So discreet (she’s so discreet)
I never
Tried to meet
Your friends or
Interfere
I took a back seat
Between

And what you gonna say
In private
You still want my love
We’re in this together
And what you’re gonna do
In public
Say you were never in love
That you can remember

What you gonna say, ay
When you run back to your wife?
I guess it’s just the story of my life
What you gonna say?

So take your time
And tell me
Where did you learn
Oh, I may publicize
That there’s a difference
Between

What you’re gonna say
In private
You still want my love
We’re in this together
And what you’re gonna do
In public
Say you were never in love
That you can remember

Tell me what you gonna say
In private? (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
You still want my love
We’re in this together (what you gonna say? What you gonna do?)
What you gonna do
In private?
Say you were never in love…