Released 27 November 1989 Genre Synthpop | Recorded 1989 Length 4:18 | |
B-side "In Private" (Instrumental) Format 7", 12" vinyl, CD single | ||
"In Private" was the third single in a row to be a charting success for British singer Dusty Springfield, after an absence of nearly two decades from the charts. Both "In Private" and Springfield's previous single, "Nothing Has Been Proved" were produced by Pet Shop Boys, who helped return Springfield to prominence with their 1987 hit collaboration "What Have I Done to Deserve This?". Both Springfield singles were included on her 1990 British album Reputation.
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Releases and chart performances
"In Private" peaked at #14 in the British charts. Though not released as a single in the United States, it proved to be popular with club DJs on both coasts and charted on the Hot 100 Dance/Club Play charts, also at #14. A separate remix single with an orange cover - as opposed to the other formats' colours of green (see right; also used for 12" and 7" versions) and purple (for the CD single) - was also released both on 12" and CD in certain territories, featuring three radically rearranged and remixed dance versions by Shep Pettibone.
Cover versions
The song was later re-recorded and released in 2006 on Fundamentalism, the limited edition second disc released with the Pet Shop Boys' album Fundamental. A different mix of this recording appeared as the b-side to the single "Minimal", released the same year, and was subsequently included in the b-sides compilation Format. It is performed as a duet between Neil Tennant and Elton John. The fact that both of them are openly gay men makes all the more pointed the song's subject of a hidden relationship that one of the participants is ashamed to admit to, especially on the following lines: Tennant: "What you gonna say when you run back to your wife?" / John: "I guess it's just the story of my life...!" / Both: "What are you gonna say...?"
The song was also recorded by the Swedish pop group, Nouveau Riche, as a hidden track on their 2007 album "Pink Trash". In 2008, it was covered by another Swedish band, Sahara Hotnights, peaking at 7th position at the Swedish singles chart.
In 1996, a Dutch cover version of the song was a big comeback hit for Flemish singer, Liliane Saint-Pierre.
Track listings
- "In Private" — 4:21
- "In Private" (instrumental) — 4:21
- "In Private" (12" version) — 7:12
- "In Private" (7" version) — 4:24
- "In Private" (instrumental version) — 4:24
- "In Private" (remix) — 8:53
- "In Private" (dub) — 6:34
- "In Private" (bonus beats) — 3:56