About the song
“Nothing Has Been Proved” stands as a poignant testament to the intertwining of music and history, crafted by the collaborative genius of Dusty Springfield and the Pet Shop Boys. Released as a single in 1989, the song not only marked a significant musical milestone but also found its place in cinematic history as part of the soundtrack for the film “Scandal”.
The genesis of the song lies in the backdrop of one of Britain’s most infamous political scandals—the Profumo affair of 1963, which rocked the Conservative government to its core. Producer Stephen Woolley, seeking a song that would resonate with the film’s narrative, approached the Pet Shop Boys, who then reworked an earlier composition of Neil Tennant’s, adapting it to fit the emotional and historical context of the era. The decision to invite Dusty Springfield to lend her vocals was inspired, as her soulful voice and star power from her days with the Springfields brought a poignant authenticity to the lyrics.
Lyrically, “Nothing Has Been Proved” unfolds like a narrative, chronicling the scandal’s key figures such as Mandy Rice-Davies, Christine Keeler, and Stephen Ward, against the backdrop of societal and political turmoil. References to cultural touchstones of the time, such as the Beatles’ chart-topping album “Please Please Me”, further ground the song in its historical moment, capturing the essence of an era marked by both scandal and cultural revolution.
Musically, the song is a blend of orchestral grandeur—thanks to Angelo Badalamenti’s arrangement—and contemporary pop sensibilities, enriched by Courtney Pine’s emotive saxophone solos. Marshall Jefferson’s dance mix of the track, featured on its extended releases, also underscored its versatility and appeal across different musical genres.
The song’s impact extended beyond its initial release, becoming a pivotal moment in Dusty Springfield’s career resurgence, leading to further success with her album “Reputation”. The music video, a blend of studio footage with scenes from “Scandal” and archival footage, further encapsulated the song’s evocative power and its connection to the film’s narrative.
In conclusion, “Nothing Has Been Proved” is not just a song but a cultural artifact—an exploration of history through music that resonates with both its immediate context and timeless themes of truth, scandal, and the enduring power of human emotion. Its creation stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration between artists and the enduring legacy of those who dare to blend music with history.
Video
Lyrics
Baby, if a wall of stone
Were built around your heart
Oh, don’t you know (Don’t you know), don’t you know? (Don’t you know)
I would tear the wall apart
‘Cause nothing (Nothing), nothing (Nothing), nothing, I said no, not nothing
Nothing in the world’s gonna keep me away from you
If a sea of fire, it was surrounding you
Oh don’t you know, (Don’t you know), don’t you know? (Don’t you know)
I would find a way to get through
Because nothing (Nothing), nothing (Nothing), nothing, I said no, not nothing
Nothing in the world’s gonna keep me away from you
I’ve been listening, baby
For one thing, one little thing that I wanna hear
Come on and tell me, come on tell me
Do you really, really, really, really want me here?
Because nothing (Nothing), nothing (Nothing), nothing, I said no, not nothing
Nothing in the world’s gonna keep me away from you
Yeah, I’m listening, baby
(Nothing in the world’s gonna keep me away from you)
Yeah, I’m listening, baby
For one thing, for one little thing that I wanna hear
Come on and tell me, come on and tell me
Do you really, really, really, really want me here?
Because nothing (Nothing), nothing (Nothing), I said nothing, no, no, not nothing
Nothing in the world’s gonna keep me away from you
Oh, I said nothing (Nothing), I said nothing (Nothing), I said nothing, no, no, no, no, not nothing
Nothing in the world’s gonna keep me away from you