"Pleasure and Pain" is a song written by Michael Chapman and Holly Knight, produced by Chapman for Divinyls' second studio album What a Life! (1985). It was released as the album's fourth single in the formats of 7-inch single and 12" single. It became one of their most successful songs, charting at No. 11 in Australia, No. 8 in New Zealand and No. 76 in the United States.

"Pleasure and Pain"
Single by Divinyls
from the album What a Life!
B-side	"What a Life!" "Heart Telegraph"
Released	2 September 1985[1]
Genre	Rock, new wave
Length	3:50
Label	Chrysalis
Songwriter(s)	Mike Chapman, Holly Knight
Producer(s)	Mike Chapman
Divinyls singles chronology
"In My Life" (1984) "Pleasure and Pain" (1985) "Sleeping Beauty" (1986)

Reception

Junkee said, "Literally any Divinyls song ever recorded could have been called "Pleasure & Pain". Chrissy Amphlett’s titanic voice was all about pushing prettiness until it became punishing. "Pleasure & Pain" is a leather boot, pinned directly into your chest."[2]

In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "Pleasure and Pain" was ranked number 43.[3]

Formats and track listing

Australian 7-inch single

1. "Pleasure and Pain"
2. "What a Life!"

Australian 12" single

1. "Pleasure and Pain" (extended mix)
2. "Pleasure and Pain" (instrumental extended mix)
3. "What a Life!"

US 7-inch single

1. "Pleasure and Pain"
2. "Heart Telegraph"

US 12" single

1. "Pleasure and Pain" – 5:58
2. "Pleasure and Pain" (instrumental) – 6:25

Charts

In other media

• In 2016, the song appeared in the season 4 premiere of the prison television series, Wentworth.

References