Pretenders are a rock band who came to prominence during the punk and new w… Read Full Bio ↴Pretenders are a rock band who came to prominence during the punk and new wave movement of the late 1970s due to their innovative songwriting and charismatic performances. The original band consisted of group founder, songwriter, vocalist, and rhythm guitarist Chrissie Hynde, lead and rhythm guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers. Save for Hynde, a native of Akron, Ohio, the original band members were all from the U.K. This band was fractured by drug-related deaths and numerous subsequent personnel changes have taken place over the years, with Hynde as the sole constant. With Hynde at the helm, the band drifted through more adult contemporary-oriented territory, but experienced a critical resurgence with a trio of albums released between the mid-90s and early 00s that explored a more mature side of the band's classic sound.

Show Me
Pretenders Lyrics

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Show me the meaning of the word
Show me the meaning of the word
'Cause I've heard so much about it
They say, "Hey, you can't live without it"

Welcome to the human race
With its wars, disease and brutality
You with your innocence and grace

Restore some pride and dignity
To a world in decline

Welcome to a special place
In a heart of stone that's cold and gray
You with your angel face
Keep the despair at bay
Send it away, and

Show me the meaning of the word
Show me the meaning of the word
'Cause I've heard so much about it
I don't want to live without it
I don't want to live without it
Oh, I want love
I want love
I want love

Welcome here from outer space
The Milky Way is still in your eyes
You found yourself a hopeless case
One that's seeking perfection on earth
That's some kind of rebirth, so

Show me the meaning of the word
Show me the meaning of the word
'Cause I've heard so much about it
Don't make me live without it
Oh, love
I want love
I want

Love
I want love

Overall Meaning

The Pretenders’ song, “Show Me,” is about love and the unexplainable power it holds over human beings. The lyrics call for an explanation of the meaning of the word “love” as the singer seems to be lost in a world that is harsh, cruel, and intense, where people are battling wars, diseases, and brutality. The singer is innocent and pure in a world that is in decline, where there is desperation and loss of hope. The song invites someone who can bring love, pride, and dignity to this world.

The lyrics also talk about a special place in the heart, which is grey and cold due to harsh life experiences. However, the innocence and the grace of the singer, with their “angel face,” bring hope and keep despair at bay. The singer seeks love, which they have been constantly hearing about so as to understand and experience the emotion that everyone seems to need but cannot quite define. The singer seeks a rebirth by seeking perfection on earth, which they believe can be achieved through true love.

In summary, the song is about the necessity of love, its inexplicable nature, and its ability to transform individuals and the world around them. The song urges the listener to show its meaning and not to make the singer live without it.

Line by Line Meaning

Show me the meaning of the word
I want to understand what love truly is

Show me the meaning of the word
I need to comprehend the depth of love's significance

'Cause I've heard so much about it
I've been told enough about love and its importance

They say, "Hey, you can't live without it"
People claim that you cannot survive without love

Welcome to the human race
Welcome to the world of humanity

With its wars, disease and brutality
A world filled with conflict, illness, and cruelty

You with your innocence and grace
You, with your pure and elegant nature

Restore some pride and dignity
Revive some self-esteem and respect

To a world in decline
To a world that is deteriorating

Welcome to a special place
Welcome to an extraordinary setting

In a heart of stone that's cold and gray
In a heart that is cold and unfeeling