The Pretenders is an English-American rock band founded in Hereford, United… Read Full Bio ↴The Pretenders is an English-American rock band founded in Hereford, United Kingdom that came to prominence during the punk and new wave movement of the late 1970s due to their innovative songwriting and charismatic performances. Since then, the band has experienced drug-related losses and numerous subsequent personnel changes, with American-born group founder, songwriter, vocalist, and rhythm guitarist Chrissie Hynde as the only consistent member.

Formed in 1978 in London, the original band Hynde, lead and rhythm guitarist James Honeyman-Scott (died 1982), bassist Pete Farndon (died 1983), 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 the drug-related deaths of Honeyman-Scott and Farndon. Since then, numerous subsequent personnel changes have taken place over the years, with Hynde as the sole constant.

With Hynde at the helm, the band 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.

In 2008, the Pretenders' album Break Up the Concrete was released through Shangri-La Music. It was the band's first Top 40 album in the US in 22 years.

In September 2012, as part of the entertainment line-up for the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix, the Pretenders re-grouped with Hynde and Chambers from the original line-up, along with Nick Wilkinson, James Walbourne and Eric Heywood.

I'll Stand by You
The Pretenders Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through

'Cause I've seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you

You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you

So if you're mad, get mad
Don't hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too

Well I'm a lot like you
When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
'Cause even if you're wrong

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you

And when
When the night falls on you, baby
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour

And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you

Overall Meaning

The Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You" is a powerful love song that speaks to loyalty, understanding, and unwavering support. The opening lines set the tone of the song as a plea to a sad and tearful person to come closer and let the singer offer solace. The chorus captures the central message of the song: that no matter what troubles the other person is going through, the singer will stand by them and not let anybody hurt them.

The second verse is a call to express anger when it arises. The singer reassures the other person that they too get angry and understand the need to let it out. The bridge section of the song is particularly moving, as the singer offers to walk with the other person through their darkest hour, underscoring the message of support and dedication. The final chorus repeats the message of unwavering support in the face of difficulties, emphasizing the desire by the singer to be a stalwart presence in their lives.

Overall, "I'll Stand By You" is a testament to the power of human connection and the strength of love and support in even the most difficult times.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, why you look so sad?
Asking why someone looks so sad and concerned about their emotions.

Tears are in your eyes
Observing that the person is in tears and feeling emotional.

Come on and come to me now
Encouraging the person to seek comfort and come closer to the singer.

Don't be ashamed to cry
Assuring the person that it's okay to express their emotions by crying.

Let me see you through
Offering comfort and support to the person during their difficult time.

'Cause I've seen the dark side too
Explaining that the singer has had difficult experiences and can relate to the person's pain.

When the night falls on you
Describing a time when the person is feeling overwhelmed and alone.

You don't know what to do
Acknowledging the person's confusion and uncertainty about what steps to take.

Nothing you confess
Assuring the person that no matter what they say, the artist won't judge them.

Could make me love you less
Reassuring the person that the artist's love for them is constant and won't be affected by their flaws or mistakes.

I'll stand by you
Promising to support and stand by the person during their difficult times.

Won't let nobody hurt you
Vowing to protect the person from harm and negative influences.

So if you're mad, get mad
Encouraging the person to express their anger and not hold it inside.

Don't hold it all inside
Advising the person to release their emotions and not bottle them up.

Come on and talk to me now
Urging the person to communicate with the singer and share their feelings.

Hey, what you got to hide?
Asking the person if they are hiding something and reassuring them that it's safe to share.

I get angry too
Acknowledging that the artist also experiences anger and can relate to the person's emotions.

Well I'm a lot like you
Comparing the singer's experiences and emotions with the person's to show that they understand each other.

When you're standing at the crossroads
Describing a time when the person has to make a difficult decision.

And don't know which path to choose
Acknowledging the person's confusion and uncertainty about which decision to make.

Let me come along
Offering to support and help the person during their decision-making process.

'Cause even if you're wrong
Assuring the person that the artist will still stand by them and support them, even if they make a mistake.

Take me in, into your darkest hour
Offering to be there for the person even when they are going through their toughest times.

And I'll never desert you
Promising to never leave the person's side or abandon them during difficult times.

And when
Indicating that a difficult time may happen in the future.

When the night falls on you, baby
Describing a time when the person is feeling overwhelmed and alone.

You're feeling all alone
Acknowledging the person's feelings of loneliness and isolation.

You won't be on your own
Reassuring the person that the artist will be there for them and provide support.