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.
Kid
The Pretenders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've gone all sad so I feel sad too
I think I know some things we never outgrow
You think it's wrong
I can tell you do
How can I explain
When you don't want me to
You look so small you've gone so quiet
I know you know what I'm about
I won't deny it
But you forgive though you don't understand
You've turned your head
You've dropped my hand
All my sorrow, all my blues
All my sorrow
Shut the light, go away
Full of grace, you cover your face
Kid gracious kid
Your eyes are blue but you won't cry
I know angry tears are too dear
You won't let them go
The Pretenders' "Kid" is a song about an adult talking to a child, who seems to have gone into a sullen mood, and they try to understand why this has happened. The singer is empathetic and compassionate, feeling sad that the child is sad, and trying to make the child feel better. However, the child is hesitant and guarded, and doesn't want to open up about what's on their mind. The singer acknowledges that there are some things that we never outgrow, but the child thinks that they're wrong, and doesn't want to talk about it. The singer tries to explain, but realizes that the child doesn't want to listen.
The child's sadness and avoidance of the singer is evident in the second verse when the kid looks small and has gone quiet. The singer knows that the child understands what they're talking about, but the child won't forgive them since they don't fully understand the situation. The child has dropped the singer's hand and turned their head, dismissing them from the conversation.
The chorus "All my sorrow, all my blues" suggests that the singer feels blue and sad for the child's plight. The outro "Shut the light, go away, full of grace, you cover your face" is sung to a calming melody that carries a sense of reassurance.
In conclusion, "Kid" is a poignant song that explores the nuances of relationships between adults and children. It depicts the vulnerability of children, their difficulty in expressing themselves, and the adults that try to make sense of their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Kid what changed your mood
Asking the child why they are sad and trying to understand their feelings
You've gone all sad so I feel sad too
Feeling sad and empathetic towards the child's sadness
I think I know some things we never outgrow
Recognizing that some feelings and struggles continue into adulthood
You think it's wrong
Acknowledging that the child may feel like their emotions are invalid
I can tell you do
Observing and understanding the child's emotions
How can I explain
Feeling helpless in trying to explain something to the child
When you don't want me to
Respecting the child's boundaries and not pushing them to talk about their feelings if they don't want to
Kid my only kid
Addressing the child as the artist's only child
You look so small you've gone so quiet
Observing that the child seems small and quiet, possibly overwhelmed or scared
I know you know what I'm about
Believing that the child understands the artist's intentions or feelings
I won't deny it
Admitting to the child that the singer may be upset, too
But you forgive though you don't understand
Recognizing that the child may not fully comprehend the situation, but is still forgiving
You've turned your head
Noticing that the child is avoiding eye contact or looking away
You've dropped my hand
Feeling a physical disconnect from the child as they let go of the singer's hand
All my sorrow, all my blues
Expressing that the singer is feeling sadness or depression
All my sorrow
Repeating the previous line for emphasis
Shut the light, go away
Expressing a desire to be alone or in the dark
Full of grace, you cover your face
Observing the child trying to hide their emotions, possibly with a calm or graceful demeanor
Kid gracious kid
Addressing the child as a gracious and kind person
Your eyes are blue but you won't cry
Noticing that the child may want to cry, but is holding back their tears
I know angry tears are too dear
Realizing that the child may feel like their strong emotions are too overwhelming or costly
You won't let them go
Noticing that the child is holding back their emotions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Christine Hynde
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tommy Wells
on Get Out of London
I don't think this song will do for a studio album.
It's because of the producer, George Acogny. He's the song producer of the movie.