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.

One More Day
The Pretenders Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You believed in me
When you had nothing to gain
You stood by me
You walked out in the falling rain
To find me
Waiting in the shadows behind me

Baby, please...please

Won't you do it one more time
Do it one more time
Do it one more time
Please
Do it one more time

You stayed when no one else would
When I was delayed
You understood
I've done some low things
Alright, but you said I was good
I couldn't forgive myself
But you could

Won't you please...please
Won't you do it one more time
Do it one more time
Do it one more time
Please
Won't you do it one more time

I know I've made you promises
Then I forget
I've let you down when, darling,
I'm forever in your debt
In my darkest hour
I've turned you out
But when the mood has passed
You came back in spite of me
Saying, "This love, this love was meant to last"

Oh baby
Won't you please
Won't you do it one more time
Do it one more time with feeling
Oh, baby, please
Won't you do it one more time
One more time, please
Won't you do it one more time

With feeling...

Overall Meaning

The Pretenders' song "One More Time" is an emotional plea to a loved one to stay with the singer through thick and thin. The lyrics reminisce about the times when the person stood by the singer's side, despite their faults and shortcomings. The singer acknowledges that they have let their loved one down and broken promises, but asks for forgiveness and another chance to prove themselves. The phrase "do it one more time" is repeated throughout the song as a plea for the loved one to stick around and continue to love and support the singer through their struggles.

The song is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love and relationships. The lyrics touch on themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring nature of love. The singer's vulnerability and honesty in admitting their faults and asking for another chance create a relatable and emotional resonance in the song. The repeated plea for the loved one to "do it one more time" is a poignant reminder that love is not always easy, but can be worth fighting for.

Line by Line Meaning

You believed in me
You had faith in me

When you had nothing to gain
When you had no personal interest or benefit to gain from supporting me

You stood by me
You remained loyal to me

You walked out in the falling rain
You went out in unpleasant weather conditions to find me

To find me
To search for me

Waiting in the shadows behind me
Hiding or lurking out of sight near me

Won't you do it one more time
Would you please do it again

You stayed when no one else would
You remained with me even when no one else did

When I was delayed
When I was slow or late in my actions

You understood
You comprehended my situation or perspective

I've done some low things
I've behaved in a dishonorable or immoral way