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.
Phone Call
The Pretenders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From a faceless messenger who don't want to see you hit
Here's the word, listen to it
Somebody that you used to know is back in town
You better go
This is a mercy mission
A voice you'll never hear again from a southside call box
The same one you lost on the run
Gonna show you that it ain't no fun
You better get out of town you're gonna get hit
I didn't mean to get you...
This is a mercy mission
You'll find your schedule underneath the door
All of the arrangements have been made
Major expenses have been paid as you know
Don't forget the last details
Accept no parcels in the mail
The Pretenders' song Phone Call is about a warning received by the singer from a stranger. The stranger is making a mercy mission to tell the singer that someone they used to know, who they lost on the run, is back in town and they better leave. The singer, on the other end of the phone call, is scared and confused, and doesn't know who the warning is referring to. The singer is told that they will find their scheduled plans under the door, the arrangements have been made, and all expenses have been paid. They are advised not to accept any parcels in the mail and not to forget the last details.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is in danger, either from someone they used to know or from someone who wants them dead. The reference to "winged demons" suggests that the singer is being chased by something supernatural or demonic. The overall tone of the song is one of panic and urgency, with the singer being told to take immediate action to protect themselves.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it is about the dangers of living a life of crime or being on the run from the law. The reference to "somebody that you used to know" suggests that the singer might have been involved in a criminal activity with this person and that they are now back in town looking for them. The reference to "winged demons" could refer to the police, who are seen as demonic figures that are hard to outfox.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a mercy mission
This is a warning message that's trying to help you out
From a faceless messenger who don't want to see you hit
This message is coming from someone who cares about you, but wants to remain anonymous, so you don't face any danger
Here's the word, listen to it
Pay attention to what's being said, it's important
Somebody that you used to know is back in town
Someone you're familiar with has returned to your area
You better go
It's in your best interest to leave the town as soon as possible
A voice you'll never hear again from a southside call box
This message is being conveyed via a payphone located in the southern side of the town and you won't hear from this person again
Winged demons are the hardest to outfox
It's difficult to escape from such tough situations
The same one you lost on the run
Referring to the earlier mentioned person who you used to know but lost contact with, while you were running, is back in the town
Gonna show you that it ain't no fun
This person is going to give you a hard time, and it's going to be unpleasant
You better get out of town you're gonna get hit
If you stay, you'll be in trouble and could get hurt
I didn't mean to get you...
This message is being conveyed with a tinge of regret
You'll find your schedule underneath the door
Instructions on when to leave and the arrangements made can be found under your doorstep
All of the arrangements have been made
The preparations you need to leave town have been taken care of
Major expenses have been paid as you know
All the costs associated with your departure have been covered
Don't forget the last details
Make sure you have everything you need before you leave
Accept no parcels in the mail
Don't accept any packages through mail, as it could be dangerous or lead to complications
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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.