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.
Precious
The Pretenders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Moving through the Cleveland heat how precious
Taking rides and all the kicks was so precious
But you know I was shittin' bricks 'cause I'm precious
Made me want to, made me want to, you made me make it
Oh, you're so mean
Hotel sterling coming into view how precious
It's a pity that you bruised my hip 'cause I'm precious
You shouldn't let your manners slip you're too precious
Made me want to, made me want to, you made me make it
Oh, you're so mean
We went around and round and round and round and round the Shoreway
We was gonna do it do it do it on the pavement
Oh maybe maybe I'm gonna have a baby
We was a duet oh we do it all night
I was feeling kind of ethereal 'cause I'm precious
I had my eye on your imperial you're so precious
Now Howard the duck and Mr Stress both stayed
"Trapped in a world that they never made"
But not me baby I'm too precious
Fuck off
Made me want to, made me want to, you made me make it
Oh, you're so mean
The Pretenders' song "Precious" is a narrative about a passionate relationship between two individuals who hold each other on a pedestal, viewing each other as precious. The lyrics are raw and honest, and they detail some of the intricacies of the relationship between the two, as well as the woman's perspective. The song’s lyrics suggest that the couple is in the early stages of their relationship, where things are fresh and exciting, and every moment together is precious.
Throughout the song, the singer makes several references to the concept of "precious." The woman finds everything about her lover precious, from the way he crosses the street to the way he moves through the Cleveland heat. Despite being nervous and anxious around him, she finds herself drawn to him in a way that she can’t explain. It seems that both characters are trying to figure out how to navigate this newfound attraction to one another without losing their sense of self or identity.
Ultimately, the song is a celebration of the pure joy that comes with discovering a new connection with someone. It’s about the intense passion and excitement that can come with exploring a new relationship but also about the difficulties and insecurities that arise along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
I like the way you cross the street 'cause your precious
I admire the way you cross the road, it's precious in my eyes.
Moving through the Cleveland heat how precious
You seem valuable to me even though you are trudging through the hot streets of Cleveland.
Taking rides and all the kicks was so precious
All the excitement we experienced together while going for rides was priceless.
But you know I was shittin' bricks 'cause I'm precious
I was really nervous because you hold a special place in my heart.
Made me want to, made me want to, you made me make it
You inspired me to do what I did.
Oh, you're so mean
You can be harsh sometimes.
East 55th and Euclid avenue was real precious
That moment on East 55th and Euclid Avenue was unforgettable and valuable to me.
Hotel sterling coming into view how precious
The sight of Hotel Sterling was beautiful and precious to me.
It's a pity that you bruised my hip 'cause I'm precious
It's just too bad that you hurt me because I hold myself in high value.
You shouldn't let your manners slip you're too precious
You need to be careful with your behavior, you are a precious person.
We went around and round and round and round and round the Shoreway
We drove repeatedly around the Shoreway.
We was gonna do it do it do it on the pavement
We were planning to do something sexual on the pavement.
Oh maybe maybe I'm gonna have a baby
I just might end up having a baby.
We was a duet oh we do it all night
We were a pair and we stayed up all night.
I was feeling kind of ethereal 'cause I'm precious
I felt otherworldly or transcendent because I value myself highly.
I had my eye on your imperial you're so precious
I had my sights set on you, my majestic and valuable love.
Now Howard the duck and Mr Stress both stayed
The comic characters Howard the Duck and Mr. Stress remained stuck in the world they had no say in.
"Trapped in a world that they never made"
They are stuck in a world that they didn't create.
But not me baby I'm too precious
But I am different, I am valuable and important.
Fuck off
I don't care what you think.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
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.