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.
Stop Your Sobbing
The Pretenders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes it's time for you to stop all of your sobbing oh oh
There's one thing you gotta do
To make me still want you
Gotta stop sobbing now
Yeah, yeah stop it, stop it
It is time for you to laugh instead of crying
There's one thing you gotta do
To make me still want you
Gotta stop sobbing now
Yeah, yeah, stop it, stop it
Each little tear that falls from your eye
Makes, makes me want
To take you in my arms and tell you
To stop all your sobbing
There's one thing you gotta do
To make me still want you
And there's one thing you gotta know
To make me want you so
Gotta stop sobbing now
Yeah, yeah, stop, stop, stop, stop
Gotta stop sobbing now
Stop, stop, stop, stop
Gotta stop sobbing now
Stop, stop, stop, stop
Gotta stop sobbing now
Stop, stop, stop, stop
Stop, stop, stop sobbing
Stop, stop, stop, stop
Gotta stop sobbing
Stop, stop, stop, stop
Gotta stop sobbing now
Stop, stop, stop, stop
Gotta stop sobbing now
The Pretenders' "Stop Your Sobbing" is a plea to the person the singer loves to stop crying and start laughing. The song is an upbeat and poppy tune that appears to be a love song on the surface. But beneath the surface, there is a sense of frustration and exasperation on the part of the singer. The repeated refrain of "stop it, stop it" suggests that the singer is growing weary of the other person's constant crying and is asking them to be stronger.
The lyrics suggest that the person the singer loves is going through a tough time and is constantly crying. The singer tells them to stop crying, explaining that each tear that falls from their eye is making the singer want to take them in their arms and tell them to stop crying. The singer seems to be pleading with the other person to be more positive, to stop dwelling on the negative and to start enjoying life. The refrain of "there's one thing you gotta do to make me still want you" suggests that the singer may be losing patience with the other person's constant sobbing.
Overall, this song is a catchy and upbeat tune that belies a deeper frustration and exasperation on the part of the singer. It is a plea for the other person to stop crying and start living life to the fullest, for the sake of the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
It is time for you to stop all of your sobbing
You need to stop crying and being upset all the time.
Yes it's time for you to stop all of your sobbing oh oh
I am reminding you that you need to stop crying.
There's one thing you gotta do
To make me still want you
Gotta stop sobbing now
If you want me to continue to love you, you need to stop crying.
Yeah, yeah stop it, stop it
I am urging you to stop crying right now.
It is time for you to laugh instead of crying
Instead of crying, you should try to find happiness and laugh.
Yes it's time for you to laugh so keep on trying oh oh
I am encouraging you to keep trying to find joy and laughter.
Each little tear that falls from your eye
Makes, makes me want
To take you in my arms and tell you
To stop all your sobbing
When I see you crying, it makes me want to comfort you and tell you to stop crying.
And there's one thing you gotta know
To make me want you so
There's something you should know if you want me to love you more.
Stop, stop, stop, stop
Gotta stop sobbing now
Stop, stop, stop, stop
Gotta stop sobbing now
I am emphasizing that you really need to stop crying.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, BROADWAY MUSIC CORPORATION, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Raymond Douglas Davies
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bhamacuk
One of the coolest looking bands around at the time. And look at Chrissy, amazingly beautiful, sounding incredible. No one has sounded like her before or since.
@brettlyndeneveringham5873
GREAT Voice
@FirstLast-cd6vv
No one? Seriously? You need to listen to more music, love.
@ozziodefazio8350
@First Last Absolutely no one, Your musical ear is defective, love.
@moptopbaku6022
@@user-sw4th3dj6o You need to wash out your ears. Chrissy sounds fantastic and looks stunning. Sex on a stick with the voice of an angel.
@dmac8949
I saw a documentary of Chrissy that was was done within the past year/year and a half...Still one of the coolest women to ever hit rock and roll. Just a great talent.
@charliegare4552
Irony. This song, their version and what happened to most of the original members of The Pretenders makes me cry.
@Inner_Garden
James... Pete. There is no substitute.
@Geotubest
Agreed. Although I did love Adam Seymour in the band. He was brilliant and such a nice guy.
@Inner_Garden
@George I love Adam. I never heard from him again.