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 bandβs 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.
Tattooed Love Boys
The Pretenders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tattooed love boys
I tore my knees up getting to you
'Cause I needed
To find out what the thing was for
Been reading
But man the time came to explore
Like I'd like it little tease
But I didn't mean it
But you mess with the goods doll, honey you gotta pay, yeah
A good time was guaranteed for one and all
The tattoos did target practice in the hall
While waiting for their number to get called out
I, I, I, I found out what the wait was about
I was a good time, yeah, I got pretty good
At changing tires upstairs bro
I shot my mouth off and you showed me what that hole was for
Now I see you
All impressed and half undressed
You got paint stick all over the scars and lumps and bumps
Tattooed love boys
Have got you where I used to lay
Well ha ha too bad, but you know what they say
"Stop snivellin', you're gonna make some plastic surgeon a rich man"
Oh, but the prestige and the glory
Another human interest story
You are that
The song "Tattooed Love Boys" by The Pretenders is a fast-paced, punk rock song that is full of powerful imagery and symbolism. The lyrics describe the journey of a young woman who is drawn to the dangerous and edgy world of tattooed love boys. She tears up her knees getting to them, enduring the pain and struggle necessary to experience the thrill of exploring this new, exciting world. The tattoos symbolize a form of rebellion against societal norms, and the target practice in the hall is a symbol of the danger and unpredictability that is associated with this lifestyle. The singer is drawn to this world, but ultimately realizes that he cannot handle the danger and intensity of it all. He shoots his mouth off and learns the hard way that actions have consequences. Later on, he observes the woman who has fully embraced this lifestyle, with paintstick covering her scars and bumps from the experience. The lyrics suggest that while there is a certain excitement and allure to the tattooed love boy lifestyle, it ultimately comes at a cost and is not for everyone.
Overall, the lyrics of "Tattooed Love Boys" convey the idea that rebellion and danger can be alluring, but they come at a cost. The tattoos and the lifestyle that they represent can be empowering, but they can also lead to pain and heartache. The imagery and symbolism used in the song are powerful and emotive, and convey a sense of urgency and intensity that mirrors the lifestyle of the tattooed love boys.
Line by Line Meaning
The mid twenty joys around a heart that's black and blue
The singer was in her mid-twenties and had experienced both joy and heartache in love.
Tattooed love boys
The men the singer was attracted to were rough and tough, with tattoos as a common feature.
I tore my knees up getting to you
The singer went through great effort and even sacrificed a part of herself to be with this type of man.
'Cause I needed to find out what the thing was for
The singer was curious about this type of man and why she was drawn to them.
Been reading, but man the time came to explore
The singer had read about this type of man, but eventually wanted to experience it for herself.
I went apewire 'cause I thought like I'd like it little tease
The singer went crazy because she thought she would enjoy the teasing and roughness of these men.
But I didn't mean it
The singer did not actually want to be treated poorly.
But you mess with the goods doll, honey you gotta pay, yeah
The singer recognizes that if someone touches her, they're going to have to deal with the consequences.
A good time was guaranteed for one and all
The men with tattoos promised a good time for everyone involved.
The tattoos did target practice in the hall
The men with tattoos showed off their artistry by practicing on each other in the hallway.
While waiting for their number to get called out
The men with tattoos waited in line for their turn to have fun.
I, I, I, I found out what the wait was about
The singer eventually figured out why everyone was so excited to be with these men.
I was a good time, yeah, I got pretty good
The singer was able to enjoy herself with these men and became skilled at pleasing them.
At changing tires upstairs bro
The singer became so familiar with these men that she even helped them do mundane tasks like changing tires.
I shot my mouth off and you showed me what that hole was for
The singer talked too much and was shown the consequences of being disrespectful to these men.
Now I see you all impressed and half undressed
The singer now sees these men as being attractive and alluring, even when they're partially clothed.
You got paint stick all over the scars and lumps and bumps
These men have tattoos that cover up any imperfections or scars on their bodies.
Tattooed love boys have got you where I used to lay
The singer's previous lovers have been replaced by these men.
Well ha ha too bad, but you know what they say
The singer recognizes that she missed out on these men, but understands that it's a common saying that she must accept it.
"Stop snivellin', you're gonna make some plastic surgeon a rich man"
The men with tattoos can be rough, but the singer advises that complaining about it won't solve anything and might only lead to physical alteration of the body by way of plastic surgery.
Oh, but the prestige and the glory
Being with these men comes with a certain level of social status and admiration.
Another human interest story
The singer's experiences with these men make for an intriguing and fascinating story.
You are that
The singer is referring to the person she is addressing and acknowledging their unique identity.
Lyrics Β© Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Christine Hynde
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robertwatkins7037
Chrissy is the most distictive voice and versatile songwriter of our generation. Her rock songs are raw, her ballads are emotionally arousing and her pop songs are a joy. She is a one-of-a-kind artist and her music is pure art.
@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe
Only chick other than Memphis Minnie who can be taken seriously as a Guitarist.
@paullaw3382
1st Pretenders album up there with the best debut albums.
@redrocks1983
Listen to those timing changes; unreal. It fits perfectly. A kick-ass song w/musicians + vocals at their peak.
James & Pete...what could've been.
@marygale8695
You know that's right!
@marygale8695
It was true musical genius.
@PeterJMahoney
my favorite band of the period
@Country_Metal_Rockstar
That's exactly what I said the 1st time I heard this.
@timkohchi2048
I was there.. saw him toss the sticks in the air and catch them on the beatβ¦
@thomashoffman8228
These 4 musicians had a special sound. The energy is off the charts.