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.
The Windows of the World
The Pretenders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where is the sunshine we once knew
Everybody knows when little children play
They need a sunny day to grow straight and tall
Let the sun shine through
The windows of the world are covered with rain
When will those black skies turn to blue
They start to wonder when their country will call
Let the sun shine through
The windows of the world are covered with rain
What is the whole world coming to
Everybody knows when men can not be friends
Their quarrel often ends where some have to die
Let the sun shine through
The windows of the world are covered with rain
There must be something we can do
Everybody knows whenever rain appears
It's really angel tears
How long must they cry
Let the sun shine through
The Pretenders' "The Windows of the World" speaks to the sadness and confusion of a world in turmoil. At its core, the song is a plea for unity and hope. The opening lines, "The windows of the world are covered with rain / Where is the sunshine we once knew," evoke a sense of loss and nostalgia. The song goes on to explore different phases of life, and how each is affected by the struggles of the world around us.
The second verse highlights the uncertainty that comes with advancing years: "Everybody knows when boys grow into men / They start to wonder when their country will call." The realities of war, violence, and political instability are a constant reminder that peace is elusive. The third verse touches on the destructive power of hatred and division: "Everybody knows when men can not be friends / Their quarrel often ends where some have to die." The final verse, however, offers a ray of hope: "There must be something we can do / Everybody knows whenever rain appears / It's really angel tears / How long must they cry / Let the sun shine through."
The song is a poignant reminder that, despite the challenges that face us, there is still hope for a better world. If we can find a way to come together, to understand and respect one another, then the sun can shine through the clouds of darkness and bring new light to our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
The windows of the world are covered with rain
The world around us is obscured and darkened by troubles and sorrow.
Where is the sunshine we once knew
We are missing the light and warmth that was once present in our world.
Everybody knows when little children play
They need a sunny day to grow straight and tall
Children need happiness and joy to grow and develop healthily.
Let the sun shine through
We need to allow positivity and hope to come into our lives.
When will those black skies turn to blue
We wonder when our current struggles and difficulties will come to an end.
Everybody knows when boys grow into men
They start to wonder when their country will call
As men mature, they begin to anticipate and worry about their duty to their nation.
What is the whole world coming to
We are questioning the state and fate of the entire world.
Everybody knows when men can not be friends
Their quarrel often ends where some have to die
It is known that when men cannot resolve their conflicts as friends, it can lead to violent and tragic consequences.
There must be something we can do
We refuse to give up and believe there is a way for us to make a positive change.
Everybody knows whenever rain appears
It's really angel tears
How long must they cry
Rain symbolizes sadness and grief, and we question how long this sorrow must last.
Let the sun shine through
We again urge the need for hope and brightness to come into our lives.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BURT F BACHARACH, HAL DAVID
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.