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.
Time The Avenger
The Pretenders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not even a perfect stranger
But oh what a gal
She was such a perfect stranger
And you're the best in your field
In your office with your girls
And desk and leather chair
Thought that time was on your side
Nobody's permanent
Everything's on loan here
Even your wife and kids
Could be gone next year
And with what you have left
You'll be forever under pressure
To support her
And a lover who looks strangely
Like time the avenger
Time, time, hear the bells chime
Over the harbor and the city
Time, one more vodka and lime
To help paralyze that tiny little tick, tick, tick, tick
Nobody's perfect
Not even a perfect gent
When your property took the a train
I wonder where your manners went
You were standing at the station
In your briefcase
Was your aftershave and underwear
Can you hear the whistle blow?
Sounds like time the avenger
Time, time, hear the bells chime
Over the harbor and the city
Time to kill another bottle of wine
To help paralyze that tiny little tick, tick, tick, tick
The Pretenders' "Time the Avenger" is a contemplative, philosophical song that delves deep into the temporality of our existence. The lyrics talk about how nobody is perfect, and even strangers can have a significant impact on our lives. The singer reminisces about a woman who was once a perfect stranger but left a profound impression on his life. The song also explores the idea that nothing is permanent, no matter how hard we try to cling to it. The singer talks about how everything, including our loved ones, is on loan, and we have to learn to live with that impermanence.
As the song progresses, the singer talks about the pressure one faces to support their loved ones and how that pressure can be overwhelming. The lyrics evoke a sense of urgency and emphasize the importance of making the most of our time. The song concludes with a plea to use alcohol to help "paralyze" the passage of time.
"Time the Avenger" is a song that delves deep into the human condition and explores the universal themes of impermanence, mortality, and the passage of time. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the people and experiences we have in our lives and making the most of the time we have.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody's perfect
No one can be perfect
Not even a perfect stranger
Even a stranger cannot be perfect
But oh what a gal
Despite imperfection, a woman was great
She was such a perfect stranger
She was very good despite being unknown
And you're the best in your field
You are the most skilled in your profession
In your office with your girls
You work in an office with your colleagues
And desk and leather chair
With your workplace furniture
Thought that time was on your side
You believed that you had plenty of time
But now it's time the avenger
But time is now catching up to you
Nobody's permanent
Nothing is permanent
Everything's on loan here
Everything we have is borrowed
Even your wife and kids
Even family can be lost
Could be gone next year
They could disappear in the next year
And with what you have left
With what is remaining to you
You'll be forever under pressure
You will constantly be under stress
To support her
To provide for her
And a lover who looks strangely
And a partner who seems like
Like time the avenger
Like time that is catching up to you
Time, time, hear the bells chime
Time is passing, as the bells ring
Over the harbor and the city
Above the cityscape
Time, one more vodka and lime
Another drink to numb the passing time
To help paralyze that tiny little tick, tick, tick, tick
To numb the sound of the clock ticking
When your property took the a train
When your possessions departed suddenly
I wonder where your manners went
I question your attitude after that event
You were standing at the station
You were present at the location
In your briefcase
With your belongings
Was your aftershave and underwear
You had personal hygiene products and clothes
Can you hear the whistle blow?
Can you hear the sound of the train
Sounds like time the avenger
It signals that time is catching up
Time to kill another bottle of wine
Time to drink more wine again
To help paralyze that tiny little tick, tick, tick, tick
To numb the sound of the clock ticking
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 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.