Precious
The Pretenders Lyrics


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I like the way you cross the street 'cause your precious
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
East 55th and Euclid avenue was real precious
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

Overall Meaning

The Pretenders song "Precious" is a fast-paced, high-energy rock song with a punk edge. The lyrics reveal a story of a relationship that is intense, passionate, and ultimately, destructive. The singer reflects on the moments when they were together and how they made them feel alive yet vulnerable. The singer describes the other person as "precious" in the way they move and act, yet there is a sense of fear and uncertainty in the relationship. This is evident when the singer says "But you know I was shittin' bricks 'cause I'm precious" implying that they too are vulnerable and scared. The lyrics also suggest a physical relationship with lines such as "We was gonna do it do it do it on the pavement" and "maybe maybe I'm gonna have a baby." The song concludes with a defiant tone as the singer declares their worth, saying "But not me baby I'm too precious, fuck off."


The lyrics of "Precious" are an expression of the struggles of a relationship, which seems to have been intense but ultimately not worth it. The song highlights the anxiety, fear, and confusion that can come with being in a relationship. The lyrics relate to everyone who has experienced a relationship where the passion is all-consuming but the uncertainty and fear make it difficult to make things work.


Line by Line Meaning

I like the way you cross the street 'cause your precious
I admire the way you walk because you are special to me.


Moving through the Cleveland heat how precious
It is special to watch you walking through Cleveland's heat.


Taking rides and all the kicks was so precious
Every moment with you was so special to me when we went for rides and fun.


But you know I was shittin' bricks 'cause I'm precious
I was scared of losing you because you are so special to me.


East 55th and Euclid avenue was real precious
The place where we met is very special to me.


Hotel sterling coming into view how precious
The sight of Hotel Sterling made that moment more special to me.


It's a pity that you bruised my hip 'cause I'm precious
It's a shame that you hurt me because I value myself so highly.


You shouldn't let your manners slip you're too precious
You should be careful with how you treat me because I am someone who deserves respect.


We went around and round and round and round and round the Shoreway
We drove along Shoreway repeatedly.


We was gonna do it do it do it on the pavement
We planned to make love on the street pavement.


Oh maybe maybe I'm gonna have a baby
I might be pregnant with your baby.


We was a duet oh we do it all night
We were singing together and making love all night long.


I was feeling kind of ethereal 'cause I'm precious
I was feeling like a spiritual being because I value myself so highly.


I had my eye on your imperial you're so precious
Your significant status made you more special to me.


Now Howard the duck and Mr Stress both stayed
Howard the Duck and Mr. Stress remained trapped in their world.


"Trapped in a world that they never made"
They were unable to escape their fate that they did not choose for themselves.


But not me baby I'm too precious
But I am not the same because I value myself too highly.


Fuck off
Get lost, I don't need you because I am someone very special.


Made me want to, made me want to, you made me make it
You motivated me to do things and made me feel more alive than I ever was.


Oh, you're so mean
You're tough on me, as you push me to new heights.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: CHRISTINE HYNDE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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