Precious

Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde

About Precious

"Precious" is a song written by Chrissie Hynde that was first released on the Pretenders' 1980 debut album Pretenders. It was the opening track of the album. It was also released as a single in some countries. A medley of "Precious" with "Brass in Pocket" and "Mystery Achievement" reached #28 on the Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart. Allmusic critic Stewart Mason described "Precious" as Hynde's "true calling card." Allmusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised James Honeyman-Scott's "phased, treated guitar" playing for how it supplements the "pounding rhythm. " Music critic Simon Reynolds described the lyrics as a "strafing stream of syllables" mixing "speed rap, jive talk, baby babble," and the song as "punk scat, all hiccoughs, vocal tics, gasps and feral growls, weirdly poised between love and hate, oral sensuality and staccato, stabbing aggression."Mason notes that the music of "Precious" maintains some restraint, but still sounds more threatening than other songs which sound angrier. The climax of "Precious" comes when Hynde sings the line "But not me, baby, I'm too precious/Fuck off!" Spin critic Charles Aaron noted that Hynde's singing this line "over whipsaw guitars" made it clear that Hynde "was more than a bewitching pout." Rolling Stone critic Ken Tucker noted that he gets "startled and shivery when Hynde rejects a would-be lothario" with this line. According to Mason, the restraint until that point makes this climax "more explosive." According to Rolling Stone critic Bud Scoppa, the line was actually supposed to be "But not me, baby, I'm too precious/I had to fuck off" but Hynde swallowed the words "I had to." Scoppa also notes the "fearlessness" with which Hynde sings this line. Ariel Swartley wrote in Mother Jones about the cathartic effect of this line for women in dance clubs:  


Year:
1999
453 
#2

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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 
F*ck off

Made me want to, made me want to, you made me make it 
Oh, you're so mean

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Pretenders

The Pretenders are an English-American rock band formed in Hereford, England in March 1978. The original band comprised initiator and main songwriter Chrissie Hynde (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums, backing vocals, percussion). The band has experienced drug-related deaths of the members, and numerous subsequent personnel changes have taken place over the years, with Hynde and Chambers as the remaining original members. more »

3 fans

Written by: CHRISTINE HYNDE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album
"Precious" is the first track on the album "Pretenders" released by the band Pretenders in 1979.
Lyrics
Lead vocalist and songwriter Chrissie Hynde wrote the lyrics of "Precious." She takes a rebellious stance with the song's lyrics, singing about her disdain for the mainstream and declaring her independence.
Genre
The song is generally categorized under the punk rock and new wave genre, reflecting the music style and culture of the late 70's and early 80's.
Popularity
Though it didn't become a mainstream hit, the song "Precious" is often recognized for setting the pace for the rest of the album. It gave the listeners an introduction to the band's aggressive, yet melodic brand of rock.
Impact
"Precious" was instrumental in setting the tone and image for the band. It introduced the Pretenders as a band with a powerful rock sound combined with lyrical eloquence.
Background Vocals
James Honeyman-Scott provided backing vocals alongside Hynde.
Music Composition
It is notable for its catchy guitar riffs and Chrissie’s charmingly aggressive lyrics.
Live Performances
The song "Precious" was also regularly performed in the band's live shows and has been included in many of their concert tours.
Musical Style
Known for providing a winning blend of punk aggression and pop melodies, the song encapsulates the signature sound of the Pretenders.
British Bands
At the time of their debut album's release in 1979, the Pretenders were among a new wave of British bands making inroads in the U.S charts.

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