Sometimes a band’s biggest hit isn’t the song that best represents them, and I think that’s true here. If you explore The Pretenders’ catalog, you’ll find songs with more bite and emotion. But this one was the perfect introduction. It made me want to hear more, and that’s exactly what a great first hit should do. Even if Chrissie Hynde has had mixed feelings about it, I’m glad she still plays it. Some songs become bigger than the artist’s opinion of them, and this is definitely one of those.
When The Pretenders released their debut album in 1980, few people knew what to expect. Led by Chrissie Hynde, the band mixed rock, punk, pop, and new wave into a sound that was all their own. While the album was packed with strong songs, it was this song that introduced millions of listeners to the band and turned them into stars.
The song was written by Chrissie Hynde and guitarist James Honeyman-Scott during an early rehearsal. Musically, it has a relaxed groove with a touch of soul that was inspired by Stax and Motown records. Hynde later admitted she wasn’t crazy about the song and didn’t think it represented the band very well. She even resisted releasing it as a single. The record company disagreed, and history proved them right.
One of the things that has always made the song memorable is its unusual lyrics. The phrase “brass in pocket” is old British slang for having money in your pocket. Even though Hynde has said over the years that it isn’t one of her favorite songs, she also understands what it means to fans. It’s still a regular part of the Pretenders’ concerts because she knows audiences want to hear it.
This was the song that introduced me to The Pretenders. Looking back, it’s interesting because it doesn’t really sound like much of what came later. Their music would become tougher, sharper, and more guitar-driven. But this song has a warmth and bounce that makes it stand on its own. It may not be their best song, but it is certainly one of their catchiest, and after all these years, it’s still the first one that comes to mind when I think about discovering the band.
The song peaked at #1 in the UK, #14 on the Billboard 100, #5 in Canada, and #25 in New Zealand in 1979.
Brass in Pocket
Got brass in pocket
Got bottle, I’m gonna use it
Intention, I feel inventive
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
Got motion, restrained emotion
Been driving Detroit leaning
No reason, just seems so pleasing
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
[Chorus:]
Gonna use my arms
Gonna use my legs
Gonna use my style
Gonna use my side step
Gonna use my fingers
Gonna use my, my, my imagination
‘Cause I gonna make you see
There’s nobody else here
No one like me
I’m special so special
I gotta have some of your attention give it to me
Got rhythm I can’t miss a beat
Got new skank it’s so reet
Got something I’m winking at you
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
[Chorus]
‘Cause I gonna make you see
There’s nobody else here
No one like me
I’m special, so special
I gotta have some of your attention
Give it to me
‘Cause I gonna make you see
There’s nobody else here
No one like me
I’m special, so special
I gotta have some of your attention
Give it to me
