Precious Time

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Precious Time" by Pat Benatar, a standout track from her 1981 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, though not released as a single, gained traction on Album-Oriented Rock radio stations and was one of the first to feature a music video with a concept and special effects, directed by Keith MacMillan. The video dropped just a month before MTV launched, aligning perfectly with Benatar’s rise as a visual rock icon. In a Songfacts interview, songwriter Billy Steinberg revealed that he wrote "Precious Time" about his mother, capturing her domineering yet encouraging personality with lyrics like, "Your home is like a fortress, no one comes in but the florist." Steinberg was proud of the song’s personal depth, though he worried fans might misinterpret lines like "Mercy in the wine" when Benatar included the lyrics in the album’s sleeve.

Another layer to the song’s story comes from the album’s production, detailed in a 2021 In the Studio interview with Benatar and her husband, Neil Giraldo. The couple was navigating personal turmoil during the recording, having briefly split up before reconciling. Benatar noted that the album went platinum in just thirteen days, fueled by tracks like "Precious Time" and its raw emotional energy. The song’s minimalist yet powerful sound, with Giraldo’s incendiary guitar work and Benatar’s commanding vocals, reflects the tension and passion of that period. Fans on Reddit still rave about the album’s first side, with "Precious Time" often cited as a missed opportunity for a single due to its infectious energy and memorable chorus.

Pat Benatar, born Patricia Andrzejewski on January 10, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, started her journey with a voice that demanded attention. Teachers noticed her talent early, and by age eight, she was singing solos in school plays. Initially training for opera with dreams of attending Juilliard, Benatar rebelled as a teenager, choosing rock over classical. Before stardom, she worked as a bank clerk and singing waitress, honing her performance skills. Her big break came in the late 1970s when she caught the ear of producer Mike Chapman at a New York club. Paired with guitarist Neil Giraldo, who became her creative and romantic partner, Benatar’s 1979 debut album, In the Heat of the Night, launched her to fame with hits like "Heartbreaker." Her powerful four-octave mezzo-soprano and fierce stage presence made her a trailblazer for female rockers in the 1980s.

Stay connected with Pat Benatar through her official website for tour updates and news. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes moments and fan interactions. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the Pat Benatar Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share memorabilia and concert stories. For more fan-driven content, check out Benatar Fan Club, a dedicated site with discography details and fan events. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew and let "Precious Time" remind you why Benatar’s legacy endures.