Show Me

The song Show Me by The Pretenders, featured on their 1984 album Learning to Crawl, is a heartfelt piece written by Chrissie Hynde as a love song to her newborn daughter, Natalie Rae Hynde, following her separation from Ray Davies of The Kinks. The track, released as the fourth single in the US, reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart, though it was not released as a single in the UK. Critics have praised its emotional depth, with Stewart Mason from AllMusic noting it as a less sentimental take compared to the earlier single Kid, highlighting Robbie McIntosh’s expressive guitar solo that closes the song. The Washington Post’s Joe Sasfy called it a “stunning pop song,” while Glenn Gamboa from the Akron Beacon Journal described it as a “gorgeous love song” that blends themes of human struggle—wars, disease, and brutality—with hope and love. Hynde herself has shared that the song reflects her perspective as a first-time mother, introducing her child to the world while seeking love in their bond, a theme that resonates with its lyrical mix of tenderness and raw honesty.

Social media posts from The Pretenders’ official X account have celebrated Show Me’s legacy, noting its release in March 1984 and promoting the 40th anniversary vinyl of Learning to Crawl, which includes the track. The song’s lyrics, like “Show me the meaning of the word, ‘Cause I’ve heard so much about it,” quoted in a May 2024 post, capture its introspective tone. Adam Sobsey, Hynde’s biographer, has called Show Me one of her most undervalued songs, appreciating its layered meaning packed into a straightforward rock package. The album itself marked a triumphant comeback for the band after the tragic deaths of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon due to drug overdoses, making Show Me part of a larger narrative of resilience. The track’s recording involved a reconstituted lineup with Hynde, drummer Martin Chambers, guitarist Robbie McIntosh, and bassist Malcolm Foster, showcasing the band’s ability to channel personal and collective loss into art.

The Pretenders were formed in 1978 by Chrissie Hynde, a native of Akron, Ohio, who moved to London in 1973 and immersed herself in the punk scene. Hynde was involved with early versions of bands like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned before forming her own group. Her big break came when Dave Hill at Anchor Records heard her demos and arranged a recording session, leading to the creation of The Pretenders with James Honeyman-Scott on guitar, Pete Farndon on bass, and Martin Chambers on drums. Named after The Platters’ song The Great Pretender, a nod to a former boyfriend’s favorite tune, the band’s first single, a cover of The Kinks’ Stop Your Sobbing, was released in 1979, followed by hits like Kid and Brass in Pocket. Their self-titled debut album in 1980 was a critical and commercial success, establishing Hynde as a formidable songwriter and frontwoman. Despite early tragedies, Hynde’s leadership and evolving lineups kept the band relevant, culminating in their 2005 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Fans can connect with The Pretenders through their official Facebook page, which has over 276,000 likes and shares tour updates, and their Instagram account, where they post about releases like the upcoming live album Pretenders Live: Kick ‘Em Where It Hurts!. The band’s X account engages fans with milestones, such as the 45th anniversary of their debut album and tour announcements for their 2025 Latin America tour. Fan communities thrive online, including the Pretenders Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts discuss the band’s music and share memorabilia. Another fan site, Quietus Management, provides detailed band history and tour information, reflecting the enduring devotion of the “Zoo Freaks” who vibe to The Pretenders’ timeless sound.