Don’t Get Me Wrong

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some cool vibes as we spin "Don’t Get Me Wrong" by The Pretenders from their 1986 album Get Close here at THE ZOO! This jangly, upbeat track was inspired by Chrissie Hynde’s friend, tennis legend John McEnroe. Hynde originally wrote the song for McEnroe, who was an aspiring musician and a big music fan who often hung out with the band. She even considered giving him the track to kickstart his music career, but thankfully, she kept it for The Pretenders, and it became their second top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 10. Hynde shared in an interview with Uncle Joe Benson on Ultimate Classic Rock Nights that McEnroe’s love for guitar and his presence at their shows sparked the idea. Posts on X from @ThePretendersHQ also celebrate the song’s release on September 22, 1986, highlighting its chart success.

Another fun tidbit about "Don’t Get Me Wrong" is its iconic music video, which pays homage to the 1960s British spy series The Avengers. Chrissie Hynde stars as Emma Peel, with original series actor Patrick Macnee appearing via clever editing. The video’s retro spy aesthetic, complete with Hynde’s playful performance, added to the song’s charm and helped it stand out on MTV. Hynde’s lyrics are packed with poetic flair, weaving in weather imagery and literary references like “split like light refracted” and “mystic moon,” which reflect her mood’s unpredictability in love. A post on X by @otogenya praises the song’s literary sensibility, noting Hynde’s knack for blending personal and poetic elements despite her reputation as a fiery, romantic figure.

The song’s creation also has a quirky story tied to a British Airways flight. Hynde revealed she borrowed part of the melody from the airline’s overhead announcement chime—“dong-dong-dong-dong”—while writing on a plane. This spontaneous inspiration, as shared in her interview with Uncle Joe Benson, shows her knack for finding creativity in everyday moments. The track’s bright guitar sound and emphasis on melody marked a shift toward a funkier, pop-leaning style for Get Close, though Hynde later felt the album’s sessions with new musicians strayed from The Pretenders’ raw new wave roots. Despite lineup changes, the song remains a fan favorite, with Reddit users on r/Music calling it a nostalgic gem that evokes personal memories.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Pretenders got their start. Chrissie Hynde, born in Akron, Ohio, moved to London in 1973, diving headfirst into the city’s vibrant punk scene. She was a key player in the early days of bands like the Sex Pistols, the Clash, and the Damned, soaking up the raw energy of the era. By 1978, Hynde formed The Pretenders in Hereford, England, with James Honeyman-Scott on guitar, Pete Farndon on bass, and Martin Chambers on drums. Naming the band after The Platters’ song “The Great Pretender,” a nod to a former boyfriend’s favorite tune, Hynde led with her distinctive voice and sharp songwriting. Their debut single, a cover of The Kinks’ “Stop Your Sobbing,” produced by Nick Lowe, dropped in 1979 and caught attention. Their self-titled debut album in 1980 hit No. 1 in the UK, with “Brass in Pocket” becoming a global smash, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Despite early success, The Pretenders faced tragedy with the drug-related deaths of Honeyman-Scott and Farndon in 1982 and 1983. Hynde persevered, rebuilding the band with new members like Robbie McIntosh and Malcolm Foster, and continued to release hits like “Back on the Chain Gang” and “I’ll Stand By You.” Her semi-autobiographical songwriting and commanding stage presence have kept The Pretenders a beloved act for over four decades. You can keep up with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at sites like Quietus Management for updates and on Facebook groups like Pretenders Fans to share their love for the band. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO as we groove to more Pretenders classics!