In 1979, Chrissie Hynde wrote a song that would define The Pretenders, but it never really worked for her
The Pretenders’ ‘Brass in Pocket’ became the band’s best-known song and a major hit, but Chrissie Hynde initially disliked it. Her reservations centred on its sound and meaning, while its success made it a defining part of the group’s early career.
Written in 1979, the song grew from guitarist James Honeyman-Scott’s riff, which Hynde recorded on a small tape recorder. She changed an early lyric from “you’re special” to “I’m special” and drew the title from a phrase meaning having money. The single reached number one in the UK and 14 in the US; Hynde later said she enjoys performing it and values its connection to Honeyman-Scott, who died in 1982.
In short
- Hynde initially disliked the Pretenders’ biggest hit.
- Honeyman-Scott’s riff sparked the song.
- ‘Brass in Pocket’ topped the UK chart.
Explained simply
The Pretenders are a British-American rock band formed in 1978, fronted by singer and guitarist Chrissie Hynde. Guitarist James Honeyman-Scott was an early member and helped shape the band’s sound.
“Brass in Pocket” was written in 1979, during the group’s early years. Its title uses a phrase meaning to have money, and the song became the Pretenders’ biggest-known hit.
Honeyman-Scott died in 1982, aged 25. The song remains closely linked to the band’s early history and to Hynde’s work with him.