Talk of the Town

Pretenders

About Talk of the Town

"Talk of the Town" is a song written by Chrissie Hynde and performed by the Pretenders. Released first as a single and then on the Pretenders' 1981 EP Extended Play, it was later re-released on the band's 1981 album Pretenders II. Inspired by a London nightclub and a fan of the band, the song was a radio hit and reached number 8 in the United Kingdom. It has since been praised by critics as a highlight of Pretenders II.


Year:
1981
105 
#1

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Such a drag to want something sometime 
One thing leads to another I know 
Was a time wanted you for mine 
Nobody knew 
You arrived like a day 
And passed like a cloud 
I made a wish, I said it out loud 
Out loud in a crowd 
Everybody heard 
'Twas the talk of the town

It's not my place to know what you feel 
I'd like to know but why should I? 
Who were you then, who are you now? 
Common laborer by night, by day highbrow 
Back in my room I wonder, then I 
Sit on the bed, look at the sky 
Up in the sky 
Clouds rearrange 
Like the talk of the town

Maybe tomorrow, maybe someday 
Maybe tomorrow, maybe someday 
You've changed your place in this world 
You've changed your place in this world

Oh but it's hard to live by the rules 
I never could and still never do 
The rules and such never bothered you 
You call the shots and they follow 
I watch you still from a distance then go 
Back to my room, you never know 
I want you, I want you but now 
Who's the talk of the town?

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Pretenders

The Pretenders are an English-American rock band formed in Hereford, England in March 1978. The original band comprised initiator and main songwriter Chrissie Hynde (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums, backing vocals, percussion). The band has experienced drug-related deaths of the members, and numerous subsequent personnel changes have taken place over the years, with Hynde and Chambers as the remaining original members. more »

3 fans

Written by: CHRISTINE HYNDE

Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Release
"Talk of the Town" is a song by British-American rock band Pretenders, released in 1980. The track is included in their second studio album named "Pretenders II".
Chart Performance
Upon its release, the song peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart, contributing significantly to the band's popularity.
Inspiration
Chrissie Hynde, the band's lead vocalist and songwriter, is believed to have written the song about a special relationship she had.
Writing Credits
The song is penned by Chrissie Hynde, showcasing her songwriting prowess.
Critical Acclaim
"Talk of the Town" received positive reviews from music critics. It is still lauded for its lyrics and composition nearly four decades after its release.
Music Video
The music video of the song features Chrissie Hynde performing in a funhouse which includes sequences shot on a moving carousel.
B-Side
In the 7" single version, "Talk of the Town" was paired with the song “Cuban Slide”, also written by Hynde.
Cover Version
The American indie rock band The National performed a cover of the song, paying tribute to the Pretenders.
Live Performances
The song is a staple in Pretenders' live performances, with impressive light shows and powerful guitar performances.
Recognition
"Talk of the Town" often features in several 'Best Of' compilations of Pretenders' music, highlighting its enduring popularity.
In Pop Culture
The song has been used in various popular TV shows such as "The Office" and "Gilmore Girls", indicating the timelessness of the song.
Musical Style
The song is characterized by its catchy melodies and rock-driven style, representative of the Pretenders’ musical identity.

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