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The Pretenders — Private Life
Album: The Isle Of View
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1643









Released: 1995
Length: 4:35
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me;
Getting tired of your theatrics, your acting is a drag.
It's okay on T.V. 'cause you can turn it off,
But don't try me.
Yes your marriage is a tragedy but it's not my concern.
I'm very superficial I hate anything official.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Your sentimental gestures only bore me to death.
You've made a desperate appeal now save your breath.
Attachment to obligation through guilt and regret shit that's so
Wet,
And your sex life complications are not my fascinations.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
You ask me for my advice I say, 'Use the door.'
You're still clinging to somebody you deplore.
And you want to use me for emotional blackmail.
I just feel pity when you lie and contempt when you cry.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Private life, private life, leave me out.
Private life, drama baby leave me out.
Comments (144)add comment
Don’t care for much for their catalog but that one passes the muster.
Posted 2 months ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]


Without James and Pete, she's just pretending.
Stop.



Posted 2 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
So atmospheric, fabulous. 8
Posted 2 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
Horrible.
Posted 3 years ago by Chimpmeister    [ Reply ]
kind of glad I'm not the drummer on this track.
Posted 3 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
This is not a cover.......

Private Life (song) - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Private_Life_(song)"Private Life" is a 1980 song written by Chrissie Hynde, and released by both English band The Pretenders, and Jamaican singer Grace Jones in 1980
Posted 3 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
Without doubt, the most bad ass female artist ever. Goddess of in-your-face attitude. Chrissie can do no wrong. 

Highly recommended reading ...


Reckless: My Life as a Pretender
Reckless: My Life as a Pretender

Posted 3 years ago by DW4554    [ Reply ]
I don't care much for Grace Jones but this isn't a great version.
Posted 4 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Jeez, Hynde is so overrated.  
Posted 4 years ago by Alastair    [ Reply ]
 maboleth wrote:
*finds PSD, lives*
 
My condolences.
Posted 4 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
a_a_a_A_A_A_A_A_H  That vibrato voice, please kill me.

*finds PSD, lives*
Posted 4 years ago by maboleth    [ Reply ]
I love this but like the Grace Jones version better.  
Posted 5 years ago by jflohen    [ Reply ]
 vincognito wrote:
This was from the VH1 unplugged session. She had her band doing acoustic, plus a string quartet. It was an amazing performance. If you caught it, you were lucky! I know I was... Chrissie is goddess. She has brought me to tears with the depth of emotion of her voice--on more than one occasion. I consider her to be, by far, THE best female vocalist of the 80's.
 
Other than Annie Lennox I agree.
Posted 5 years ago by canoeing    [ Reply ]
 zanref wrote:
Not sure why, but I can not digest this Russian-accent sounding band.
 
?
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
"This might be the best Pretenders song ever... which is high praise. Posted 4 years ago by Wigi from Anchorage, Alaska” Oh so incredibly good! I saw them at the Fillmore several years ago and their overall raw talent just oozes in every way: the music speaks for itself, the playing was spot-on, the delivery, presence, and audience engagement were professional and far beyond almost any other performance I’ve seen.
Posted 5 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
OK, for however many decades, I thought she was singing "private life, c'mon baby, leave me out." doesn't change the meaning, but drama is definitely better!

love this version, love this album. 
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Finally a song of the Pretenders I half way like.

(Somehow Martha and the Muffins springs to mind, when hearing this.)


If only mrs. Hynde would stop wailing...
Posted 6 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
The way she gets the different textures of the song going at the same time, wow! and the criss-cross of lines, whoah! and her voice...
Posted 6 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 sfyi2001 wrote:


The 'PRETENDERS' is one of the greatest debut records ever.
When Honeyman-Scott and Farndon died of cocaine use, so did the Pretenders. 
Great vocal here, but that's it. 
Sad. 

. 

 

Posted 7 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]


The 'PRETENDERS' is one of the greatest debut records ever.
When Honeyman-Scott and Farndon died of cocaine use, so did the Pretenders. 
Great vocal here, but that's it. 
Sad. 

. 
Posted 7 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 andersja wrote:
They were bad ass back in the day.

 
Still are.   Their recent album released last Oct, and produced/featuring by Dan Auerbach, is excellent.

Holy Commotion:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjIP_aKI6eI
Posted 7 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
{#Yell} always one of my early fav's from chrissie and comp
Posted 7 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
...... her cat-like vocal agility .......
 
So that's what you call it when she blurts out a half-dozen words in two seconds!  I'm with you: {#Hearteyes}
Posted 7 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Chrissie wrote this, so I learnt something today {#Bananajam}
Posted 8 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
Always grabs me by the ears and stops me right in my tracks...her timing, her subtle, nuanced inflections, her cat-like vocal agility...{#Hearteyes}
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 Dexwood wrote:
"ask my advice, I say use the door"... coldest, best, tough love advice in rock lyrics. Great song.

 
I feel contempt when you lie
Pity when you cry 
Posted 8 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
They were bad ass back in the day.
Posted 8 years ago by andersja    [ Reply ]
 Wigi wrote:
This might be the best Pretenders song ever... which is high praise.
 

 
My favorite from the first album...and that album still delivers
Posted 8 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
Such a personal and connecting  version of this song
Posted 8 years ago by Far    [ Reply ]
This is why I love RP. A total gem of a song that I did not know existed. Thanks for improving my life, again!
Posted 8 years ago by Piranga    [ Reply ]
Grace's version is better. Surprised it is not in the playlist
Posted 8 years ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
Great live album!
Posted 8 years ago by flyboy50    [ Reply ]
Hey, I actually like this.  Never used to like the Pretenders.  This is pretty fresh.
Posted 9 years ago by lkovathana    [ Reply ]
Not sure why, but I can not digest this Russian-accent sounding band.
Posted 9 years ago by zanref    [ Reply ]
Damn ,,,, why does this woman's voice bring me to so many fantastic places.
Posted 9 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
very nice!
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
This might be the best Pretenders song ever... which is high praise.
 
Posted 10 years ago by Wigi    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
Maybe it's the name. Have you considered maybe "That_Warm_and_Fuzzy_Guy"?

 
Chuckle, chuckle.

That_SOB:  I'm in line right behind you, buddy.  And this song illustrates why: passion and a voice that flies straight to my soul.


Posted 10 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Bill's listening—today followed by Ani's "32 Flavors."

 
And again today!   What a great set:

Snow Patrol - Lifeboats
The Pretenders - Private Life
Ani Difranco - 32 Flavors
Posted 11 years ago by sbegf    [ Reply ]
 MoM$CooKin wrote:
as I turn the volume up.....
 

 
Wish I was home and not at work, so I could!
Posted 11 years ago by sbegf    [ Reply ]
go chrissie !!
Posted 11 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
 Raechel wrote:
never heard this before and thought it was Ani
 
Bill's listening—today followed by Ani's "32 Flavors."
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 That_SOB wrote:
Great clarity on the 12 string. Love this lady can't understand why she refuses to marry me.
Perhaps it's because I haven't had the oppurtunity to ask her .. . . But I would if I could I would... {#Hearteyes}
 
Maybe it's the name. Have you considered maybe "That_Warm_and_Fuzzy_Guy"?
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
the older I am, the more I love her
Posted 11 years ago by asilbuch    [ Reply ]
There is just something so right about The Pretenders.
Posted 12 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
"ask my advice, I say use the door"... coldest, best, tough love advice in rock lyrics. Great song.
Posted 12 years ago by Dexwood    [ Reply ]
as I turn the volume up.....
 
Posted 12 years ago by MoM$CooKin    [ Reply ]
Great clarity on the 12 string. Love this lady can't understand why she refuses to marry me.
Perhaps it's because I haven't had the oppurtunity to ask her .. . . But I would if I could I would... {#Hearteyes}
Posted 12 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
 finoufk wrote:
maybe the best female rock voice...
 

I'd lose the maybe...
Posted 12 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
This whole album/video is excellent. I enjoyed most of the Unplugged music of that time.
Posted 12 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
maybe the best female rock voice...
Posted 12 years ago by finoufk    [ Reply ]
Timeless music from a great band! This tune very nice because live!

Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
a lovely song by Chrissie, but it totally comes alive in full proportion in the concert footage. Check it out.
Posted 13 years ago by UncleChig    [ Reply ]
 coding_to_music wrote:
Chick can sing — and write !

 

And HOW!!!   {#Notworthy}
Posted 13 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
Chick can sing — and write !

Posted 13 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
Generally like The Pretenders but this one song isn't a favorite.
Posted 13 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
 alisavox wrote:


seems I haven't hear a lot of Grace Jones on RP. Wonder why.

 
I remember when this came out.  It got a big push by Island Records, and received a ton of club play (if not radio play).  I recall listening to the whole thing once in a record store, but I almost bailed when I heard the Petty cover. 

She somehow turned T.V.O.D.'s "Warm Leatherette" into a dominatrix anthem, and looks like she's ready to kick your ass if you're not on board:

Side A"Warm Leatherette" (Daniel Miller) - 4:25 (Cassette/CD - 5:38)"Private Life" (Chrissie Hynde) - 5:10 (Cassette/CD - 6:19)"A Rolling Stone" (Deniece Williams, Fritz Baskett, Grace Jones) - 3:30"Love is the Drug" (Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay) - 7:15 (Cassette/CD - 8:41)Side B"The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game" (Smokey Robinson) - 3:50 (Cassette/CD - 6:45)"Bullshit" (Barry Reynolds) - 5:20"Breakdown" (Tom Petty) - 5:30"Pars" (Jacques Higelin) - 4:05 (Cassette/CD - 4:44)
Posted 13 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:

This is excellent but I must agree; it lacks the trancelike effect of Grace Jones' version.

 

seems I haven't hear a lot of Grace Jones on RP. Wonder why.

Posted 13 years ago by alisavox    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Agree about Chrissie, but I would also nominate Grace Slick and Joan Osborne. I regard both Fiona Apple and Ani Difranco as very sexy as well, though for pure voice, it's Chrissie, Grace, and Joan.

 

never heard this before and thought it was Ani
Posted 14 years ago by Raechel    [ Reply ]


AAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah !
Posted 14 years ago by Supernat    [ Reply ]
Like The Pretenders.  Do not like the wailing she does in this song. {#Snooty}
Posted 14 years ago by dggeek    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Agree about Chrissie, but I would also nominate Grace Slick and Joan Osborne. I regard both Fiona Apple and Ani Difranco as very sexy as well, though for pure voice, it's Chrissie, Grace, and Joan.

 
Does Grace sing any more?

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
Does anyone currently signing have as sexy a voice?  Or is this just my opinion?

(Edit)  I scrolled down.  It's not just me.
 
Agree about Chrissie, but I would also nominate Grace Slick and Joan Osborne. I regard both Fiona Apple and Ani Difranco as very sexy as well, though for pure voice, it's Chrissie, Grace, and Joan.

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
She Kicks Ass. Period.
Posted 15 years ago by j7    [ Reply ]
  {#Arrowd} I agree, she is the reigning queen of sensual singing — due in part to the fact that it's natural, not contrived.
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Does anyone currently singing have as sexy a voice?  Or is this just my opinion?

(Edit)  I scrolled down.  It's not just me.

Posted 15 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Recently heard her live in her hometown Akron. Unbelievable voice!
Posted 15 years ago by ralphcanoe    [ Reply ]
 MrDill wrote:
not a patch on Grace Jones imo
 
This is excellent but I must agree; it lacks the trancelike effect of Grace Jones' version.

Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite lines of all time:
I just feel pity when lie, contempt when you cry.

Chrissie was never given her due as a songwriter.
Posted 15 years ago by brulie    [ Reply ]
When this first came out January 1980 I was blown away by the odd rhythm and tune, tried to remember it until I could hear it again. FIT Jensen Beach, FL. Anyone remember?
Posted 15 years ago by jgaishin    [ Reply ]
Oh wow, so cool.......
Posted 15 years ago by PurplePrincess    [ Reply ]
well, that's a nice voice!
nothing compared to Ms. hynde
{#Heartkiss}

Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
I used to love this song in high school. Her vocals are even better than the recorded version. She was always a badass.
Posted 16 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
mfassett wrote:
Huh... when was it that I used to like them? Seems like a long time ago. I miss James Honeyman Scott.


me too. . .


Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
All right , there better be some early Police to follow this set.... Like something from Regatta de Blanc.
Posted 16 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Damn, this woman sends chills up my spine. Sensuality, sexuality and tough, I wouldn't wanna piss her off!
Posted 16 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
Huh... when was it that I used to like them? Seems like a long time ago. I miss James Honeyman Scott.
Posted 16 years ago by mfassett    [ Reply ]
not a patch on Grace Jones imo
Posted 16 years ago by MrDill    [ Reply ]
1wolfy wrote:
The studio track is better in my opinion, but this is good
Oh,come on!Only reason I rated was that it's live.
Posted 16 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
Outstandingly superb! Chrissie delivers in style!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
" J'ai les glands... " nobody says this in France... Weird but what a great song!
Posted 16 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
CH, thank you!
Posted 17 years ago by krich58    [ Reply ]
The studio track is better in my opinion, but this is good
Posted 17 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Love this live version. She is one Bad rock n roller. Would'nt want to mess with her.
Posted 17 years ago by YA_MAN    [ Reply ]
Um, I'm not sure...but I think Chrissie just dropped a turd there, at the beginning. Same sound I make... 8 notwithstanding.
Posted 17 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Live in Concert 1987 in Cologn // Germany... Good old times? Yes...kind of...
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Don't mess with Chrissie
Posted 17 years ago by rocco1207    [ Reply ]
Lets go to the video tape (click here)
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
I am restraining myself and giving this a 7,although I'll probaly up it. edit- that vocal vibrato and the 2 acoustics being so tight make this a 9
glad you removed the restraints. :-) definite 9 IMO :-)
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
I bought the first Pretenders album in early 1980. I was blown away. ...and I've been a fan since....
Posted 17 years ago by scott4261    [ Reply ]
I need to break out this CD again. I don't think I've listened to it in 10 years or so. Great stuff!
Posted 17 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
I like the studio version better, but I'm glad I heard this.
Posted 17 years ago by ktnsb    [ Reply ]
" I hate anything official " yea, more an' more I do too, what, with this RIAA thang hangin' over 'our' musical futures unpredictably!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
...STOP
Posted 17 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
... that vocal vibrato and the 2 acoustics being so tight make this a 9
Definately!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 17 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
today there is not such good music here :/ although i liked this one
Posted 17 years ago by JosiCell    [ Reply ]
I am restraining myself and giving this a 7,although I'll probaly up it. edit- that vocal vibrato and the 2 acoustics being so tight make this a 9
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
Not one of my favorites. Goes on too long.
Posted 17 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Many great lines ... Chrissie is definitely an underappreciated songwriter/lyricist. My favorite line: I just feel pity when you lie, contempt when you cry.
Posted 18 years ago by brulie    [ Reply ]
MOST-MOST underrated bands! Each album a delight - most songs fabulous! Chrissie is a real SUPERSTAR! Stingray!
Posted 18 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I like Chrissie's hind.
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
softjeans wrote:
Love that line: I'm very superficial I hate anything official. Rock on...
Ditto! Just wanted to post exactly the same comment.
Posted 18 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
Love that line: I'm very superficial I hate anything official. Rock on...
Posted 18 years ago by softjeans    [ Reply ]
Your right about JHS, he had a great thing going with his Les Paul. Reminded me of Mick Ronson, another great one gone.
Posted 18 years ago by bergjr    [ Reply ]
Krispian wrote:
Whenever I sing, I strive to sound like Chrissie, but end up sounding more like Natalie Merchant. Maybe lessons would help?
She's got a vibrato that is hard to imitate, but keep tryin'!
Posted 18 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
Whenever I sing, I strive to sound like Chrissie, but end up sounding more like Natalie Merchant. Maybe lessons would help?
Posted 18 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
buddy213 wrote:
sounds nothing like Ani
The vocals have a similar folksy feel, but I don't think the resemblence is all that strong. Bill's playing 32 Flavors now, and I gotta say, Ani is just too unique!
Posted 18 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Helchat wrote:
Wasn't she married to Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) also? Or was it his brother Paul? It's been so long, I don't remember...
Yeah, she also had a thing going with Jeff Buckley. Shouldn't play the Prentenders so close to Ani Difranco and 10000 Maniacs though (within one half hour). It just runs together.
Posted 18 years ago by BradAl    [ Reply ]
ludwig7 wrote:
Amazing that someone who's voice has such subtle nuances can also blast out Tattooed Love Boys and Middle of the Road. Impressive woman. Ray Davies knows how to pick 'em.
Wasn't she married to Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) also? Or was it his brother Paul? It's been so long, I don't remember...
Posted 19 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
Great song, interesting version... LOVE the Pretenders' first album. RIP JHS.
Posted 19 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
sounds nothing like Ani beetFreeQ wrote:
Nice song - IMO it sounds a lot like Ani DiFranco - don't know, who was first, but I like Ani a bit more ;)
Posted 19 years ago by buddy213    [ Reply ]
Wow .. not only play my favourite Pretenders record, but my favourite track. Bowing to the B. Beautiful record, excellent production.
Posted 19 years ago by UncleChig    [ Reply ]
Nice song - IMO it sounds a lot like Ani DiFranco - don't know, who was first, but I like Ani a bit more ;)
Posted 19 years ago by beetFreeQ    [ Reply ]
What a great version of this song!
Posted 19 years ago by ankhara99    [ Reply ]
Wow, this is nice -- and great production for live. I was really surprised to see it was a live track. Chrissie sounds great! The whole band sounds great!
Posted 19 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
spartanron wrote:
Incredible, it is a shame she has become a political mouthpiece.
A political mouthpiece? For what, her own brain? I wouldn't call that a "shame." Shame on YOU! p.s. I learned something here -- albeit, from a post a couple of years old -- Leslie, I will never spell it any other way than 'Chrissie' again!
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
Incredible, it is a shame she has become a political mouthpiece.
Posted 19 years ago by spartanron    [ Reply ]
doomsday wrote:
*gnargl* The Pretenders are quite okay, but this cover version they'd better not done. The version by Grace Jones (also a cover version) from her album "La vie en rose" is much much better imho. Cheers, Doomsday
What are you talking about? Chrissie wrote this song and grace jones covered it on her Warm Leatherette album not "la vie en rose"
Posted 19 years ago by jean-louis    [ Reply ]
i'm biased,being from HER hometown.9
Posted 20 years ago by katzendogs    [ Reply ]