The Pretenders — Private Life
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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.
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 (143)add comment
So atmospheric, fabulous. 8
Horrible.
kind of glad I'm not the drummer on this track.
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
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
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
Highly recommended reading ...
![Reckless: My Life as a Pretender](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DcLQmVrQL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Reckless: My Life as a Pretender
I don't care much for Grace Jones but this isn't a great version.
Jeez, Hynde is so overrated.
maboleth wrote:
My condolences.
*finds PSD, lives*
My condolences.
a_a_a_A_A_A_A_A_H That vibrato voice, please kill me.
*finds PSD, lives*
*finds PSD, lives*
I love this but like the Grace Jones version better.
vincognito wrote:
Other than Annie Lennox I agree.
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.
zanref wrote:
?
Not sure why, but I can not digest this Russian-accent sounding band.
?
"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.
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.
love this version, love this album.
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...
(Somehow Martha and the Muffins springs to mind, when hearing this.)
If only mrs. Hynde would stop wailing...
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...
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.
.
![](https://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/crazy-talk.gif)
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.
.
![](https://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/crazy-talk.gif)
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.
.
andersja wrote:
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
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
![{#Yell} {#Yell}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_yell.gif)
coloradojohn wrote:
So that's what you call it when she blurts out a half-dozen words in two seconds! I'm with you:![{#Hearteyes} {#Hearteyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
...... 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} {#Hearteyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
Chrissie wrote this, so I learnt something today ![{#Bananajam} {#Bananajam}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananajam.gif)
![{#Bananajam} {#Bananajam}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananajam.gif)
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} {#Hearteyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
![{#Hearteyes} {#Hearteyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
Dexwood wrote:
I feel contempt when you lie
Pity when you cry
"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
They were bad ass back in the day.
Wigi wrote:
My favorite from the first album...and that album still delivers
This might be the best Pretenders song ever... which is high praise.
My favorite from the first album...and that album still delivers
Such a personal and connecting version of this song
This is why I love RP. A total gem of a song that I did not know existed. Thanks for improving my life, again!
Grace's version is better. Surprised it is not in the playlist
Great live album!
Hey, I actually like this. Never used to like the Pretenders. This is pretty fresh.
Not sure why, but I can not digest this Russian-accent sounding band.
Damn ,,,, why does this woman's voice bring me to so many fantastic places.
very nice!
This might be the best Pretenders song ever... which is high praise.
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.
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
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
MoM$CooKin wrote:
Wish I was home and not at work, so I could!
as I turn the volume up.....
Wish I was home and not at work, so I could!
go chrissie !!
Raechel wrote:
Bill's listening—today followed by Ani's "32 Flavors."
never heard this before and thought it was Ani
Bill's listening—today followed by Ani's "32 Flavors."
That_SOB wrote:
Maybe it's the name. Have you considered maybe "That_Warm_and_Fuzzy_Guy"?
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} {#Hearteyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
Perhaps it's because I haven't had the oppurtunity to ask her .. . . But I would if I could I would...
![{#Hearteyes} {#Hearteyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
Maybe it's the name. Have you considered maybe "That_Warm_and_Fuzzy_Guy"?
the older I am, the more I love her
There is just something so right about The Pretenders.
"ask my advice, I say use the door"... coldest, best, tough love advice in rock lyrics. Great song.
as I turn the volume up.....
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} {#Hearteyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
Perhaps it's because I haven't had the oppurtunity to ask her .. . . But I would if I could I would...
![{#Hearteyes} {#Hearteyes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
finoufk wrote:
I'd lose the maybe...
maybe the best female rock voice...
I'd lose the maybe...
This whole album/video is excellent. I enjoyed most of the Unplugged music of that time.
maybe the best female rock voice...
Timeless music from a great band! This tune very nice because live!
a lovely song by Chrissie, but it totally comes alive in full proportion in the concert footage. Check it out.
Generally like The Pretenders but this one song isn't a favorite.
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:
![](https://rbma.imgix.net/unnamed.02fec9f3.jpg?auto=format&w=700)
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)
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:
![](https://rbma.imgix.net/unnamed.02fec9f3.jpg?auto=format&w=700)
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)
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.
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.
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
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
AAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah !
Like The Pretenders. Do not like the wailing she does in this song. ![{#Snooty} {#Snooty}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_snooty.gif)
![{#Snooty} {#Snooty}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_snooty.gif)
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?
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?
unclehud 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 anyone currently signing have as sexy a voice? Or is this just my opinion?
(Edit) I scrolled down. It's not just me.
(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.
She Kicks Ass. Period.
![{#Arrowd} {#Arrowd}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_arrowd.gif)
Does anyone currently singing have as sexy a voice? Or is this just my opinion?
(Edit) I scrolled down. It's not just me.
(Edit) I scrolled down. It's not just me.
Recently heard her live in her hometown Akron. Unbelievable voice!
MrDill wrote:
This is excellent but I must agree; it lacks the trancelike effect of Grace Jones' version.
not a patch on Grace Jones imo
This is excellent but I must agree; it lacks the trancelike effect of Grace Jones' version.
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.
I just feel pity when lie, contempt when you cry.
Chrissie was never given her due as a songwriter.
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?
Oh wow, so cool.......
well, that's a nice voice!
nothing compared to Ms. hynde
![{#Heartkiss} {#Heartkiss}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_heartkiss.gif)
nothing compared to Ms. hynde
![{#Heartkiss} {#Heartkiss}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_heartkiss.gif)
I used to love this song in high school. Her vocals are even better than the recorded version. She was always a badass.
mfassett wrote:
me too. . .
Huh... when was it that I used to like them? Seems like a long time ago. I miss James Honeyman Scott.
me too. . .
All right , there better be some early Police to follow this set....
Like something from Regatta de Blanc.
Damn, this woman sends chills up my spine. Sensuality, sexuality and tough, I wouldn't wanna piss her off!
![lol](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_lol.gif)
Huh... when was it that I used to like them? Seems like a long time ago.
I miss James Honeyman Scott.
not a patch on Grace Jones imo
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.
Outstandingly superb!
Chrissie delivers in style!
" J'ai les glands... " nobody says this in France...
Weird but what a great song!
CH, thank you!
The studio track is better in my opinion, but this is good
Love this live version. She is one Bad rock n roller. Would'nt want to mess with her.
![ask](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_ask.gif)
Live in Concert 1987 in Cologn // Germany...
Good old times? Yes...kind of...
Don't mess with Chrissie
![naughty](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_naughty.gif)
Lets go to the video tape
(click here)
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 :-)
I bought the first Pretenders album in early 1980. I was blown away. ...and I've been a fan since....
I need to break out this CD again. I don't think I've listened to it in 10 years or so. Great stuff!
I like the studio version better, but I'm glad I heard this.
" I hate anything official " yea, more an' more I do too, what, with this RIAA thang hangin' over 'our' musical futures
unpredictably!
![umbrella](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/umbrella.gif)
...STOP
bokey wrote:
Definately!
... that vocal vibrato and the 2 acoustics being so tight make this a 9
![high five](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/high-five.gif)
Nice!
today there is not such good music here :/
although i liked this one
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
Not one of my favorites. Goes on too long.
Many great lines ... Chrissie is definitely an underappreciated songwriter/lyricist. My favorite line:
I just feel pity when you lie, contempt when you cry.
MOST-MOST underrated bands!
Each album a delight - most songs fabulous!
Chrissie is a real SUPERSTAR!
Stingray!
I like Chrissie's hind.
softjeans wrote:
Love that line:
I'm very superficial
I hate anything official.
Rock on...
Ditto! Just wanted to post exactly the same comment.
Love that line:
I'm very superficial
I hate anything official.
Rock on...
Your right about JHS, he had a great thing going with his Les Paul. Reminded me of Mick Ronson, another great one gone.
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'!
Whenever I sing, I strive to sound like Chrissie, but end up sounding more like Natalie Merchant. Maybe lessons would help?
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!
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.
![roll eyes](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_rolleyes.gif)
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... ![roll eyes](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_rolleyes.gif)
Great song, interesting version... LOVE the Pretenders' first album. RIP JHS.
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 ;)
Wow .. not only play my favourite Pretenders record, but my favourite track. Bowing to the B. Beautiful record, excellent production.
Nice song - IMO it sounds a lot like Ani DiFranco - don't know, who was first, but I like Ani a bit more ;)
What a great version of this song! ![bounce](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_bounce.gif)
![bounce](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_bounce.gif)
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!
spartanron wrote:
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!
Incredible, it is a shame she has become a political mouthpiece.
A political mouthpiece? For what, her own brain? ![stupid](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_stupid.gif)
Incredible, it is a shame she has become a political mouthpiece.
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"
i'm biased,being from HER hometown.9
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.
Without James and Pete, she's just pretending.
Stop.