“Brass in Pocket,” also known as “Brass in Pocket (I’m Special),” is a song by the British-American rock band The Pretenders. Released in November 1979 as the third single from their self-titled debut album, “Pretenders,” the song became the band’s first big hit and remains one of their most iconic tracks.
“Brass in Pocket” was written by Pretenders’ lead singer Chrissie Hynde and guitarist James Honeyman-Scott. The phrase “brass in pocket” is British slang for having money in one’s pocket, indicating confidence and self-assuredness. The song’s lyrics reflect this theme, with Hynde delivering a performance that blends vulnerability with assertiveness.
“Brass in Pocket” achieved significant commercial success. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 1980, making it The Pretenders’ first chart-topping single in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, helping to establish the band’s presence in the American market. The success of “Brass in Pocket” played a crucial role in the overall success of the “Pretenders” album, which received widespread acclaim.
The music video for “Brass in Pocket” features Chrissie Hynde working in a diner, interacting with customers and performing the song with her bandmates. It was the seventh video aired on MTV on its launch on 1 August 1981.
In 1992, the song has been covered by Suede for NME’s charity compilation Ruby Trax.