“Don’t Get Me Wrong” is a hit single by The Pretenders, released in September 1986 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Get Close. Written by lead vocalist Chrissie Hynde, the song became one of the band’s most successful tracks, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and performing well internationally. Known for its upbeat pop-rock sound and catchy melody, “Don’t Get Me Wrong” showcases Hynde’s distinctive vocal style and the band’s ability to blend rock with a softer, more radio-friendly sound.
Chrissie Hynde wrote “Don’t Get Me Wrong” during a period of change for The Pretenders, as the band was going through lineup shifts and evolving its sound. By the time Get Close was recorded, only Hynde and drummer Martin Chambers remained from the original lineup. The song captures a lighter, more pop-oriented side of The Pretenders, contrasting with some of their earlier, edgier work. In interviews, Hynde has described the song as being inspired by feelings of romantic confusion and the excitement and uncertainty that often come with love. It’s often been rumored that the song was influenced by her friendship with Ray Davies of The Kinks, though Hynde has not explicitly confirmed this, and said she was inspired to write the song for her friend John McEnroe.
Musically, “Don’t Get Me Wrong” blends pop rock with elements of new wave. The song has an upbeat, bright melody, driven by jangly guitar riffs, a bouncy bassline, and an infectious, rhythmic beat. The track also features a prominent synthesizer element, which was increasingly common in the pop music of the 1980s, giving the song a polished, radio-friendly sound. Hynde’s vocal delivery is smooth and playful, capturing both the excitement and tension in the song’s lyrics. Her voice has a unique combination of softness and strength, making it perfect for expressing the emotional contrasts in the song.
“Don’t Get Me Wrong” was a commercial success for The Pretenders. It reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., making it one of their biggest hits in America. In the UK, the song peaked at No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart, and it also charted in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and various European markets.
The music video for “Don’t Get Me Wrong” is playful and memorable, paying homage to the classic British TV show The Avengers (1960s). In the video, Chrissie Hynde plays a character resembling Emma Peel, the stylish and independent female protagonist from the series, as she embarks on a series of adventures. The video uses split-screen visuals, action sequences, and Hynde’s chic, mod-inspired outfits to create a fun, retro vibe. The visual style complements the lighthearted tone of the song and helped make it a hit on MTV during the height of the music video era in the 1980s.
“Don’t Get Me Wrong” remains one of The Pretenders’ most iconic songs and a staple of 1980s pop rock. Its bright, infectious melody and relatable lyrics about romantic confusion have kept it in rotation on classic rock and 1980s-themed radio stations. The song helped introduce a more polished, pop-oriented sound for The Pretenders, showcasing their versatility and ability to adapt to changing musical trends while retaining their signature style.