Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of The Pretenders, wrote "Don't Get Me Wrong" for her friend, tennis legend John McEnroe, known for his on-court outbursts.
While composing the song on a plane, Hynde subconsciously incorporated the rhythm of a British Airways announcement into the melody.
The lyrics use weather imagery like "dazzled by neon lights" and "fireworks that go off when you smile" to describe the unpredictable nature of attraction.
Once in a while, two people meet Seemingly for no reason They just pass on the street Suddenly, thunder showers everywhere Who can explain the thunder and rain? But there’s something in the air
The song was written during a period of lineup changes for The Pretenders following the tragic deaths of original members James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon.
Despite lineup changes, "Don't Get Me Wrong" became a hit, showcasing Hynde's vocals and songwriting as a constant for the band.
The song peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming The Pretenders' second-biggest commercial success.
Discover more interesting facts about The Pretenders' "Don't Get Me Wrong" in this full article.