I think of a lot of people when I hear this song. My favorite line in the song is "I found a picture of you; those were the happiest days of my life." Mostly I think of my mom who died at an early age from cancer and my brother who died in Vietnam. Hope this song gives people inspiration to move forward, but to never forget the special ones in their lives that gave them so many great memories. Maybe after we have passed on our friends and family will cherish us as we do our special people. So, look at your pictures and relive the wonderful moments. God Bless
That's so tender thank you for sharing. I think of my mother's world ,my dad's world- how unfair it was then. What does it matter if you have spectacles on your eyes but autumn in your heart. Isaac Babel
This is such a beautiful rendition of this song. This song has always been emotionally charged for me. I know it's about the death of James Honeyman Scott, who I greatly admired and it just happened to come out at a time when a very close friend of mine died in a car accident at the age of 18. I always associate this song with my friend Kevin. The lyrics "I found a picture of you. Those were the happiest days of my life" almost always brings me to tears every time.
I love unplugged versions of classics. This was absolutely magnificent! My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged! Chrissie, Brazil loves you!!!! My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged!
Growing up in the 80s I must have heard this song a million times. I always liked it, but never really listened to the lyrics. Until now. What a beautiful, poignant song.
Chrissie Hynde dedicated this song to Pretenders guitarist James Honeyman-Scott who was her dear friend and died aged 25 of an accidental drug overdose in June 1982. It was recorded a few weeks after his death, in July of that year. On the record you can really hear the emotion in her voice, the record's producer said she struggled to keep it together. She was also 3 months pregnant when she recorded it. The lyrics were written about her partner Ray Davies, and the breakdown of their relationship. But when Honeyman-Scott died, the meaning changed. The words have a real sense of tragedy and nostalgia. They make me think of people parted forever in wartime. The line that get me every time is: '...Like a break in the battle, was your part, In the wretched life of a lonely heart'.
As a teen suffering quietly in my bedroom one night (adolescence and its oft ugly metamorphosis), listening to a Westwood One broadcast highlighting the Pretenders, I had a strong emotional connection with this song. It happened right after hearing the heartbreaking lead-in of the reason behind it. What followed, a haunting live version that brought me to tears. This is maybe the most wonderfully beautiful and sad song about incredible loss, of its time...
All the greatness of Chrissy’s voice, the amazing words that bring one back in time, her real emotion, never gets old, just so sentimental though. I also love Martin’s percussion skills as it matches Chrissy’s vibrato like the beat and her voice are one instrument. Love it to the day I die. Thanks RUclips for allowing all of us to watch these videos instead of the cheesy, pricey, Time Life records.
Out of all the live performances of this song on youtube, the slower pace and the blend of strings and acoustical guitars make this the most beautiful. The band was very tight that night, Thank you Chrissie and Adam and all for making this version such a valuable collector's gem.
I saw a picture of you...those were the happiest days of my life.. Thank you Chrissy for carrying so many of us thru our own pain with this song. I was playing "The singles" today and thought about the title.. my god they were/are ALL hit singles.! The reason we're here is to love each other...we fall but we keep gettin up over and over and over"!!!! Thanx love
I love unplugged versions of classics. This was absolutely magnificent! My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged! Chrissie's voice is so amazing.
Sounds great played acoustically also. Great song overall. I so miss great music like this from the 80's. I also miss my sweetie from the 80's even more.
"And Iʻll die as I stand here today, knowing that deep in my heart, theyʻll fall to ruin someday for making us part." Chills, every time, for decades now.
Lyrics I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh What hijacked my world that night To a place in the past We've been cast out of? Oh oh oh oh Now we're back in the fight We're back on the train Oh, back on the chain gang A circumstance beyond our control, oh oh oh oh The phone, the TV and the news of the world Got in the house like a pigeon from hell, oh oh oh oh Threw sand in our eyes and descended like flies Put us back on the train Oh, back on the chain gang The powers that be That force us to live like we do Bring me to my knees When I see what they've done to you But I'll die as I stand here today Knowing that deep in my heart They'll fall to ruin one day For making us part I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh Those were the happiest days of my life Like a break in the battle was your part, oh oh oh oh In the wretched life of a lonely heart Now we're back on the train Oh, back on the chain gang
So good to hear this fine arrangement of this song. Acoustic with viola and Chryssie’s vocal inflection just perfect and lending deep feeling. She is simply so damn good. It now sounds like a George Harrison piece - another great.
Beautiful! This is one of my favorite songs. I don't know how she can keep from crying. I can't. I love unplugged versions of classics. This was absolutely magnificent!
An amazing feat--maintaining the vocal integrity of such a voice. Hynde's voice remains one the all-time best & rumor has it that a new Pretender's album is set for release in October. Rock on, Chrissie---one of a kind and built to last.
I was on a quest for all the versions of this song and after about 11 times through today I think I finally found the one. I could more easily hear the lyrics in this one and the intensity of her singing with the violin really brought tears to my eyes. Thank You Thank You Thank You
Great song. Awesome lyrics. I so miss incredible music like this from the 80's. I miss my sweetie from the 80's even more. I found a picture of you that hijacks my world often to a place in the past where circumstances were beyond our control and cost me your love. I miss you terribly my dear, sweet adorable girl. I am also still in love with you and always have been.
"Back On The Chain Gang" I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh What hijacked my world that night To a place in the past We've been cast out of? oh oh oh oh Now we're back in the fight We're back on the train Oh, back on the chain gang A circumstance beyond our control, oh oh oh oh The phone, the tv and the news of the world Got in the house like a pigeon from hell, oh oh oh oh Threw sand in our eyes and descended like flies Put us back on the train Oh, back on the chain gang The powers that be That force us to live like we do Bring me to my knees When I see what they've done to you But I'll die as I stand here today Knowing that deep in my heart They'll fall to ruin one day For making us part I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh Those were the happiest days of my life Like a break in the battle was your part, oh oh oh oh In the wretched life of a lonely heart Now we're back on the train Oh, back on the chain gang
Meu Deus essa música é linda, é definitiva e essa versão acústica com orquestra ficou linda e maravilhosa, não me canso de ouvir..... é pra sempre.....
I bought "Isle of View" back in 1995 or so. I must have been about 18 or so at the time, however I was so moved by the whole CD. I still play that CD to this day.
If the original rockin version is outstanding , his semi unglugged take ie even more indredible. and definitive. PURE magic and emotion.. James and Pete surely smile up above.
Unique voice amazingly talented Lady and in a strange way probably my second favourite sexiest woman in rock after Stevie. No woman ever look better in a pair of jeans
![THE PRETENDERS Back On the Chain Gang (Live in London, 1995) [HQ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/clUu5SA5iY4/mqdefault.jpg)
![THE PRETENDERS Back On the Chain Gang (Live in London, 1995) [HQ]](/img/tr.png)
She sings such a perfect song. Brings the emotion, hits every note, every trill, with a vibrato to write home about! What a talent.
While playing a 12 string guitar. She is my hero.
I think of a lot of people when I hear this song. My favorite line in the song is "I found a picture of you; those were the happiest days of my life." Mostly I think of my mom who died at an early age from cancer and my brother who died in Vietnam. Hope this song gives people inspiration to move forward, but to never forget the special ones in their lives that gave them so many great memories. Maybe after we have passed on our friends and family will cherish us as we do our special people. So, look at your pictures and relive the wonderful moments. God Bless
Empathy, friend.
That's so tender thank you for sharing. I think of my mother's world ,my dad's world- how unfair it was then. What does it matter if you have spectacles on your eyes but autumn in your heart. Isaac Babel
this comment hit me like a train.
I love that line too ,I always think of my son that I lost
@@happyd1479 I always think of my mother
Over 30 years ago, I fell hopelessly in love with this woman. Nothing's changed!
It's been 40yrs for me!
Join the club! It's a pretty big club, in fact.
Don't get her wrong! ;-)
Me too. So tough yet so vulnerable. Just imagine for a moment....if she had joined Fleetwood Mac....
Not even after hearing her opinion that women in stilettos etc are to blame if they're raped?
This is such a beautiful rendition of this song. This song has always been emotionally charged for me. I know it's about the death of James Honeyman Scott, who I greatly admired and it just happened to come out at a time when a very close friend of mine died in a car accident at the age of 18. I always associate this song with my friend Kevin. The lyrics "I found a picture of you. Those were the happiest days of my life" almost always brings me to tears every time.
Here's to Kevin.
Thank you for your story. Very beautiful.
I love unplugged versions of classics. This was absolutely magnificent!
My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged!
Chrissie, Brazil loves you!!!!
My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged!
"I found a picture of you, those were the happiest days of my life!" Gets me every time. Thanks Chrissie
Me too. It reminds me of my children.
@@mikeaudette2823} {čo01
Growing up in the 80s I must have heard this song a million times. I always liked it, but never really listened to the lyrics. Until now. What a beautiful, poignant song.
funny vine videos
ART.
One of my fav Pretenders ballads. Musically very crisp and melodic.
I will never grow tired of this song. And she will always be my ultimate rock lady
she totally opened her heart and soul in this song, connecting personally with everyone who listens, she is amazing.
It's beautiful
I love unplugged versions of classics. This was absolutely magnificent!
It shows what truly great songs they are!
Yes, better than the original, love it!
Love the violin sounds great
violins and the origional drummer kick it
Chrissie Hynde dedicated this song to Pretenders guitarist James Honeyman-Scott who was her dear friend and died aged 25 of an accidental drug overdose in June 1982.
It was recorded a few weeks after his death, in July of that year. On the record you can really hear the emotion in her voice, the record's producer said she struggled to keep it together. She was also 3 months pregnant when she recorded it.
The lyrics were written about her partner Ray Davies, and the breakdown of their relationship. But when Honeyman-Scott died, the meaning changed. The words have a real sense of tragedy and nostalgia. They make me think of people parted forever in wartime. The line that get me every time is:
'...Like a break in the battle, was your part,
In the wretched life of a lonely heart'.
Thanks for sharing that info.
@@davidnelson5474 You're welcome. Happy Christmas!
Ah really , the song for Ray Davis?
war is the worst...peace on earth folks and enjoy this classic song!
Beautifully stated.
There's something very emotional about this song. Specially this rendition.
Nice touch with the violin, who'd of thought. Great as always Chrissy !
God that’s a beautiful song. There’s many notes in this song that have to be hit to really pull it off, and she can still do it man!
Best middle 8 ever. And that modulation for the last verse... Brilliant.
Absolutely beautiful version of one of her greatest songs
As a teen suffering quietly in my bedroom one night (adolescence and its oft ugly metamorphosis), listening to a Westwood One broadcast highlighting the Pretenders, I had a strong emotional connection with this song. It happened right after hearing the heartbreaking lead-in of the reason behind it. What followed, a haunting live version that brought me to tears. This is maybe the most wonderfully beautiful and sad song about incredible loss, of its time...
You know what I love about you? There's no reinventing, your voice is so profound...It's speaks for itself.
What a voice !!!❤️
My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged!
I love unplugged versions of classics. This was absolutely magnificent!
My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged!
FANTASTIC!!!! One of the great voices of our time! DAMN!, that's nice! The acoustic version sounds as good if not better than the original.
All the greatness of Chrissy’s voice, the amazing words that bring one back in time, her real emotion, never gets old, just so sentimental though. I also love Martin’s percussion skills as it matches Chrissy’s vibrato like the beat and her voice are one instrument. Love it to the day I die. Thanks RUclips for allowing all of us to watch these videos instead of the cheesy, pricey, Time Life records.
Out of all the live performances of this song on youtube, the slower pace and the blend of strings and acoustical guitars make this the most beautiful. The band was very tight that night, Thank you Chrissie and Adam and all for making this version such a valuable collector's gem.
My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged!
I saw a picture of you...those were the happiest days of my life.. Thank you Chrissy for carrying so many of us thru our own pain with this song. I was playing "The singles" today and thought about the title.. my god they were/are ALL hit singles.! The reason we're here is to love each other...we fall but we keep gettin up over and over and over"!!!! Thanx love
I love unplugged versions of classics. This was absolutely magnificent!
My favorite Pretenders Song......and love it more unplugged!
Chrissie's voice is so amazing.
Sounds great played acoustically also. Great song overall. I so miss great music like this from the 80's. I also miss my sweetie from the 80's even more.
"And Iʻll die as I stand here today, knowing that deep in my heart, theyʻll fall to ruin someday for making us part." Chills, every time, for decades now.
Lyrics
I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
What hijacked my world that night
To a place in the past
We've been cast out of? Oh oh oh oh
Now we're back in the fight
We're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang
A circumstance beyond our control, oh oh oh oh
The phone, the TV and the news of the world
Got in the house like a pigeon from hell, oh oh oh oh
Threw sand in our eyes and descended like flies
Put us back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang
The powers that be
That force us to live like we do
Bring me to my knees
When I see what they've done to you
But I'll die as I stand here today
Knowing that deep in my heart
They'll fall to ruin one day
For making us part
I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
Those were the happiest days of my life
Like a break in the battle was your part, oh oh oh oh
In the wretched life of a lonely heart
Now we're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang
Bout time Hall of Fame came a knocking?
Thanks a lot: much appreciated.
Sensacional esta música ❤️👏👏👏
that bridge... so amazing, love the harmonies. and the violins.. ... unexpected and beautiful.
What a wonderful version of this tune - one of my favorites and this version and sound is perfect.
One of the greatest female artists of all time. A legend
You said it sister!
I disagree, not one of the greatest but the greatest female voice ever. Greetings from Maine
yes sir-and she could party and do drugs with the best of men...she still looks and sounds fabulous!
Why qualify?
What a voice !!!❤️
Huge part of my life in my 20s. Thank you San Francisco. Thank you Margo n Dave.
So good to hear this fine arrangement of this song. Acoustic with viola and Chryssie’s vocal inflection just perfect and lending deep feeling. She is simply so damn good. It now sounds like a George Harrison piece - another great.
Beautiful!
This is one of my favorite songs. I don't know how she can keep from crying. I can't.
I love unplugged versions of classics. This was absolutely magnificent!
Chrissie, Brazil loves you!!!!
verdade.linda
I've always been in love with her voice which makes her more loveable.❤
"I found a picture of you.. Those were the happiest days of my life."
Gets me every time.
Gosh! How I love Chrissie! She's amazing!
this song gives me shivers, damn it's good
Chrissie's voice is so amazing.
Chrissie, Brazil loves you!!!!
Excellent version of this song - surprised that it doesn’t have more hits - great song!
An amazing feat--maintaining the vocal integrity of such a voice. Hynde's voice remains one the all-time best & rumor has it that a new Pretender's album is set for release in October. Rock on, Chrissie---one of a kind and built to last.
I was on a quest for all the versions of this song and after about 11 times through today I think I finally found the one. I could more easily hear the lyrics in this one and the intensity of her singing with the violin really brought tears to my eyes. Thank You Thank You Thank You
Voice like an angel, and talent on loan from God. She is a singular talent.
This song never fails to astonish me..
Staying up late on my Walkman. Tuned into Arrow 93 Los Angeles. 14 years old waiting for this and Supertramp’s Goodbye Stranger to play.
Songs like Kid , Lovers of today and Back OTCG are pure pop gold of guitars and melodies.
Still in love with Chrissy Hines. Rindy Ross from Quarterflash, and of course Pat Benetar
Amazing song!!! Greetings from Mexico Excellent Band of Rock!!!
Love your Voice Chrissie. You were Fantastic at the Wiltern a few years ago. ❤
Great song. Awesome lyrics. I so miss incredible music like this from the 80's. I miss my sweetie from the 80's even more. I found a picture of you that hijacks my world often to a place in the past where circumstances were beyond our control and cost me your love. I miss you terribly my dear, sweet adorable girl. I am also still in love with you and always have been.
I love this unvarnished version because it showcases their individual talents as if in your living room. Uplifting.
THE definitive version of this song. I remember listening to this in my parent's Subaru in the late 90s. Great stuff.
"Back On The Chain Gang"
I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
What hijacked my world that night
To a place in the past
We've been cast out of? oh oh oh oh
Now we're back in the fight
We're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang
A circumstance beyond our control, oh oh oh oh
The phone, the tv and the news of the world
Got in the house like a pigeon from hell, oh oh oh oh
Threw sand in our eyes and descended like flies
Put us back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang
The powers that be
That force us to live like we do
Bring me to my knees
When I see what they've done to you
But I'll die as I stand here today
Knowing that deep in my heart
They'll fall to ruin one day
For making us part
I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
Those were the happiest days of my life
Like a break in the battle was your part, oh oh oh oh
In the wretched life of a lonely heart
Now we're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang
Thing that set her apart vocally heart felt fragility
Terrific song and added joy violins too.
Simply A Goddess!!!
She seems so beautifully heartbroken. Wonderful singer. ♥️
Meu Deus essa música é linda, é definitiva e essa versão acústica com orquestra ficou linda e maravilhosa, não me canso de ouvir..... é pra sempre.....
Agree!
Moja omiljena pesma za put 🎶♥️♥️♥️🎸
Essa versão ficou maravilhosa!!👏🏻👏🏻🤘🏻
so good , timeless and always a joy to hear this bands tunes
She is a goddess with superpowers! So strong and vulnerable at the same time.
Loved that i was able to pick out more of the acoustical sounds.
Holy fuck. She just spills it all over the stage.
Wonderful
This song means so much to me,,,,,, it got me through very hard times,,,,, thank you Chrissy
Beautiful!
Massive talent. Really great.
She always sounds great !!
I bought "Isle of View" back in 1995 or so. I must have been about 18 or so at the time, however I was so moved by the whole CD. I still play that CD to this day.
Gorgeous rendition.
If the original rockin version is outstanding , his semi unglugged take ie even more indredible. and definitive. PURE magic and emotion.. James and Pete surely smile up above.
Beautiful. A great song made greater.
This is pop! timeless beautiful arpeggiated outro too perfect!
and sounds so fresh all that times....:)
I hear this song, and it gets me every time . I think about lost loves, lost lives, lost time. 😔
Beautiful beautiful !!
Great version of a great song!
love the bassline! love chrissy!
I like this slowed down version! Amazing!
THANKS PRETENDERS ...AWESOME
3:16 In the wretched life of a lonely heart..."Oooohhh". I like the "Oooohhh" part.
This is perfection.....
Very touching. Thanks. Happy 2016.
Unique voice amazingly talented Lady and in a strange way probably my second favourite sexiest woman in rock after Stevie. No woman ever look better in a pair of jeans
My goodness, I kinda liked the original song but this version is HEAVENLY. Wow. The Pretenders have a new big fan.
How anyone with a voice that could melt glass doesn't like the sound of their own voice is mind boggling!
Chrissie love from Québec !
Siempre enamorado de ti........de tu voz, tu música te amooooooooooooo
Haunting. The best. Love this.
I just noticed that this song has had more comments lately then probably when it was released. Classics live on !!!
This is amazing!
Beautiful...perfect....
since 1979 Chrissie and Martin still making good music,....... : )
Thanks for that,
Music is funny it's just a song to make memories, it's such an emotional thing ❤
That's about James....lovely ballad