Middle of the Road

The Pretenders' song 'Middle of the Road' is a vivid exploration of life's complexities and contradictions. Chrissie Hynde, the band's lead singer and songwriter, uses the metaphor of the 'middle of the road' to describe a place of balance and observation. She stands in the middle of life, reflecting on her past plans and the current state of the world around her. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and determination, as she smiles at everyone she meets but warns against those who might disrupt her peace or bring chaos into her life.

The song paints a picture of the stark contrasts in society, highlighting the disparity between wealth and poverty. Hynde describes seeing 'fat guys driving 'round in jeeps through the city, wearing big diamond rings and silk suits,' juxtaposed with 'corrugated tin shacks full up with kids.' This imagery underscores the inequality and exploitation present in the world, particularly in the 'bloody third world,' where the wealthy own large portions of land while the poor live in dire conditions. The babies 'just come with the scenery,' a poignant reminder of the human cost of such disparities.

Hynde also touches on personal struggles and the pressures of daily life. She mentions the challenges of navigating public spaces without being harassed and the exhaustion that comes with adulthood and parenthood. At thirty-three, with a child to care for, she acknowledges that she is no longer the carefree person she once was. The repeated call to 'get in the road' serves as an invitation to face life's challenges head-on, embracing the chaos and finding one's path amidst it all.