With so many people, places, and things vying for our attention, how does anything stand out above the noise? How do we get someone’s time and attention? Maybe Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders has the answer with “Brass in Pocket”. A song that walks the line of being forthright while maintaining an air of mystery. Come with me on a journey of lyrical analysis on how to stand out to that special someone on this edition of Lyrics Shrink.
For the uninitiated, the thought of Chrissie Hynde having to beg for attention is pretty ludicrous. She is an artful chanteuse and her look is somewhere between proto manic pixie dream girl and underground punk.
Looks and voice aside, “Brass in Pocket” is about seduction. Moreover, the various means we have at our disposal for bagging someone’s attention.
I got brass in pocket
I got bottle, I’m gonna use it
Intention, I feel inventive
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice and
Got motion, restrained emotion
Been driving, Detroit leaning
No reason, just seems so pleasing
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
The first verses set up our scenario of a cocksure person with a great ass (the meaning of brass-in-pocket and I got bottle) on the hunt for affection mostly on a whim and to try out some new moves.
Perhaps some night moves? Consequently, motive doesn’t much matter to our protagonist though, it’s more of an exercise of skill and creativity. In the scene set, we get a nice rundown of our singer’s considerable physical attributes in the bridge.
Gonna use my arms, gonna use my legs
Gonna use my style, gonna use my sidestep
Gonna use my fingers, gonna use my, my, my, imagination
lyrically, it’s a fantastic use of vague imagery that things are about to get physical. But suddenly, more mystery is piled on top with wondering what our singer could possibly be imagining. Now we’re all lathered up for a sensory delight. The chiming guitars are setting a groove.
The hook in “Brass In Pocket” is set for a chorus that reels us in.
‘Cause I going make you see
There’s nobody else here, no one like me
I’m special
(Special)
So special
(Special)
I got have some of your attention, give it to me
A bold declaration that despite the protagonist’s pleasure-driven motives. Specifically, they deserve our attention for just how special they are.
Perhaps the setup was playing it cool and aloof. But Chrissy sings as if she’s had enough playing around. Furthermore, the intentions are clear; give up that well-deserved time and affection. This game of hot and cold models two ways we attempt to gain attention through less than assertive means. Perhaps we have an opinion we are special and someone we want to connect with should just recognize it. Hang around and they’ll notice me. Or maybe we lack confidence so we restrain ourselves? We can’t possibly say how we feel, right? What about rejection? What if they don’t feel as we do? As a result, we make hints and hope someone notices.
Sometimes the frustration mounts and we break. Now we’re demanding attention. The alternative to aggressive arrogance or passive-aggressive hinting is assertive communication. It’s directly stating your wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings without masking intention. Or aggressively accusing someone to get your point across. Assertive communication clears up ambiguity without being crass. It’s a declaration of confidence in one’s abilities and a clear need for attention. Sadly, that’s something we want from others but rarely do for ourselves.
However, we might use some of the other methods described in the next verse.
I got rhythm, I can’t miss a beat
I got a new Skank, so reet
Got something, I’m winking at you
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
Maybe we dance around, engaging in more passive games. Or maybe we need a chemical enhancement. Likewise, a toke of that good-good weed, and we’re relaxed. We drop the inhibitions and we can finally say what’s on our minds. But if we want to be noticed it’s probably best to be direct. This is why we’re back to the bold declarations of the bridge and outro chorus.
Whether you have the confidence of Chrissy or the timidness of a choir boy, assertive communication is one of the best ways to get your needs met.
In fact, obfuscation, deceit, chemical enhancement, aggression, or passive-aggressiveness are tickets to frustration. See if you can’t snag that someone special or maybe resolve a conflict or two with a bold declaration of wants and needs. Even if you fail, you’re sure to grab some attention.
For more information on The Pretenders, please visit thepretenders.com