Pretenders

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
He's gone
2,000 miles
Is very far
The snow is falling down
It's colder day by day
I miss you

[Chorus 1]
The children were singing
He'll be back at Christmas time

[Verse 2]
And these frozen and silent nights
Sometimes in a dream
You appear
Outside under the purple sky
Diamonds in the snow
Sparkle

[Chorus 2]
Our hearts were singing
It felt like Christmas time

[Bridge]
2,000 miles
Is very far through the snow
I'll think of you
Wherever you go
[Verse 1]
He's gone
2,000 miles
Is very far
The snow is falling down
It's colder day by day
I miss you

[Chorus 3]
I can hear people singing
It must be Christmas time
I hear people singing
It must be Christmas timeEmbed

When it comes to heart-wrenching and emotionally charged songs, "2000 Miles" by the Pretenders certainly takes a spot near the top. Written by the band's frontwoman, Chrissie Hynde, this hauntingly beautiful track perfectly captures the pain and longing that comes with being separated from a loved one during the holiday season. But there's more to this song than just its heart-tugging lyrics and captivating melody. Let's dive deeper into the story behind "2000 Miles" and understand its significance in the Pretenders' discography.

About 2000 Miles

Released in 1983 as a single and later included on the Pretenders' 1984 album "Learning to Crawl," "2000 Miles" quickly became one of the band's most beloved and recognizable songs. With its melancholic tone and poignant lyrics, the track beautifully captures the distance and yearning one feels when separated from someone they hold dear.

Despite its release during the holiday season, "2000 Miles" transcends mere Christmas music. It delves into the universal theme of longing for connection and highlights the emotional struggles we all face during times of separation. While many holiday songs focus on joy and togetherness, this song acknowledges the bittersweet reality that not everyone gets to be with their loved ones during this festive time.

With its gentle guitar strumming and Hynde's heartfelt vocals, "2000 Miles" creates an intimate atmosphere that envelops listeners in a warm embrace. The simplicity of the instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage, showcasing Hynde's ability to convey complex emotions with elegance and grace.

But what makes "2000 Miles" all the more poignant is the personal tragedy that influenced its lyrics. In the early 1980s, the Pretenders suffered the loss of two band members due to drug addiction. Pete Farndon, the band's bassist, was dismissed from the group after refusing to seek treatment for his addiction. Devastatingly, lead guitarist James Honeyman-Scott passed away shortly after Farndon's dismissal, leaving the band and Hynde grieving.

When listening to "2000 Miles" with this knowledge in mind, the lyrics take on a deeper meaning. Hynde's words become a poignant ode to her fallen friends, capturing the sorrow and longing she felt for their presence during the holiday season. It's a tribute to the memories shared and the unbreakable bond that even death couldn't sever.

While "2000 Miles" is undeniably a melancholic song, it serves as a reminder that even amidst loss and separation, love endures. It speaks to the power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit. In its essence, "2000 Miles" encapsulates the universal experience of missing someone and the hope that one day the distance will be bridged.

The success of "2000 Miles" is a testament to the Pretenders' ability to create music that resonates with people on a deep and emotional level. In the realm of holiday songs, few have managed to capture the complexity of human emotions as adeptly as this track. It is a poignant reminder that even during a time that celebrates togetherness, not everyone can be physically present.

So, as you listen to "2000 Miles" during the holiday season, take a moment to appreciate the raw emotion and heartfelt lyrics that have made this song a timeless classic. Allow yourself to be transported to a place where distance and time fade away, leaving only the enduring power of love and the hope that one day, we will all be together again.

• Release Date: November 1983
• Artist: Pretenders