Open Letter to Pat Benatar

 

"Though Benatar told Vulture she still considers [Hit Me With Your Best Shot] 'a fabulous song' that 'everyone loves,' the star has said that in the wake of gun violence and an uptick in mass shootings in America, its meaning has changed for her, and she will no longer sing it on tour."


PAT BENATAR

An Open Letter To Pat Benatar

by Les Govment

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Dear Pat:

Over the last two decades, I've seen/read several excerpts from interviews featuring you. I applaud you and Neil for pushing back against those in the record industry who pushed a sexualized image for you. Also, given what the divorce rate is, it's refreshing to see that your marriage to Neil has endured. Congrats on that.

In July of 2022, you told USA Today that you're not singing Hit Me With Your Best Shot anymore. You've said you've stopped performing it for multiple reasons, and said, " It’s too juvenile for me to sing."

Fair enough.

In an interview with Vulture, you also said that that the interpretation of Hit Me With Your Best Shot has changed for you because of mass shootings.

I get it. Mass shootings are horrible. But I can't see how not singing Hit Me would do anything to reduce gun violence, or comfort the victims and their families. And if you were to resume singing Hit Me With Your Best Shot, it certainly would not result in an increase in gun violence.

I think we all need to face reality concerning gun violence in America: there is no simple solution to it. But it can be more effectively thwarted by doing things like putting well-trained armed guards at schools and malls. And stiffer sentences for those who use a gun in the commission of a crime. And most importantly, there needs to be a resurgence of family cohesiveness and better parenting.

You told Vulture that you know the song’s not about gun violence-- which makes your current stance hard to understand. But if not singing Hit Me With Your Best Shot is something you need to do for your own inner peace, I get it. Do what you need to do.

In the Vulture interview, you went on to say, "Can I just take a year break while I sort this out?"

Yes, Pat. Take all the time you need.

Sincerely,
Les Govment

P.S. If you ever do start singing Hit Me With Your Best Shot again, don't let the politically-correct mob intimidate you. Look them in the eye and say, "Knock me down, it's all in vain; I get right back up on my feet again"





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