# Chrissie Hynde Loves Taylor Swift's Cleveland Song

> Chrissie Hynde praises Taylor Swift's polarizing song 'Cleveland!' as a cutting-edge tribute to the city.
- Title: Chrissie Hynde Loves Taylor Swift's Cleveland Song · Stereogum
- Summary: Chrissie Hynde praises Taylor Swift's polarizing song 'Cleveland!' as a cutting-edge tribute to the city. Chrissie Hynde celebrated Taylor Swift's new song…
- Keywords: chrissie hynde, taylor swift, cleveland, pretenders, squirrel flower, taylor swift song, cleveland ohio, music, culture, Chrissie, Hynde, Loves
- Source: Stereogum — https://stereogum.com/2513640/chrissie-hynde-actually-likes-something-taylor-swifts-cleveland/news
- Published: 2026-10-05T18:14:42+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chrissie hynde, taylor swift, cleveland, pretenders, squirrel flower, taylor swift song, cleveland ohio, music, culture
## Chrissie Hynde's Reaction
Chrissie Hynde, the Pretenders icon, praised Taylor Swift's new song 'Cleveland!' as a historic tribute to the city.

> I was thrilled to hear Taylor Swift's new song, Cleveland.
## Song's Polarizing Status
Taylor Swift's 'Cleveland!' is the #1 album and #1 song this week, despite criticism for being a terrible song.
## Hynde's Cleveland Connection
Hynde previously commemorated Cleveland on her first album in the song 'Precious' and noted Swift's possible inspiration.

> Although come to think of it, I did commemorate Cleveland on my first album in the song, Precious.
## Hynde's Speculation
Hynde suggested Swift might be emulating her or seeking attention through her Cleveland native husband.

> Perhaps Taylor is trying to get a leg up in her career by emulating yours truly…… although I strongly suspect it has more to do with her new hunk of a husband, a Cleveland native.
## Hynde's Tribute
Hynde called Swift's song a tribute to Cleveland Ohio, acknowledging its significance as Akron's main competition.

> Either way, hats off to Taylor for commemorating Akron's main competition…. Cleveland Ohio.
## Hynde's Final Comment
Hynde described Cleveland as a 'hell of a town' with many recollections of adventures there.

> I certainly have myriad recollections of adventures in Cleveland.. it's a hell of a town.
## Key takeaway

Chrissie Hynde celebrated Taylor Swift's new song 'Cleveland!' as a historic tribute to the city, noting its connection to Cleveland and Swift's husband.