@mostlyoldies: “I’ll Stand By You” by Pretenders was released in 1994, and it quickly became a hit, reaching the top 20 in several countries and peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. According to Chrissie Hynde, the vocalist, the song was written as a comforting message to a friend who was going through a difficult time. She wanted to offer support and let her friend know that she was not alone.