by With over 85 million albums sold worldwide and a discography spanning over two decades, Pink has cemented her status as one of the best-selling musical artists of all time. Known for her powerful vocals and daring live performances, Pink is renowned for putting on spectacular concerts filled with hits. However, amidst the familiar favorites frequently featured in her setlists, there are some Pink songs that are rarely, if ever, performed live. Here is an in-depth look at three such tracks that deserve more recognition: “Time After Time,” “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” and “Sweet Talkin’ Stranger.”
“Time After Time”
Released in 2001, “Time After Time” was Pink’s cover of Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 chart-topping single for the soundtrack of the psychological thriller “Vanilla Sky.” Written and originally recorded by Lauper, the song tells the story of two lovers promising to meet again no matter what happens in the future. Pink’s rendition stays true to the melancholy yet hopeful tone of the original while putting her own unique spin on it vocally.
Her breathtaking vocals are on full display as she belts out the lyrics with raw emotion. Pink transforms the track into a stunning power ballad showcasing the full range of her impressive voice. Critics praised her interpretation, with many noting she succeeded in doing justice to such an iconic song without directly copying Lauper’s version. Commercially, the cover was a success, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart.
Despite the acclaim and popularity of “Time After Time,” Pink has rarely performed it live over the course of her career. The song was included in a select number of shows during her early I’m Not Dead tour in 2006 but has been absent from setlists since then. This is surprising given Pink’s talent for breathtaking live renditions of covers like “Bette Davis Eyes” and “River Deep, Mountain High.” Her powerful vocals would be perfectly suited to bringing the emotions of “Time After Time” to the stage.
Perhaps part of the reason it’s been left out is that Pink’s own catalogue of hits has grown tremendously, leaving less room for covers. However, “Time After Time” deserves recognition as one of Pink’s most beautiful interpretations of another artist’s work. Fans would surely love to hear it performed live with Pink’s signature intensity and passion. Its exclusion from setlists is a disservice, as it highlighted Pink’s vocal prowess and artistry at the beginning of her career. A live rendition could be a truly special moment for audiences.
“Don’t Let Me Get Me”
Released in 2000 as part of Pink’s debut album “Missundaztood,” “Don’t Let Me Get Me” was one of her earlier attempts to break out of the bubblegum pop mold she was initially known for. With its grungy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics about the pressures of fame and self-identity, the track marked Pink’s evolution into a more mature and alternative rock-influenced sound. Critically, it was praised for its raw emotion and musical edge distinguishing it from Pink’s previous pop releases.
Commercially, “Don’t Let Me Get Me” found moderate success, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. However, it failed to reach the high positions of Pink’s biggest hits at the time like “There You Go” and “Most Girls.” As a result, the song was left off setlists as Pink’s tours focused on crowd-pleasing favorites.
This is unfortunate, as “Don’t Let Me Get Me” would translate powerfully in a live setting. Pink’s gritty vocals coupled with its rebellious lyrics and pounding instrumentation make it a track ripe for an intense live performance. Her live shows are known for highlighting Pink’s talent for blending pop melodies with rock attitudes, so “Don’t Let Me Get Me” seems a natural fit. Its exclusion suggests Pink may see it as less representative of where her career went after “Missundaztood.”
However, revisiting the song could give audiences a glimpse into her early artistic evolution and raw talent. With its angsty lyrics still relevant today, “Don’t Let Me Get Me” deserves to be experienced live rather than collecting dust in Pink’s deep catalog. Even a one-off performance could be a special treat for longtime fans fond of Pink’s rockier side. Its live debut after 20 years would make for an unforgettable moment in any show.
“Sweet Talkin’ Stranger”
Also found on “Missundaztood,” “Sweet Talkin’ Stranger” saw Pink collaborating with acclaimed folk duo Indigo Girls, who provided backing and additional vocals. The track marked a further departure into Americana-influenced sounds, with its twangy guitars, fiddle instrumentation and harmonies reminiscent of country music. Lyrically, it told a story of seduction and risk-taking through Pink’s sultry vocals.
Reviews praised the songwriting and Pink’s chemistry with the Indigo Girls, seeing it as highlighting her range beyond pop. Commercially, it followed a similar path to “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” finding moderate rock radio play but failing to reach the heights of Pink’s biggest hits. As a result, it too was left off setlists in favor of proven crowd-pleasers.
This is unfortunate, as “Sweet Talkin’ Stranger” showed Pink’s ability to skillfully navigate different genres while maintaining her trademark attitude and style. Her vocals intertwining with the Indigo Girls’ harmonies created a unique sound highlighting all three artists’ talents. The playful yet sensual lyrics also lend themselves well to a live setting. With its Americana twang and Pink’s charismatic stage presence, “Sweet Talkin’ Stranger” could make for an energetic performance delighting audiences.
Like “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” revisiting the track would give fans a glimpse into Pink’s artistic roots and willingness to experiment. Her collaborations are also a rarity, making the Indigo Girls’ appearance even more special. Even a one-time live debut after 18 years could be a memorable fan experience and career highlight. Both the song itself and Pink’s growth deserve recognition through a live rendition honoring her early artistic risks and restlessness.
In Conclusion
While Pink’s setlists understandably focus on massive hits, occasionally digging into deeper cuts can be rewarding experiences for artist and fans alike. Songs like “Time After Time,” “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” and “Sweet Talkin’ Stranger” showed Pink’s talents lying beyond bubblegum pop while still in her early career. Revisiting them live after all these years could provide special moments acknowledging Pink’s artistic evolution and willingness to experiment across genres.
For audiences, they offer a glimpse into lesser-known aspects of Pink’s impressive catalog deserving wider recognition. Even one-time performances could be unforgettable for longtime supporters fond of Pink’s rawer side and appreciative of deep cuts. With Pink’s powerhouse vocals and charismatic stage presence, these songs hold potential to stun audiences anew when brought to life.
While Pink’s setlists must prioritize proven hits, occasionally pulling deeper cuts like these three out of retirement could be wins for all. It honors Pink’s artistry, surprises longtime fans, and introduces new listeners to overlooked gems. Rare songs like “Time After Time,” “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” and “Sweet Talkin’ Stranger” deserve the chance to shine in Pink’s spectacular live shows after all these years.
