About the song
“The Great Pretender” is a timeless classic recorded by The Platters, featuring the distinctive lead vocals of Tony Williams. Released as a single in November 1955, the song was written by Buck Ram, who was not only the Platters’ manager and producer but also a successful songwriter. The track quickly soared to the top of the charts, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 100 and No. 5 on the UK charts, cementing its place in music history.
The origins of “The Great Pretender” are as interesting as the song itself. Buck Ram claimed to have written the song in about 20 minutes while in the washroom of the Flamingo Hotel, driven by the need to follow up on the success of “Only You (And You Alone).” Ram had confidently told Bob Shad that he had an even better song than “Only You.” When Shad asked for the name, Ram spontaneously said “The Great Pretender,” believing in its potential hit status even before penning down the lyrics. This spontaneous creation turned out to be a stroke of genius.
The song features a memorable tenor saxophone solo by Plas Johnson, contributing to its unique sound. Upon its release, “The Great Pretender” became the best-selling R&B song in January 1956 and reached No. 2 on the Top 100 chart on Billboard in February of the same year. It was also one of the top-selling singles of 1956, ranking as the 12th best-selling single of the year.
“The Great Pretender” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, with one of the most notable versions being by Freddie Mercury, whose rendition reached No. 4 on the UK charts. The song’s influence extended beyond just covers; it is believed that Sam Cooke’s version inspired Chrissie Hynde to name her band The Pretenders.
The Platters performed “The Great Pretender” along with “Only You” in the 1956 musical film *Rock Around the Clock*, showcasing their talent to a broader audience. The song also made an appearance in the iconic film *American Graffiti*, further solidifying its cultural impact.
In recognition of its enduring significance, “The Great Pretender” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, with the Hall of Fame listing its date as 1956. Additionally, in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked the song 360th in their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
“The Great Pretender” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its poignant lyrics, distinctive melody, and the powerful vocal performance by Tony Williams. Its legacy continues to influence and inspire generations of music lovers and artists alike.
Video
https://youtu.be/IEzfhclKO8Q
Lyrics
Oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender
Pretending that I’m doing well
My need is such, I pretend too much
I’m lonely, but no one can tell
Oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I played the game but to my real shame
You’ve left me to grieve all alone
Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Yes, I’m the great pretender
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Yes, I’m the great pretender
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
(Still around)