About the song
The Platters’ “The Great Pretender” is a timeless doo-wop classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1955, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing the group’s exceptional harmonies and their ability to blend elements of doo-wop, rhythm and blues, and pop music.
The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a haunting organ riff and a rhythmic bassline. The Platters’ vocals then come in, delivering the lyrics with a blend of passion and restraint. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, painting a vivid picture of a man struggling with his emotions.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its haunting chorus, in which the group sings, “I’m a great pretender, just a lonely man.” The chorus emphasizes the song’s central theme of the difficulty of expressing one’s true feelings.
The song’s production is simple yet effective, featuring a tight rhythm section and the Platters’ distinctive harmonies. The arrangement allows the group’s vocals to take center stage, creating a raw and intimate atmosphere.
“The Great Pretender” is a testament to the enduring power of music. Its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and the Platters’ soulful performance have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the group’s legacy and their ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
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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)