Pretend
Bruce Soord with Jonas Renkse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't afford to take my chance
Looking at the ways
They're telling me to live in fear
To give it all again
I gave it all for nothing, yeah
Celebrate the truth
If anyone should ask
How the story goes
Just pretend we're almost there
Just pretend, pretend
Holding on for life
Holding on for one reason
Looking at the ways
Returning me for one last time
Celebrate the truth
At least I fought to get us here
If anyone should ask
How the story goes
Just pretend we're almost there
Just pretend
And when the wreckage breaks
We'll fall into below
Just pretend it's safe and warm
Just pretend, pretend
The lyrics of "Pretend" by Bruce Soord with Jonas Renkse describe a sense of desperation and hopelessness in the face of a system that is rigged against the singer. The opening lines express an inability to afford even the basic necessities of life, leading to a feeling of being trapped. The next lines express a frustration with the messages that are being sent through media and society that encourage fear and caution, rather than taking chances and pursuing what one truly wants.
The chorus provides a sense of resignation and futility, as the singer encourages themselves and others to simply pretend that everything is okay. The idea of pretending to be "almost there" suggests a feeling of being constantly on the cusp of success or happiness, without ever actually reaching it. The verses continue to express a sense of holding on, clinging to something despite the odds, and fighting to get to where they are despite it all. However, the final lines of the song suggest that this fight may ultimately be in vain, as they are left to simply pretend that everything is safe and warm, even if it truly isn't.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't afford to live
I am financially unstable and cannot support myself
I can't afford to take my chance
I do not have the resources or courage to take risks in life
Looking at the ways
Observing the norms and societal expectations imposed on me
They're telling me to live in fear
The society pressures me to be afraid of taking risks or pursuing my dreams
To give it all again
To put in the effort for a cause, even if there is a possibility of failure
I gave it all for nothing, yeah
I worked hard for something, but it did not yield any significant results
Celebrate the truth
Acknowledge and appreciate the reality of the situation
At least I fought to get us here
I made an effort to contribute to our current situation
If anyone should ask
In case someone inquires
How the story goes
Asking about the sequence of events that led us to the present situation
Just pretend we're almost there
Imagining and pretending that our goal is within reach or almost accomplished
Holding on for life
Clutching onto something vital for survival
Holding on for one reason
Holding onto something important for one specific purpose
Returning me for one last time
Giving me another opportunity to relive a memory or experience
And when the wreckage breaks
Referring to a disastrous moment that causes chaos and destruction
We'll fall into below
Suggests a descent into a lower state or into chaos
Just pretend it's safe and warm
Imagining a comforting and secure environment, even if it isn't real
Just pretend, pretend
Encouraging to continue imagining something, even if it is not true
Writer(s): Bruce Soord, John Charles Wilks
Contributed by Bentley V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.