The Pretender
Datarock Lyrics

The song 'The Pretender' by Datarock is a fascinating and thought-provoking piece that explores the theme of identity and the struggle for people to fit into certain labels and stereotypes that society assigns them. The song opens by highlighting the various nationalities of the singer, from a North Korean to a South American, an indication of how he transcends borders and refuses to be confined to a specific cultural identity. He also mentions being a Samaritan, which is a reference to the biblical character who helped the needy and vulnerable, suggesting that he believes in empathy and humanity.

The singer further declares that he is both a believer and an achiever, implying that he has strong values and goals that he is determined to achieve. Still, he also acknowledges that there is a sense of pretense in his character, as he tries to fit in with his avatar or the virtual self that he projects. He calls himself "real sweat and tender," indicating that he is not a mere facade but is genuinely striving to find his place in the world.

The closing verses of the song delve into politics and religion, with the singer identifying himself as a Presbyterian, a Mayan, and a Republican. These labels do not define him but are merely part of his complex identity. The chorus, "I'm the pretender, at one with my avatar, real sweat and tender," serves to remind us that we are all complex beings trying to navigate our way through life, trying to balance our true selves with the perceptions others have of us.