Since 1996, an evolving lineup of the band, always fronted by singer/songwriter John Easdale, has been performing in one incarnation or another (initially billed as Easdale solo but usually with assistance from former band mates), and from then until 2003 played occasional shows in the L.A. area, as well as in New Jersey. However, amid renewed interest since the Bands Reunited episode in January 2004 and a large-scale appearance at KROQ-FM's annual Inland Invasion festival concert (attended by more than 78,000 fans) in September 2003, Dramarama has been touring nationally in 2004 and 2005, and released their first new, full-length studio CD, titled "everybody dies," on October 25, 2005.
In 1982, Dramarama formed in and around Wayne, New Jersey, where founding member Chris Carter owned a record store called Looney Tunez Records. The initial line-up consisted of singer/songwriter John Easdale, "Mr. E Boy" (Mark Englert) and Carter, later joined by Peter Wood on guitars, Jesse Farbman on drums. Jesse would leave the group after the third album, and was eventually replaced with drummer Clem Burke, whose prior band was Blondie. Other early bandmates included keyboardists Theothorous Athanasious "Teddy" Ellenis and "Secret Weapon" Tommy Mullaney, who doubled as the band's tour manager.
The current lineup consists of frontman John Easdale and several players from Dramarama's former incarnation, including lead guitarist Mark Englert and rhythm guitar player Peter Wood (the only band member who moved back to New Jersey and still maintains a residence there). Rounding out the band are Los Angeles-based musicians Tony Snow on drums, and Craig Ballam (guitar) and Mike Davis (bass), the two of whom also maintain a side project called Shobud. In addition, Mike Davis is the official bass player for Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford's eponymous solo band, and appears on Halford's upcoming CD, Halford IV.
A number of prominent musicians has joined the band for studio sessions on specific tracks over the years, perhaps most notably pianist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers and guitarist Mick Taylor, late of the Rolling Stones, on Vinyl. In addition, fellow power pop artist Dwight Twilley lent vocals to several songs on hi-fi sci-fi, on which The New York Dolls' Sylvain Sylvain also made a vocal appearance.
In addition, other artists often join Dramarama onstage or in the studio, including bassist Steve "Muddy Shews" Shewchuk from seminal Jersey shore band Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes; keyboardist Morley Bartnoff from Cosmo Topper (formerly of the 1980s band Burning Sensations), and harmonica player "Trashcan" Ray Barwick, as well as former No Soap Radio members Danny Roselle on keys and guitar, and drummer Chris O'Hara.
Pretend
Dramarama Lyrics
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I never heard a girl who talked like you do
I never had a girl who looked like you
You know I wanna write a book about you
And I′ll always pretend that I know what to say
When I don't wanna go
And you don′t wanna stay
When you tell me goodbye love
Its doesn't matter to me anyway
I just pretend that I don′t care what you say
I′d like to your naked photograph
Ha ha ha
You think its sick but just wanted a laugh
And I'll always pretend that I know what to say
When I don′t wanna go
And you don't wanna stay
I′ll always pretend that your telling me a lie
When you tell me goodbye love
And I'll always pretend that I know what to say
When I don′t wanna go
And you don't wanna stay
I'll always pretend that your telling me a lie
When you tell me goodbye love
Love
Love
Love
In the song Pretend by Dramarama, the singer is expressing his admiration for a girl whom he has never met. He has noticed her distinct walk, voice, and appearance, and feels compelled to write a book about her. However, while he may seem infatuated, he also acknowledges that he is pretending to know what to do or say when it comes to her. He doesn't want to show his vulnerability by admitting that he doesn't know how to approach her or handle their interactions. He plays it off as if he's in control of the situation by pretending not to care when she speaks, or even asking for a photo of her to make himself feel better even though he knows it's inappropriate.
The lyrics could be interpreted as a commentary on the many ways in which we pretend or put up a facade when faced with situations or people that make us feel uncomfortable or insecure. The singer is trying to project a sense of confidence and control, but it's clear that he's struggling with his own feelings and uncertainties. His desire to "write a book" about the girl may also suggest a wish to escape reality or create a fantasy world where he can imagine a relationship with her. Ultimately, the song captures the struggle between wanting to appear cool and collected, while also desperately wanting connection and validation from someone else.
Line by Line Meaning
I never saw a girl who walked like you
The singer has never seen someone walk in the same unique way as the girl they're addressing
I never heard a girl who talked like you do
The way the girl speaks is distinct and unlike anyone else the singer has encountered
I never had a girl who looked like you
The girl's appearance is one-of-a-kind and the singer has not been with anyone who looks the same
You know I wanna write a book about you
The artist is so Taken with the girl that he wants to document every aspect of her life in a book
And I'll always pretend that I know what to say
When I don't wanna go
And you don't wanna stay
The artist acts like they know how to handle the situation when neither want to leave, but they actually have no idea what to do
I'll always pretend that your telling me a lie
When you tell me goodbye love
When the girl says goodbye, the singer tells themself it's a lie because they don't want to accept the fact that the relationship has ended
Its doesn't matter to me anyway
I just pretend that I don't care what you say
The singer tries to act indifferent to the girl's words or actions, but in reality, they do care
I'd like to your naked photograph
Ha ha ha
You think its sick but just wanted a laugh
The artist asks for a naked photo of the girl, but it's just a joke and they're aware that it's inappropriate
Love
Love
Love
The repetition of 'Love' at the end is simply intended as emphasis and emotion.
Writer(s): John Mills Easdale
Contributed by Madelyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.