pretending
Lea Michele; Cory Monteith Lyrics

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Face to face and heart to heart
We're so close, yet so far apart
I close my eyes I look away
That's just because I'm not okay

But I hold on, I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong

Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending
Or will we forever only be pretending
Will we always always always be pretending

How long do I fantasize
Make believe that it's still alive
Imagine that I am good enough
And we can choose the ones we love

But I hold on, I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong

Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending
Or will we forever only be pretending
Will we always always always be

Keeping secrets safe
Every move we make
Seems like no one's letting go
And it's such a shame
Cause if you feel the same
How am I supposed to know

Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending
Or will we forever only be pretending
Will we always always always be (pretending)

Will we always always always be (pretending)
Will we always always always be pretending

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Pretending" by Lea Michele and Cory Monteith explore the concept of a relationship that might be broken, but the individuals involved still hold onto hope that it can be rescued. The song begins by emphasizing the paradox of being close yet far apart - physically close, but emotionally disconnected. The phrase "that's just because I'm not okay" suggests that the reasons for the emotional distance come from within one or both of the partners. Despite the struggle, the singer holds on and stays strong, wondering if they still belong together.

The pre-chorus stresses the desire to speak honestly about their feelings and tear down the walls between them. They hope for a happy ending, but the use of the word "pretending" in the chorus suggests that they might be living in denial, holding onto an illusion of their relationship. The second verse echoes this idea, focusing on the act of fantasizing and the feeling of not being good enough. Despite the doubts, the singer still holds on and stays strong, hoping that they can "choose the ones we love."

The bridge touches on the idea of secrets and the difficulty of communication in a relationship that's on the rocks. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the question, "will we always be pretending?" The song leaves the answer open-ended, suggesting that the couple might go either way - towards healing and honesty or towards further disillusionment and denial.

Line by Line Meaning

Face to face and heart to heart
Although we are in close proximity to each other, we are emotionally disconnected.

We're so close, yet so far apart
Our physical closeness is not reflected in our emotional connection.

I close my eyes I look away
I try to avoid confrontations or difficult conversations.

That's just because I'm not okay
I am struggling with my emotions and unable to express how I really feel.

But I hold on, I stay strong
I try to remain resilient and positive despite my struggles and doubts.

Wondering if we still belong
I am questioning whether our relationship is still valid or meaningful.

Will we ever say the words we're feeling
I am hoping that we can communicate honestly and openly about our emotions and concerns.

Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
I want us to remove any emotional barriers that prevent us from connecting on a deeper level.

Will we ever have a happy ending
I am uncertain whether our relationship will end happily.

Or will we forever only be pretending
I fear that we are not being genuine with each other and only pretending to be happy or in love.

How long do I fantasize
I have been imagining a better, happier relationship for a long time.

Make believe that it's still alive
I pretend that our relationship is still strong and meaningful despite evidence to the contrary.

Imagine that I am good enough
I have doubts about my worthiness of love and affection.

And we can choose the ones we love
I wish we could control who we fall in love with.

Keeping secrets safe
We are hiding our true feelings and thoughts from each other.

Every move we make
Our actions and behaviors indicate that we are not happy or fulfilled in our relationship.

Seems like no one's letting go
Neither of us is willing to let go of the relationship, even if it is not healthy or happy.

And it's such a shame
It is unfortunate that we are unable to communicate and connect in a meaningful way.

Cause if you feel the same
I wonder if you are experiencing the same doubts and fears that I am.

How am I supposed to know
I am unsure how to interpret your behavior and emotions and am unable to communicate my own effectively.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, FOX MUSIC, INC.
Written by: SHELLY PEIKEN, ADAM ANDERS, PEER ASTROM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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