Magic Giant (often stylized as MAGIC GIANT) is an American indie folk band … Read Full Bio ↴Magic Giant (often stylized as MAGIC GIANT) is an American indie folk band formed in Los Angeles, California in early 2014. The group consists of Austin Bisnow (lead vocals, cello, synthesizer, percussion), Zambricki Li (viola, fiddle, banjo, harmonica, cello, mandolin, octave mandolin, dobro, lap steel, backing vocals) and Zang (acoustic guitar, cello, bass, percussion, backing vocals).

Can We Pretend
Magic Giant Lyrics

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We were sittin' in the car
Had a heart to heart
But couldn't see it eye to eye
You said you needed space
And love is not a race
So maybe we could take our time
I would never bring you down
Can we turn this thing around

I'm stuck inside a trap
Haunted by my past
And now I'm picking up the pieces
Can we pretend this is not the end
I'm just not over you
I'll say it again
This is not the end
I'm just not over you
I'm just not over you
Trust, what the fuck is trust
If it turns to dust
And everybody says they're fine
You think you're on track
When actually in fact
You only ever fall behind
I would never bring you down
Can we turn this thing around
I'm stuck inside a trap
Haunted by my past
And now I'm picking up the pieces
Can we pretend this is not the end
I'm just not over you
I'll say it again
This is not the end
I'm just not over you
I'm just not over you
Tell me
Was it all for nothin'
Closet full of memories
Hanging there forgotten
Tell me
Was it all for nothin'
Closet full of memories
Hanging there forgotten
Can we pretend this is not the end
I'm just not over you
I'll say it again
This is not the end

I'm just not over you
I'm just not over you

Overall Meaning

In "Can We Pretend" by Magic Giant, the lyrics explore the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship. The song begins with a couple sitting in a car having a heart-to-heart conversation, but they are unable to find common ground. The singer's partner expresses a need for space and emphasizes that love should not be rushed. However, the singer still holds onto hope, promising to never bring their partner down and asking if they can turn things around.

The song reflects the singer's feelings of being trapped in the past, haunted by their previous experiences. They acknowledge that they are still picking up the pieces and struggling to move on. The repeated plea to "pretend this is not the end" reveals a deep desire to salvage the relationship and admit that they are not yet over their love. The lyrics touch on the erosion of trust and the frustration of feeling left behind, despite thinking they were on the right track.

As the song progresses, the singer questions the worth of their past memories and wonders if it was all for nothing. The images of a closet full of forgotten memories evoke a sense of loss and longing. In the end, they ask once again if they can pretend that the relationship isn't over, emphasizing that they are still not over their love.

Overall, "Can We Pretend" delves into the complexities of love and failed relationships, exploring themes of longing, betrayal, and the struggle to move on.

Line by Line Meaning

We were sittin' in the car
We were in a moment of intimacy and vulnerability

Had a heart to heart
We had a deep and honest conversation

But couldn't see it eye to eye
But we couldn't agree or understand each other's perspectives

You said you needed space
You expressed a desire for personal freedom

And love is not a race
And love should not be rushed or pressured

So maybe we could take our time
So perhaps we can slow down and be patient

I would never bring you down
I would never intentionally cause you harm or sadness

Can we turn this thing around
Can we change the direction or outcome of our relationship

I'm stuck inside a trap
I feel trapped or confined by my emotions

Haunted by my past
I am tormented by my previous experiences

And now I'm picking up the pieces
And now I am trying to heal and move forward