One of Britain's most promising soul singer/songwriters, Nate James is also perhaps the most independently spirited. Born on a U.S. Air Force base in Lakenheath in 1979, James grew up listening to his parents' soul music collection, particularly Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, and from an early age began performing cover versions in local clubs in Woodbridge, Suffolk. After abandoning an art foundation course at college to work with London producer Jazz Black, James won a place in five-piece R&B act Notorious, who were filmed for a behind-the-scenes TV show for T4. But due to a label merger, the group was dropped from Warner Records before releasing any material, and James decided to go solo. Signing a songwriting deal with Universal Publishing in 2004, James shrewdly refused to sign away the copyright in his recordings and set up his own Frofunk imprint via various deals with independent labels. His debut album, Set the Tone, featuring collaborations with En Vogue's Dawn Robinson, David Sneddon, and Eg White, was released a year later. Featuring the singles "Universal," "The Message," and the title track, it earned him nominations for Best Newcomer and Best R&B Artist at the 2005 MOBO Awards. After supporting acts including Beverley Knight, Musiq (Soulchild), and Natasha Bedingfield, James embarked on his own tour, playing to sellout crowds in Milan, Tokyo, and Amsterdam. He released his second album, Kingdom Falls, produced in L.A. by the Grammy- winning Neal H. Pogue, in 2007. Influenced by the experience of a charity mission to Rwanda a year earlier, it was funded entirely by the profits from his debut. James has also appeared on records by Poker Pets, Sway, and Natalie Williams, and works as an ambassador for several charities including Shelter, Global Angels, and Youth Music. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi
Pretend
Nate James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Dont pretend ,, and dont u hide from me)
You, object of my desire, you got that something, i, seem to pray for.
Soon, I dont mean to be sly, but could I get inside, and feel a little closer.
I know your holding back because your eyes never lie.
(No they dont no, these emotions that ur tryin t fight)
But if u just give in girl, I'll make u smile, (u know I will), the confusion ur feeling will..
Thers no need to pretend, lets get this happenin, just let down all ur barriers ur hiding behind, girl dont deny me.
(La)
( why are u pretendin, I dont know)
Truth, be told I like that u, dont feel like dancin to, so we can take a seat and talk, a little conversate speak on a future date, girl I think that u should give me a go.
I know ur holding back , coz ur eyes never lie, these emotions tht ur tryin t fight,(why u wanna fight)
Why dont u just admit that I make u smile, (u know I do) how did it take u so long just to..
Y do u pretend, I know u feel something, I dont know y ur holding all ur urges inside,
Thers no need to pretend, lets get this happenin, just let down all ur barriers ur hiding behind, girl dont deny me,
(La)
Got my eyes on u
(Why wud u hide)
An I think ur feelin me too
(Why do u feel..)
Y do u pretend, I kno u feel somethin, I dont kno y ur holding all ur urges inside,
Thers no need to pretend, lets get this happenin, just let down all ur barriers ur hidin behind. girl dont deny..
Y do u pretend, I kno u feel somethin, I dont kno y ur holdin all ur urges inside,
Thers no need to pretend, lets get this happenin, just let down all ur barriers ur hiding behind. girl dont deny me.
(La)
Yeh
(La)
In Nate James's song "Pretend", the singer expresses his desire for someone he is interested in, urging them to stop pretending and hiding their feelings. He believes that the person is holding back due to their eyes betraying their true emotions. He acknowledges the confusion they may be feeling but assures them that he can make them smile and that there is no need to pretend. He suggests having a conversation and a future date in order to get to know each other better.
The lyrics of the song convey a sense of honesty and vulnerability. The singer is willing to put himself out there and express his feelings, even if it means potentially being rejected. He is also perceptive, noticing the other person's emotions and encouraging them to let their guard down. The line "why should u pretend, I know u feel something" highlights the singer's confidence in his intuition and his ability to read others.
Overall, "Pretend" is a song that explores the complexities of romantic relationships and the importance of being honest and genuine. It encourages listeners to stop hiding their true feelings and embrace vulnerability as a way to achieve deeper connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
You, object of my desire, you got that something, i, seem to pray for.
I am attracted to you and find something special about you that I have been searching for.
Soon, I dont mean to be sly, but could I get inside, and feel a little closer.
I don't want to be deceitful, but can we become more physically intimate?
I know your holding back because your eyes never lie.
I can tell you are holding back emotionally because your eyes reveal the truth.
(No they dont no, these emotions that ur tryin t fight)
Your eyes confirm that you are struggling to suppress your emotions.
But if u just give in girl, I'll make u smile, (u know I will), the confusion ur feeling will..
If you allow yourself to be vulnerable with me, I will make you happy and ease any confusion you may have.
Why should u pretend, I know u feel something, I dont know why ur holding all ur urges inside.
There's no need to pretend that you don't have feelings for me because I can sense that you do. I don't know why you're holding back.
Thers no need to pretend, lets get this happenin, just let down all ur barriers ur hiding behind, girl dont deny me.
We don't need to play games - let's pursue a relationship and be honest with each other. Don't reject me.
Truth, be told I like that u, dont feel like dancin to, so we can take a seat and talk, a little conversate speak on a future date, girl I think that u should give me a go.
I appreciate that you're not the type to dance - let's chat and get to know each other. I believe you should give me a chance at a future date.
Why dont u just admit that I make u smile, (u know I do) how did it take u so long just to..
Why don't you confess that I bring joy to your life? You must have realized it at some point.
Got my eyes on u
I am interested in you and keeping an eye on you.
(Why wud u hide)
I don't understand why you would try to conceal your emotions.
An I think ur feelin me too
I believe that you also have feelings for me.
(Why do u feel..)
I am curious about your emotions and want to understand them better.
Theres no need to pretend, lets get this happenin, just let down all ur barriers ur hidin behind. girl dont deny..
We should stop pretending and start a relationship where we can be open and honest with each other. Don't reject me.
Y do u pretend, I kno u feel somethin, I dont kno y ur holdin all ur urges inside,
I don't understand why you are pretending not to have feelings for me when I can sense that you do. I don't know why you're holding back.
Yeh
Exclamation of agreement or excitement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLIN EMMANUEL, NATE JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trina Joelle Gamboa
I love this smooth seductive soulful sound.
Ollie Smith
great vid, great song, great artist, great guy. what more can i say?!
andre carvalho
classic tune. pretend. never gets old. I love this song
FGS_Brit!!
this song is amazing,i met nate at too2much before he released this 2nd mix,can't wait for his next album in 2007
Missy Alexis-Guzman
Love this man,love this song🥰🥰🥰💯
Shannelrosa
Should've got through on the voice love this song!
Paul wells
Yeah, that was hot. Much success to this brotha.
karon williams
i will always love it
aries babie
this was my jam!!! the original by Emmanuel -( "Pretend" featuring Nate James)had a better non-commercial sound. i was still excited to see it make it.
Rehea Shilly
Still a tune today