The Great Pretender
Roy Orbison Lyrics


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Oh-oh, yes I'm the great pretender
Pretending that I'm doing well
My need is such I pretend too much
I'm lonely but no one can tell

Oh-oh, yes I'm the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I've played the game but to my real shame
You've left me to grieve all alone

Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can't conceal

Yes I'm the great pretender
Just laughin' and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I'm not, you see
I'm wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you're still around

Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can't conceal

Yes I'm the great pretender
Just laughin' and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I'm not, you see




I'm wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you're still around

Overall Meaning

In Roy Orbison's song "The Great Pretender," the singer is confessing that he is not doing well, although he pretends otherwise. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the song, as he admits he's pretending because his need is so great, and he's so lonely that he doesn't want anyone to know.


The second stanza reveals more about the singer's situation. He's drifting, lost in a world of his own creation, and he's played a game that has led him to feel shame. In a heartbreaking line, he admits that the person he loves has left him to grieve all alone.


The chorus repeats the theme of pretending, with the singer saying he's the "great pretender" who wears his heart like a crown but is really just a "clown" who's "laughin' and gay" (meaning lighthearted) on the outside, but inside is feeling the pain of loss and heartbreak.


The song captures the universal experience of pretending to be okay even when you're not, putting on a brave face and hiding your true emotions from the world. It's a powerful emotional message, delivered with Roy Orbison's signature intense vocals.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh-oh, yes I'm the great pretender
I am pretending to be someone I am not


Pretending that I'm doing well
I am pretending to be happy and successful


My need is such I pretend too much
I pretend so much that it has become a need for me


I'm lonely but no one can tell
Despite feeling lonely, I appear fine to others


Adrift in a world of my own
I feel lost and disconnected from reality


I've played the game but to my real shame
I have tried to fit in but failed and feel ashamed about it


You've left me to grieve all alone
You have left me to deal with my sadness and pain on my own


Too real is this feeling of make-believe
My make-believe life feels too real to me


Too real when I feel what my heart can't conceal
My emotions feel too real to hide


Just laughin' and gay like a clown
I pretend to be happy and carefree like a clown


I seem to be what I'm not, you see
I appear to be something that I am not


I'm wearing my heart like a crown
I am vulnerable and wearing my heart on my sleeve like a crown


Pretending that you're still around
I am pretending that you are still with me even though you are gone




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Buck Ram

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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