The Great Pretender
Sam Cooke Lyrics
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Pretending I'm doing well
My need is such
I pretend too much
I'm lonely but no one can tell
Oh yes, I'm the Great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
But to my real shame
You've left me to dream all alone
Too real is this feeling of make-belief
Too real when I feel what my heart can conceal
Oh yes, I'm the Great pretender
Just laughing 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-belief
Too real when I feel what my heart can conceal
Oh yes, I'm the Great pretender
Just laughing 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
The lyrics to Sam Cooke's "The Great Pretender" reveal a sense of loneliness and heartbreak that is disguised behind the facade of pretending to be doing well. The singer admits to being the "Great Pretender" and trying to keep up a charade of happiness, even though he is really adrift in his own world of pain. The need to pretend is consuming, and the feeling of make-belief is too real. The singer is wearing his heart like a crown and pretending that his love is still around, even though he is alone.
The lyrics also reveal a sense of shame that the singer feels for playing the game of pretending to be okay. He feels disconnected from the world and his own true feelings, as he is unable to share his emotions with anyone. The use of the words "laughing and gay like a clown" is particularly poignant, as it emphasizes the idea of putting on a show for others while hiding deep pain and sorrow. Overall, the lyrics suggest that sometimes we all engage in the act of pretending to be okay, even when we are not.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yes, I'm the Great pretender
I'm someone who likes to pretend to be something I'm not
Pretending I'm doing well
I act like everything is okay even though it's not
My need is such
I have a strong desire to hide my true emotions
I pretend too much
I often overdo it with pretending
I'm lonely but no one can tell
I feel alone, but I don't show it to others
Adrift in a world of my own
I feel like I'm lost in my own thoughts and feelings
I play the game
I go through the motions of life even though I'm not really engaged
But to my real shame
I'm ashamed of how I really feel
You've left me to dream all alone
I'm left with my own thoughts and feelings because you're not around
Too real is this feeling of make-belief
The emotions I'm experiencing are very strong despite being fake
Too real when I feel what my heart can conceal
The emotions I'm feeling are so intense that they can't be hidden
Just laughing and gay like a clown
I put on a happy face even though I'm not happy
I seem to be what I'm not, you see
I'm not being myself around others
I'm wearing my heart like a crown
I'm putting my true self out there for others to see
Pretending that you're still around
I'm holding on to the past and pretending that you're still with me
Contributed by Luke A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrEverSoBad
My opinion the best voice ever. I do not believe that no one can touch sound vocally. He could sing anything and make it sound good.RIP
@SonicCocaine
beauty is obvious...soul singers like this is what keeps me happy. im 22 and all my friends are listening to shakira and madonna while i geek out to sam cooke....soul is forever and will always be appreciated!
@jimisland7664
How's life as a 33 year old?
@islandqueen7342
Your a star with soul❤️🇯🇲
@imanim4844
I'm 23 and I feel the exact same way 😊 nothing like classic Soul music 🎶
@lawdy69
I cannot listen to this without crying. I know that it is about a relationship. For me, it is about my daughter - who passed away at a very young age. This song says it better than whatever I could write...and no one ever sang it better than Sam Cooke. Thank you for this post. <3
@JM-jr4pr
Yeah this song means a lot to me also. I had a major life trauma a long long time ago and this song tears me apart
@robertchatman8449
No one does it better than sam cooke.
@djangoherbert
man, I own thousands of cds, jazz, blues, rock - but this voice is not from this world, incomparable, gorgeous, coming from heaven. thanks for reminding me of this giant!
@rickey9918
Yes Soirée, nobody and I mean nobody can deliver a ballad as soulful as my dear departed friend 'Sam Cooke’. Sam Cooke's stylistic vocal signature sets it apart as one of the most beautifulness love songs of the century! Weren't we blessed to have witness what real music, with honest redeeming values was supposed to be all about.