Secondhand Serenade is a one man band from Menlo Park, California. John Ves… Read Full Bio ↴Secondhand Serenade is a one man band from Menlo Park, California. John Vesely, 40, sings and plays guitar and piano. His music is characterized by multitrack recording so he can create the sound of a band by himself. He uses multitrack recording to create vocal harmonies, and a lead acoustic guitar over strummed chords.

After the breakup of Sounds Like Life, featuring himself and Ronnie Day, Vesely started writing and performing his songs solo under the name Secondhand Serenade. (Secondhand, because his wife, Candice, hears all his songs firsthand.) He rented a studio for 8 days and recorded his 10-track debut album "Awake." Through self-promotion through MySpace and PureVolume, he began to build a loyal fanbase and sold his album and merchandise via his MySpace profile. He quickly rose to the MySpace "Top Unsigned Artists" list, and even entered the iTunes Top 100, a feat for an unsigned act.

He has since signed a deal with new label Glassnote Records, founded by CEO Daniel Glass. In total, Secondhand Serenade has sold about 73,000 digital tracks and more than 10,000 copies of his album "Awake," according to Nielsen SoundScan. After the album was released on Glassnote/ILG on Feb. 6, 2007, with two additional songs, it debuted on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart at # 16.

Vesely was featured on MTV's "You Hear It First," along with spots on AOL Music's "Breakers" and on Yahoo! Music's "Who's Next?".

Another album, "A Twist In My Story," has since been released and a band effect was added digitally. He is on tour, now with a band.

Pretend
Secondhand Serenade Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It seems all of these words couldn't be further from the truth
How did I get here? What did I do?

Your eyes, telling me lies
And making me find myself
While you have your agenda, a life to pursue

So please,

Let me be free from you.
And please, let me be free
I can face the truth

I'm blind to all of your colors
That used to be rainbow then
My eyes, where did they go to?
Why disappear?

It's hard to be all alone
I never got through your disguise
I guess I'll just go, and face all my fear

So please,
Let me be free from you.
And please, let me be free
I can face the truth

Put down your world
Just for one night
Pick me again

So please,
Let me be free from you.

And please, let me be free
I can face the truth

Overall Meaning

The song "Pretend" by Secondhand Serenade is about the confusion and the pain that comes with realizing that someone you love is not who they pretend to be. The singer is struggling to understand how he ended up in this situation, one where his partner's lies and hidden agenda have led to a breakdown in their relationship. The lyrics are emotional, with the singer questioning where he went wrong and why he can no longer see the good in his partner.

The chorus of the song is a plea for freedom from the relationship. The singer wants to be rid of the burden of his partner's lies and illusions and face the truth, even if that means being alone. The line "Put down your world just for one night, pick me again" shows that he is willing to forgive and try again but only if his partner is willing to be honest this time.

The final lines of the song show the singer's determination to face his fears and walk away from the toxic relationship. He knows that it won't be easy, but he is ready to take that step and find happiness elsewhere.

Overall, "Pretend" is a powerful and relatable song that speaks to the pain and struggle of ending a relationship that was built on dishonesty and illusions.

Line by Line Meaning

It seems all of these words couldn't be further from the truth
The things you're saying don't match up with reality

How did I get here? What did I do?
I'm confused and don't understand how we ended up like this

Your eyes, telling me lies
You're lying to me with your eyes

And making me find myself
Your behavior is making me question who I am

While you have your agenda, a life to pursue
You have your own priorities and goals that don't align with mine

So please, Let me be free from you.
I need to break free from this toxic relationship

And please, let me be free
I need to be independent and make my own choices

I can face the truth
I'm strong enough to handle the reality of the situation

I'm blind to all of your colors
I used to see the good in you, but now I can't

That used to be rainbow then
The vivid and varied parts of your personality now appear dull and unchanging

My eyes, where did they go to?
I've lost my ability to see things clearly

Why disappear?
I don't understand why I've lost this clarity

It's hard to be all alone
I'm struggling with the idea of being single and starting over

I never got through your disguise
I could never see the real you behind your facade

I guess I'll just go, and face all my fear
I have to confront my fears and move on

Put down your world, Just for one night
I wish you would prioritize me and our relationship for once

Pick me again
I want to feel wanted and loved by you again

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHN VESELY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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07A Twist in My Story4:08

08Why4:13

09Stay Close, Don't Go3:34

10Pretend3:30

PT3M30S

Secondhand Serenade

11Goodbye5:26

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Aanand

5y↑9

"Pretend"

It seems all of these words couldn't be further from the truth
How did I get here? What did I do?

Your eyes telling me lies
And making me find myself
While you have your agenda, a life to pursue

So please
Let me be free from you
And please, let me be free
I can face the truth

I'm blind to all of your colors
That used to be rainbows in my eyes
Where did they go to?
Why disappear?

It's hard to be all alone
I never got through your disguise
I guess I'll just go, and face all my fear

So please
Let me be free from you
And please, let me be free
I can face the truth

Put down your world
Just for one night
Pick me again

So please
Let me be free from you
And please, let me be free
I can face the truth

Blow down your world just for one night
And pick me again

So please
Let me be free from you
And please, let me be free
I can face the truth

All comments from YouTube:

KimChi Calamari

2y↑3

It’s been over 10 years plus , this is still my favorite song EVER EVER 2021

Aanand

5y↑9

Heathcakes

10y↑83

i wish they had a lonely hearts convention for all of the rejected and brokenhearted. we can watch sappy movies and have live music like this. and we can make each other feel less alone.

cindy.garcia96

9y↑3

We shall commence it

Tasya Nabila

But that wouldn't be emo 😅

Jesusovercomes

So true

mandms42

13y↑1

I always come back to this band after something bad happened... they give me life.

firedragon412

12y

I hate when people steal our diaries but LOVE how they are able to put it into a song. So Secondhand Serenade Thank You for everything, your songs make me feel better every time I hear one of your songs.

Vanessa N.

12y

These type of music helps me.... it has a lot of feelings & it's emotional. it's like i'm not the only one that feels the way i feel even when i read the comments. THANK you secondhand serenade for helping me through my problems <3 i'm always gonna love his songs!

ClearestCoder

13y↑1

This song is exactly how I feel. Please tell me how a person, a human being, could so cruel as to lead someone to believe they love them, and make the other fall so hard for them then just find another and be with that person instead? How could someone you opened yourself up to completely and unquestionably, suddenly become devoid of emotion and tear you to pieces without even a second thought and just leave you broken, confused and clinging to what was? Please, just let me be free from you </3

80Insomniac80

15y

I don't even like Secondhand Serenade, but this song is unbelievable. I love it!!

The clown

7y↑14

you will never be forgotten secondhand serenade

Michelle Adams

16y

Song actually sent shivers down my spine it reminded of me of something sad...

NuggetBoy

13y

Reading all the comments people leave here shows how strong and meaningful this song is. Powerful song.

angela artuso

15y

secondhand serenade is the best! i listen to it everyday. cant wait to go to their concert. its going to be amazing!

turtlelover555

15y↑2

This has been my favorite song from them for so longg, it just really gives this connection from the musician to the listener..♥ "Please let me be free.. from you.." I can totally relate to that.

Genesis Ramirez

13y

In these songs we can tell our stories, and bond together for a moment.<3 We come together as one.

angela artuso

15y

this is one of my fav by secondhand serenade...but i love every one of their songs...johns voice is so amazing!

Cianna

13y

<3 Aw...such an amazing song. I used to only like one song by secondhand serenade...but now, I love them all. Especially this song! <3

Jilianne

14y

I ended up my day listening to this. Well, just sharing. I miss listening to Secondhand Serenade's songs. When every time I go on top of the roof and have it all to myself with my headphones on and like ignore the world. This song is worth a listen <3

OCMgrl1995

15y

This is a great song~I love Secondhand Serenade!!:)

Ricardo Abapo Jr.

14y

i love this song! my friend compose a song and it was so very awesome that it made my heart cry, then after, he said "u know this song of mine is so familiar"....then tomorrow came, he said, "yeah i know, it's a song from seconhand serenade", and i asked what's the title of the song, here it is, i am listening to it now, so beautiful, makes my heart bleed....and to my friend's compostions which sound similar to this, is very very heartpinching too, i have just heard it..

JessicaPrince

12y

sitting here listening to secondhand serenade's playlist, it's like they're translating my heart into words :'( <3

Karen Vargas

15y

jeezus this man here is incredibly talent id die to be in one of his concerts his voice is just so magical everytime i hear this song it makes me get this feeling.all warm and fuzzy.haha♥

Planexpert90

13y

This is my girlfriends favourite song by secondhand serenade, and now, every time I hear it I remember the first time I went to her house, sitting in her room listening to this and holding eachother close. <3 I love her.

donny202

15y

this song is so beautiful.....explains my whole situation love it

Victoria Chuzhina

12y

i love how someone always has a problem and wants to talk about it, or they just need to vent, and everyone always comments back and makes them feel better, so sweet. Just a reminder that the world is not all bad, luv this song. cheers :)

Vanessa Malo

15y

wow this song is amazing. secondhand serenade forever<3

Felippe Mendes Macedo

10y↑30

The most beautiful and sad song in the entire world

Mordo

15y

Amazing... I'm not even into this genre, I'm into death metal and Hardstyle, but omg, I love this song! We all have a soft side apparently. Awesome. :D

reducereuserecycledude

13y

He has the most AMAZING voice

Emily .B

12y

This song really makes me think about my life. Lately I have had this weird feeling that I have been missing someone very much....my ex.....and sadly I know he's over me. No boy at my school likes me and It hurts but I just think about him and all the pain goes away. And I always catch myself glimpsing at him and now all i want to do is cry because I don't want to ever hurt him and break his heart.

Icelover625

13y

Wow you never realize how many broken hearts there are until you Hear a song like this

ashleystites

13y

My boyfriend and I have been together for a long time now. I listen to this song all the time because it describes our fights. I've been asking him to let me be free for so long because I know he doesn't want me anymore. But I've never wanted someone so much in my life. He won't break up with me because I think he thinks I won't be able to handle it or something but I CAN FACE the truth. I don't want to give up but it's hard not to when we are fighting about the same thing everyday.

Caroline Smith

12y

Music really has an amazing way of mending a broken heart.

Lindsey M

15y

i love this guys songs! they make me so..sad. but i love them because he sings sooo well. =] good job dude =]

ilovedougie122

16y

i am in LOVE with this song!!! i love this guy!! he is soo amazing and his music is soo different. i love his voice tooo!!!!

Jonas Nielsen

16y

This was added on my birthday, and I love the song . I'm in love with the chorus..

Emily Kveldulv

im in love with *you*, you bish

Izzy Hamblin

13y

All of the Secondhand Serenade songs explain my life and how I feel for you <3

Mackenzie Umscheid

16y

this song is AMAZING!!

EYCHnogivingup

12y

love this song so much.. one of my favorite.. in times when i think of all the sad moments that had happened to us, i just listen to this song and tears start to fall..

Kelsey Barker

12y

Secondhand Serenade you are my hero. You gave me back the confidence to get my one true love back into my life with your words. I love you(:

Video What

9y↑12

I love her so much. it's been 6 years, and I'm still so in love with her. I just screwed it all up. was going through some things at the time, and I ruined it. I'd do anything for her.

SLEAZUS CHRIST

Video What I feel this... same...

Emily Kveldulv

whoops, i guess

Jenny Marie

this song still has me super emo. it's been years since i've heard it.. wow how times (and my music preferences) havd changed lmao

Sin blesseR

14y

I REALLY LOVE THIS SONG :)

DivineEmbrace

15y

yes, his voice is really impressive. Impossible how high he's able to sing... O.o

Rachel Tokuhira

13y

can't help but listen to this song over and over again. leslie, we had it all and you left so just let me be ok, please?

alexy8galaxy

14y

This song makes me cry every time i hear it because i used to sing it to my little brother. He liked it and it comforted him. And now i'll never see him again.

38InchesAway

13y

I remember when this song used to make me sad and made me think of him. But I finally got over him. And I promise everyone you will get over 'them'. It may not seem like it now, but believe me you will. It took me forever but It feels so good now that I am. x] Good luck to all<3

Chef Jp

2018 and still the most favorite sad song ever

gEraRdS PanCakE

8y↑13

If you like this song.. I recommend madness by sleeping with sirens. I listen to them whenever I need a reminder that life is worth living, I think it can help you too.

Nathaniel Gutierrez

13y

ive been addicted to this band since the day i lost the best girl in my life and i feel broken

Emily Kveldulv

how you doin now, chief, you good?

LenoBueno7

15y

Its the worst I have ever felt because deep down I know we both want the same thing, but I gave up on myself. Its like this song is exactly what she thinks of me. Damn, I hope I could fix it, I finally found somebody who appreciates real love and relationships as much as I did, but I am so used to the hook up attitude and game that when the relationship that I want, one that would last forever comes along, I forgot how to be myself. Damn, I love her.

Caulin Hughes

13y↑1

dear secondhand serenade the more you keep making this beautiful music to describe the feelings i can no longer feel on my own the longer i am alive inside. thank you

J C

13y

Song makes me cry. I remember everything we had. Then she came along & ruined everything. I will always be here for him. I lost friends for him,they didn't like me dating a guy 3+ years older then me. I miss him so much. And even tho it's been 3 months since he dumped me, the pain is as fresh as it was yesterday. Valentine's day was spent crying over him. </3

romacashe

14y

i love this song <3 it makes me cry :'( but every word is true and SS is so deep, I love that in music

Hinny

12y

If you really love her just be there as a friend tell her how you feel and if she doesn't feel the same way make her as happy as you can by just being there

nklovesmusic

12y

i actually thought i wrote this for a second. I know what your going through...Im going through the same thing. But dont worry I know we can do this! We just have to stay strong <3

LenoBueno7

15y

This song is making me Cry, I love this girl, Only girl I have ever truely loved. She loved me too but hid it very much, and stuck around through some real bullshit that I put her through. I didn't even treat her like I loved her because I have been raised to play all sorts of stupid games and act a certain way because thats what gets me lots of girls. I really broke her heart, trust, and faith in me.

Helen Fredstam

13y

this song is so... lovely

RobinsonProductionz

12y

This is the only band that make me enjoy life..

crystal flisch

16y↑1

I love Jon hes amazing Love his music i always will <3

daniel valenzuela

13y

i love this song because .. my girlfriend already let me free.. i love her soo much.. i cant fix my broken heart.. i need her

Freddie Fernandez

I love this song so much :) ... even though this is the song i sang everyday everynight for my ex girlfriend :) she's my 1st love .. and i gave all of my care , love , just to let her stay .. i know she's cheating cause she's keeping a secret for me , and i saw it everyday :) and multiple times i saw her with other guy.. but i still love her .. her hug is the my most chill for me , we live in the same room :) and spend months together in the same house .. i work for her , give all what she wants, and im busy for work and tired, but im always giving time for her and adjust , and i cant even have a rest ... everynight she sleep .. i look at her ,and said , why are you like that ? i know you're cheating , but i still love you , ill just go with the flow . i know we're not meant to each other , and i know you're gonna leave me ,, and i cried , and thanks for this song. cause i can make her smile when im singing , cause she like me to sing just everyone people laugh at me , cause i dont have a good voice :) its been 3 years, and i dont have a new gf right now .... and i dont know why :) i love you leslie :) i hope you're on the right guy . more than me ... all of my thoughts are scripted .. i know we're not meant to each other :) i just leave a message here cause i cant message you :)

Weird Dog

13y

the people who would dislike this have never had their heart broken.

porters94

15y

beautiful song.

santos verdinez

11y

the only person still holding you back after your heart has been torn out is yourself. so I declare this song to my own imprisoning mind to let me be free from the thought of her

james balalis

14y

nice song nice lyrics

ImperialProductions2

12y↑1

I see so many people venting, like they're alone in the world. Remember this: No matter what, there is always someone going through the same thing as you. You are never truly alone, you just have to look deeper. Keep your head up, we've all been through the same kind of stuff. We've all pretended to smile when all we truly wanted to do was break down. Keep smiling and someday soon, that smile will become real. Just gotta keep your head up and eyes open. Have a good day. :D

Martyne Corneau

quelle belle chanson !! et quelle belle voix !! :) bravo

Idnes Lugita

i dont know why, this song can make me so sad tonight. listening on repeat

Jack The Yordle

10y↑16

I hate how often I befriend a girl and then I fall for her. I fell for this girl and its gone so far that it hurts to see her every day. A few times I actually had breakdowns in front of her, no reaction came from anyone. No one even notices me crying. It makes me sad to think how insensitive people have become. I always fall, and like an idiot, I always get back up.

aiman aiman

10y↑2

its ok,
at least we can always get back up right?
no matter what, i say at least u have the guts to get back up and try again for the hope of happiness with them.

daelen scott

10y↑1

aiman aiman I don't want to get back up. I want to stay down. I want all this pain to end now. It's getting so difficult day to day, thinking of everyone I lost and how useless I am. I want to end it all, but I don't got the guts to go through with it.

Jack The Yordle

10y

aiman aiman I am daelen scott.

Sam Hogan

10y

always get back up, no matter how battered and bruised and exhausted you are. Always keep hope as high as you can and one day everything you faught through will have been worth it and for the happiness you will feel the punishment and sadness you felt will be all clear that you had to endure that ti be this overwhelmed with happiness.

aiman aiman

10y↑3

Sammy Hogan exactly. the happiness that comes from her saying yes is something we can only fathom and it still brings immeasurable happiness. endure for the real thing.

Jackie Sagun

13y

reminds me of what have i done wrong because of too much love to someone,. :( and everytime it comes up to my mind.. it kills me inside..

Makayla Bieber

12y↑2

This used to be my and his song. Rest in peace. I miss you and love you Noel ♥ );

My Dead Whisper

14y

favorite song by him.

jessa morgan

12y

i look at all these comments and think wow i thought i was alone nice to know that im not alone in this would and for people who havent herd this in a long time I LOVE YOU STAY STRONG!!!!!!:)<3 i know it will be hard but just try!!!!!

Emma Cstl.

11y

Paroles juste magnifiques .

Charlotte Elizabeth Edith

13y

How is it fair for you to have stood there, your eyes boring into mine, a smile playing on your lips, with no intention to go any further? How is it fair that I spent weeks prooving that I was the girl you wanted, while you were busy forgetting me? How is it fair that you made conversation, made me laugh, and caught me when I fell, when in fact, you weren't really there? How is it fair, that now, I am left with a thousand questions, none of them to be answered. You, Elliott D. broke me.

Sharon Faye

12y

this song is so true, i was with a guy for 3 years in high school and he dumped me for no reason said its better not to date in college. we both go to the same college and now he only wants to talk to me when he wants something. if he looks upset and i ask him whats wrong he tells me its none of my fucking business of course i still love him but im trying to fully let go(i dont want to but i need to) but he doesnt seem to want to let go either.

scooby25611

12y

You guys are making me cry... ='( I know how you feel, to love and lose, but it gets better. It does. <3

Jack Leach

15y

Simply. Amazing.

Emily Kveldulv

no u

LenoBueno7

15y

Don't be players dudes, otherwise when you find that person who apreciates who you are, you might lose it and never find it again. My heart is falling apart because of what I caused, I had a girl that loved the real me but I couldn't get my head straight. Its made me a better person, I am done playing girls and hooking up but I think its come a huge price. I pray everynight for her to a god I'm not sure exists. hope this helps somebody, the pain of losing the one person you love is hell.

YFK Tony

I love a girl with BPD and sometimes.. i have to pretend to be happy when she has an episode and tears the foundation of my sanity and manhood down with threats and mean things.. me leaving closing the door being the only that said i love you not knowing when shes gonna come back to herself and having to sit and be patient for her to be herself again then immediately after the episode i get appreciated for putting up with her and how nobody could ever love her consistently because of her mood swings, and seeing her cry makes me wish i could just save here from herself and the lyrics “im blind to all of your colors that used to be rainbows in my eyes where did they go to why disappear, its hard to be all alone i never got thru your disguise i guess ill just go... and face all my fears...” and we both revolve around pain... and the thought that we suffer from a major chemical imbalance together and ruin each others days just to make one anothers day in the end is so ugly that its beautiful..

Zoe McCormack

12y

I'm in love with my best friend but he's with another girl she also happens to be another close friend, he knows everything about me and we perfect for each other, but i cant tell him. i just have to pretend. everyday i see them together and i just feel like crying because i can never have him. Hes helped me through so much, just not this.

KaitlynBreanna

13y

I wish I had heard this song last year. I will never understand how he could be so fucking cruel as to lead me on, act as if I was the perfect one and turn his back on everything I thought we had & go out with one of my closest friends. It hurts worse when they were ur friend & they rub it in your face. But you get through it and fall for some1 else.You realize he/she wasnt worth it, that they must be really fucked up in the head to do that to someone Im glad I kno now the kind of person he is.

turtlelover555

16y

Oh god... This song rocks,,, <3♥<3

Byron Eric

16y

love the chords he uses for dz songs n love d song 2... i mean very much. dz songs is jz so smooth and gentle.

Zack Richards

13y

@Seranatis For some, music IS their way of facing the problem. People have different ways of coping and dealing with their problems. I know, for myself, it is writing/singing music and listening to others' music. Also, even if the problem is dealt with, songs can still bring up memories and residual emotions. Music is all about emotion and the way the audience is captivated and can relate to the lyrics. When it comes down to it, emotion is the foundation of good lyrics and music.

Sonny Moore

12y

I used to be a Catholic Seminarian (someone who is training to be a catholic priest). I met this girl at the parish i was living in. She is sweet adorable, beautiful, the perfect woman. she had a really messed up bf, he used to abuse her, very bad verbal abuse. We met, and eventually became friends, very close friends.then they broke up, she and I got even closer, we used to tlk all day on the phone I eventually fell for her and left the priesthood for her,she nw doesn't tlk to me anymore :'(

hunter

i'm here waiting for the days to pass and just trying to get through these few years and be with the one i love i'll finally be free until then

MikoSacrifice

11y↑1

You didn't lose him. He is still there with you although it's not the way that you would like to see. He is still there but you have to be strong to understand that things happen for a reason. I felt the same. But over time I get to understand and may be he would see you that way but if you keep hiding in those feelings to him he won't understand even if it hurts to be rejected. But we have to be strong.

X3moCrushX

15y

John Vesley is the most talented person EVER <3

Joshuwaahh

13y

Lost the love of my life today, Worst pain in the world and i wish every second that she'd take me back. Even guys can be broken in relationships even if it doesnt seem that way on the outside..

cehayi

13y

im currently going through my first break up right now.... this song's helping me.... :'( </3

kenzie gilbert

13y

The fiirst part,absolutely give me chills the way his voice kinda cracks when he says farther...(:

Inali L

12y

it hurts when i have to pretend that i dont love you it hurts SO MUCH.do you know how many times i woke up with the thought that today im gonna send you this message..telling you that i never got over you that i still love you...i just want to see you for last time and look you into your eyes.all that i wanna tell you is there...why you lied to me?maybe i wasnt enough for you i dont know..the only thing that i know is that no one NO ONE will love you like i did..like i do..

Mcorpus

13y

You will forever be my Princess, girl. Even though you broke my heart, nothing will change how i feel about you. I Love You Princess. :*(

MusicCGLife

12y

I'm afraid to tell him how I truly feel because I'm afraid to be hurt... ♪ Don't do what I'm doing. Right now, tell your special someone how you feel before its too late. You'll never know unless you try ♥ ...And maybe one day I'll get the courage to tell him how I feel

Aurea Faye Sibayan

15y

i so can relate to this song :(

timewithehh

12y

its been two and a half years since i fell for you...i just want to be free for you so i can fall for someone who will appreciate me..

M ZZ

15y

i <3 secondhand seranade!

Seth Richmiller

11y

I know the feeling in your heart, I once felt that way rather recently and acted on it and it didn't come out the way I had hoped, I hope that your love realizes what you are offering because Love is the only truth left in this world.