The Righteous Brothers were the musical duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfie… Read Full Bio ↴The Righteous Brothers were the musical duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. They recorded from 1963 through 1975, and continued to perform live until Hatfield's death in 2003. Their emotive vocal stylings were sometimes dubbed "blue-eyed soul."

They adopted their name in 1962 while performing together around Los Angeles, USA as part of a five-member group called The Paramours, which featured John Wimber (who was much later one of the founders of the Vineyard Movement) on keyboards.

Hatfield and Medley both possessed exceptional vocal talent, with range, control, and tone that helped them create a strong and distinct duet sound (and perform as soloists). Medley sang the low parts with his deep, soulful baritone, with Hatfield taking the higher register vocals with his soaring tenor. They gained their name when an African-American Marine shouted out "That was righteous, brothers" at the end of a show. John Wimber, one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement, played the keyboard in the band.

Their first major hit single was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" in 1965. Produced by Phil Spector, the record is often cited as one of the peak expressions of Spector's Wall of Sound production techniques. It was one of the most successful pop singles of its time, despite exceeding the standard length for radio play. Indeed, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" remains the most played song in radio history, estimated to have been broadcast over 8 million times to date. A little known fact about this song was that Spector utilized Sonny and Cher as back-up singers.

They had several other Spector-produced hit singles during the 1960s, including "Ebb Tide" and "Unchained Melody" in 1965 and "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" in 1966.

Soul and Inspiration was produced by Bill Medley for Verve Records. Phil Spector was not involved with this recording in any way, shape or form. Also, although it is credited to Phil Spector, Bill Medley produced "Unchained Melody". Medley produced the B-Side for the singles and Spector handled the production work on the A-Side. The A-Side for "Unchained Melody" was the single "Hung on You" produced by Phil Spector although it was the B-Side that ended up being the hit.

The Great Pretender
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics

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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 yes, I'm the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I seem to be what I'm not you see

I'm lonely but no one can tell

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

Oh yes, I'm the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I seem to be what I'm not you see
I'm wearing my heart as a crown

Pretending that you're still around
Still around

Overall Meaning

The Great Pretender by The Righteous Brothers is a classic song that explores the theme of loneliness and pretense. At the beginning of the song, the singer admits to being a great pretender, someone who pretends to be doing well despite their need for companionship. He reveals that he pretends too much, and that he is actually very lonely, but no one can tell. The singer is essentially admitting to putting up a front to the outside world, pretending to be happy and content when in reality he is not.

Later in the song, the singer goes on to say that this feeling of make-believe is too real, and that he struggles to conceal the emotions that he truly feels. He is lost in his own world of pretense, trying to be something that he is not. The lyrics suggest that this charade has gone on for a long time, and the singer is wearing his heart as a crown. He is pretending that someone he loves is still around, even when they are not.

Overall, The Great Pretender is a powerful song that speaks to the universal human experience of loneliness and trying to be something that we are not. The lyrics are poetic and heartfelt, and are brought to life by the soulful vocals of The Righteous Brothers.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh yes, I'm the great pretender
I'm the one who plays a role

Pretending that I'm doing well
Acting like all is fine

My need is such, I pretend too much
I make up a lot because I crave affection

I'm lonely but no one can tell
I'm alone but my facades hide it well

Adrift in a world of my own
I'm lost in my imagination

I seem to be what I'm not you see
I pretend to be someone I'm not

Too real is this feeling of make-believe
It's too lifelike, this world I've conceived

Too real when I feel what my heart can't conceal
I feel overwhelmed by my hidden emotions

I'm wearing my heart as a crown
My feelings are on display for all to see

Pretending that you're still around
Acting like you're still by my side

Still around
Even though you're not here anymore