Are you looking for a compilation of the hottest and most beloved songs about pretending?
At Emiliam.com, we have curated a diverse list of the top songs that capture the essence of pretending in its many forms.
Whether it’s about pretending to be someone else or pretending that everything is alright, these Songs About Pretending explore the complex emotions and experiences of putting on a facade.
Enjoy the melodies and lyrics that perfectly convey the act of pretending. Trust us, this list of great Songs About pretending will not disappoint!
1. “Pretend We’re Dead” by L7
“Pretend We’re Dead” by L7 is an iconic grunge anthem that captures the rebellious and carefree spirit of the 90s.
The song is about embracing your wild and untamed side, rejecting societal norms and expectations. It’s a call to break free from conformity and live on your own terms.
The lyrics paint a picture of a world where nothing matters except having fun and being yourself.
2. “Pretend” by Marvin Gaye
“Pretend” by Marvin Gaye is a soulful and emotional masterpiece that delves into the complexities of love and relationships.
The song tells the story of a relationship that has lost its spark, where both partners pretend everything is okay.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple going through the motions, putting on a facade of happiness, while deep down, they know that their love is fading away.
3. “Hallucination” by Regard
“Hallucination” by Regard is a mesmerizing EDM track that takes listeners through the intricacies of love and desire.
The lyrics are poetic and evocative, speaking of the wild emotions and intense feelings that come with being in love.
It speaks of a longing for someone who may not be physically present, but their presence is felt intensely through hallucinations.
The synths and beats create a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly reflects the concept of hallucinating about someone you deeply yearn for.
4. “Don’t You Pretend” by Kelly Clarkson
“Don’t You Pretend” by Kelly Clarkson is an empowering song about not allowing others to manipulate or deceive you.
Throughout the lyrics, Clarkson sings about standing up for yourself and not falling for someone’s fake persona. She encourages listeners to see past the facade and not be fooled by sweet words or empty promises.
The song’s tone is fierce and unapologetic as she demands honesty and authenticity in relationships.
5. “Fake Happy” by Paramore
“Fake Happy” by Paramore is a powerful song that delves deep into the idea of putting on a façade to hide our true emotions.
Lead singer Hayley Williams captures the conflicting feelings of wanting to appear happy and carefree to the world while battling inner turmoil and sadness.
It’s a relatable reminder that we often feel pressure to present an image of happiness, even when we struggle.
6. “Pretending” by Eric Clapton
“Pretending” by Eric Clapton is a captivating song that portrays the struggle of dealing with unrequited love.
It discusses how one tries to hide one’s true feelings and pretends to be strong in front of the person they love while, deep down, they are hurting.
Through powerful lyrics and soulful guitar riffs, Clapton captures the pain and vulnerability of this situation. The chorus “pretending that you’re still around” speaks volumes about not being able to let go of someone who has already moved on.
This song encapsulates the feeling of longing for someone who doesn’t feel the same way.
7. “Pretend It’s OK” by Little Mix
“Pretend It’s OK” by Little Mix is a powerful and emotional song that embodies the struggles of hiding your pain and putting on a facade of strength.
The lyrics portray a vulnerable side as the narrator desperately tries to mask their hurt by pretending everything is fine.
The chorus, “Just smile, pretend it’s okay / Hold back all my tears and push my fears away,” captures the song’s sentiment.
Little Mix’s heartfelt vocals and poignant lyrics remind this song that it’s okay not to be okay, and it encourages listeners to reach out for help instead of hiding behind a false smile.
8. “So Much for Pretending” by Bryan White
“So Much for Pretending” by Bryan White is a beautifully crafted song that delves into the complexities of love and heartbreak.
The lyrics are full of raw emotions as the singer expresses his frustration and disappointment at a failed relationship.
The title speaks volumes about the message behind the song – it’s about letting go of pretenses and facing reality.
The mournful tone conveys the pain and hurt experienced when pretending to be happy in a loveless union finally comes to an end.
9. “Fake Love” by Drake
“Fake Love” by Drake is a powerful song that delves into the complexities of relationships and how people can portray fake love.
Through his lyrics, Drake explores the idea of realizing someone was never truly there for him and only showed love when it benefited them.
He reflects on how this fake love blinded him and now sees the truth behind it all.
10. “Can’t Pretend” by Tom Odell
“Can’t Pretend” is a deeply emotional and vulnerable song by British singer-songwriter Tom Odell.
The soulful piano ballad captures the struggles of keeping a relationship alive when one’s heart is no longer fully invested.
Odell’s raw and powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics paint a poignant picture of the pain and denial of facing a failing relationship.
He sings about wanting to hold on to the memories but knowing deep down that things will never be the same again.
11. “Pretend” by The Mavericks
“Pretend” by The Mavericks is a lively and upbeat song that captures the essence of love and the longing for a past relationship.
With lyrics like “One more kiss, one more touch, pretend you still love me oh so much”, the song portrays the emotions of someone who is trying to hold onto the memories of a lost love.
The band’s signature blend of country and Latin sounds adds depth to the song, making it both fun and emotional at the same time.
It speaks of wanting to go back in time and relive the moments with a loved one, even if it’s just pretending for a moment.
12. “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters
“The Pretender” by Foo Fighters is a powerful and energetic rock anthem that delves into the concept of pretending to be something you’re not.
The lyrics encourage listeners to break free from this pretense and embrace their true selves, with lines like “…what if I say I’m not like the others?” and “I’m done with being a fool.”
It’s a call for self-acceptance and breaking through societal pressures, making it an empowering anthem for many who feel stifled by expectations.
13. “Game Of Pretend” by Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie
“Game Of Pretend” by Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie is a beautiful duet that explores the complexities of a relationship.
The song delves into the idea of playing pretend and putting on a facade to mask true feelings and emotions.
With their hauntingly soothing voices, Buckingham and McVie paint a vivid picture of two people trying to hold on to something that may no longer exist.
The lyrics speak of hidden truths, unspoken words, and the desperation to keep up appearances even when everything seems to be falling apart.
14. “Let’s Pretend” by Raspberries
“Let’s Pretend” by Raspberries is a nostalgic and bittersweet ode to a past relationship.
The lyrics paint a picture of two people who used to play make-believe, pretending to be in love and living in a perfect world.
However, reality sets in as time passes, and the love fades away. The song’s nostalgic tone captures the longing for the innocence and happiness that once existed between the couple.
It also shows that sometimes, we ignore the faults in our relationships and instead create an idealized version of it through pretense.
15. “Can We Pretend” by Pink
“Can We Pretend” is a catchy and upbeat song by Pink that explores the concept of living in a fantasy world to escape the harsh realities of life.
The lyrics tell the story of two individuals who are struggling with their lives and desperately seeking an escape.
They find solace in each other’s company and create a little world where they can forget their troubles and be happy.
The chorus, “Can we pretend that we both like the parties? / Can we pretend that I don’t care?” highlights the idea of pretending to be someone you’re not just to fit in or make others believe everything is fine.
This song encourages listeners to imagine a better reality and find comfort in it, even temporarily.
16. “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne
“Complicated” by Avril Lavigne is a song that captures the struggles of navigating complicated relationships and the pressure to conform to society’s expectations.
Through her meaningful lyrics and powerful vocals, Lavigne expresses the frustration of feeling like you must pretend to be someone else just to fit in.
The song’s chorus, “Why do you have to go and make things so complicated? I see the way you’re acting like you’re somebody else gets me frustrated,” portrays the internal conflict of being torn between staying true to yourself or changing for someone else.
17. “World Leader Pretend” by R.E.M.
“World Leader Pretend” by R.E.M. is a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores leadership and accountability.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world leader who is more concerned with his own personal gain than his people’s well-being.
The title suggests that this leader is simply pretending to be someone he’s not, hiding behind a facade of power and influence.
Through their poignant lyrics, R.E.M. questions the true motivations of these leaders and highlights the consequences of their actions on society.
18. “Pretend” by Nat King Cole
“Pretend” is a classic song by the legendary Nat King Cole that truly captures the emotions of love and heartbreak.
The lyrics poetically describe a person trying to deceive themselves into thinking they have moved on from their past relationship, but they are still deeply affected by it.
This timeless piece of music speaks about the universal experience of pretending to be okay when in fact, you’re crumbling inside.
Nat King Cole’s smooth vocals and melancholic melody create a bittersweet atmosphere that resonates with anyone whose heart is broken.
19. “The Great Pretender” by The Platters
“The Great Pretender” is a timeless classic by the iconic American vocal group The Platters.
Penned by Buck Ram, this song delves into the emotions of someone who puts up a façade to hide their true feelings.
It speaks of how even though they may seem put together on the outside, deep down, they are longing for love and companionship.
The lyrics paint a picture of loneliness and heartache, as the protagonist sings about pretending to be strong and happy while secretly yearning for someone to share their life with.
20. “Just Pretend” by Elvis Presley
“Just Pretend” is a heartfelt ballad performed by the iconic Elvis Presley.
The song’s message is about longing for someone who has already left and trying to convince oneself that they are still there, even if it’s just pretending.
The lyrics reflect on the memories shared with this person and how everything seems to be falling apart without them.
Elvis’s emotional delivery of the song truly captures the pain and vulnerability of this situation.
It reminds us that sometimes when it comes to matters of the heart, pretending is easier than facing reality.
FAQs
What is the psychology behind pretending?
Pretending is a common phenomenon in our daily lives. It essentially involves acting as if something is true or real, although it may not be.
The psychology behind pretending stems from the need for social acceptance and belonging. As social beings, we constantly seek approval and validation from others and pretending can be a way to achieve this.
By presenting ourselves in a certain way that aligns with societal norms and expectations, we believe that others will accept and like us.
In addition, pretending also serves as a coping mechanism when we feel uncomfortable or insecure. It allows us to put on a facade to mask our true emotions or vulnerabilities, protecting us from potential rejection or judgment.
However, constant pretense can also negatively impact our mental health by creating feelings of dissonance between our true selves and the image we portray to the world.
What is the advantage of pretending?
Pretending is often seen as a negative behavior, but there are actually many advantages to it.
One advantage of pretending is that it allows us to escape from reality and enter into a world of our own imagination. This can be especially beneficial when facing difficult or overwhelming situations in our lives.
By pretending, we can break from the stress and immerse ourselves in a more positive and enjoyable environment.
Additionally, pretending helps us develop our creativity and problem-solving skills as we devise new scenarios and solutions in our make-believe world. It also allows us to try out different roles and personalities, enabling us to understand others’ perspectives better and empathize with them.
Pretending can also boost confidence and self-esteem as we act out roles that may seem daunting or challenging in real life.
What is the point of pretending?
Pretending is the act of deliberately acting a certain way or portraying oneself in a manner that is not true to one’s actual feelings or beliefs.
While it may seem pointless to some, there can be various reasons for pretending. For some, it could be a way to escape from reality and avoid facing difficult situations or emotions. It can also serve as a coping mechanism to deal with anxiety, low self-esteem, or past traumas.
On the other hand, pretending can also be a means of fitting in with society’s expectations and norms. In social situations, we often conform to certain behaviors and attitudes to be accepted by others.
Moreover, pretending can also come in handy when trying to achieve a specific goal, such as getting a job or impressing someone.
However, constantly pretending can have negative consequences on one’s mental health and relationships if not managed properly.
Why is pretend important?
Pretending is a natural and important part of childhood development. It allows children to explore, learn, and express themselves playfully and imaginatively.
Through pretend play, children can make sense of the world around them and develop their problem-solving skills. When they take on different roles, such as playing doctor or teacher, they can try out different behaviors and experiment with social interactions. This helps them understand and empathize with others, building their emotional intelligence.
Pretend play also encourages creativity, as children use their imagination to create new scenarios and stories. Moreover, it fosters communication skills as children learn to articulate their thoughts and ideas in a fun and engaging manner.
Additionally, pretending is an excellent way for children to release stress or anxiety by channeling their emotions into creative outlets. It promotes physical activity when playing outdoors or engaging in active pretend games like playing pirates or superheroes.
Overall, pretending is an essential aspect of childhood that promotes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development while providing endless opportunities for fun and learning.
Is pretending the same as lying?
There is often a common misconception that pretending and lying are the same thing. However, when it comes down to the core of these actions, they are quite different.
Pretending involves intentionally creating an illusion or playing a role for a specific purpose or situation. It is often harmless and done with good intentions, such as when children play make-believe or when we pretend to be confident in a social setting.
On the other hand, lying involves deliberately deceiving someone by providing false information or hiding the truth. It is typically done with negative intentions and can cause harm to others.
While both pretending and lying involve portraying something that is not true, the key difference lies in the intention behind them.
Pretending may involve some form of deception, but it is usually innocent and intended for amusement or specific purposes. Lying, on the other hand, is always deceitful and manipulative.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to say that pretending and lying are the same actions as their motivations and consequences vary significantly.
Conclusion
We hope this list of the most popular songs about pretending has brought back some good memories or introduced you to new song favorites.
From love ballads to rock anthems, these songs showcase the universal theme of pretending and how it can resonate with us differently.
Whether escaping reality or putting on a facade for others, these songs capture the emotions and experiences of pretending.
So add them to your playlist for those moments when you need to pretend a little bit more.
