About the song
Ah, The Platters… a name synonymous with smooth harmonies and heartfelt ballads that defined the golden age of doo-wop. This vocal group, with their signature blend of soulful leads and angelic backing vocals, truly captured the essence of romance and longing in their music. And perhaps no song exemplifies this better than their timeless masterpiece, The Great Pretender (1959).
Released at the cusp of a new decade, this track transcended the boundaries of simple pop music and delved into the complexities of human emotion. With Tony Williams’ velvety baritone leading the way, the song paints a poignant picture of a man concealing his heartbreak behind a facade of happiness. It’s a theme that resonates deeply, reminding us that even in our moments of apparent joy, there may be hidden sorrows beneath the surface.
The Great Pretender is a masterful tapestry of songwriting, arrangement, and vocal performance. The lyrics, penned by the group’s manager Buck Ram, are deceptively simple yet profoundly impactful. Lines like “Too real is this feeling of make-believe” and “My need is such I pretend too much” cut straight to the heart of the matter, exposing the vulnerability that lies hidden behind a mask of bravado.
The song’s arrangement is equally captivating, with its gentle orchestration swelling and receding to complement the emotional nuances of the vocals. The interplay between the lead and backing voices creates a dynamic tension, mirroring the internal struggle of the song’s protagonist. And, of course, there’s that unforgettable melody, a haunting tune that lingers in the mind long after the song has ended.
The Great Pretender became an instant classic, topping charts around the world and solidifying The Platters‘ status as one of the most beloved vocal groups of all time. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its musical beauty but also in its timeless message about the human condition. It’s a song that speaks to the hidden depths within each of us, reminding us that even in our moments of greatest strength, we may also be grappling with inner turmoil.
So, let us revisit this gem from a bygone era, a song that continues to captivate and move listeners generations later. Allow yourself to be swept away by the exquisite harmonies, the heartfelt lyrics, and the sheer artistry of The Platters in their unforgettable rendition of The Great Pretender.
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Lyrics
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 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
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
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
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
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
(Still around)