About the song
“The Great Pretender,” immortalized by The Platters in 1955 with Tony Williams’s soulful vocals, stands as an enduring testament to the golden era of doo-wop and R&B. Penned swiftly by their manager Buck Ram in a burst of inspiration at the Flamingo Hotel, this song was destined for greatness. Following the monumental success of “Only You (And You Alone),” Ram confidently predicted another hit, dubbing it “The Great Pretender” before even crafting its melody. His foresight paid off as the song ascended to the top of Billboard’s Top 100 and reached the fifth spot on the UK charts, cementing its place in music history.
The Platters’ rendition, featuring Plas Johnson’s evocative tenor saxophone, not only dominated the charts but also left an indelible mark on pop culture. It became a defining piece of their repertoire, showcased in films like “Rock Around the Clock” and “American Graffiti,” perpetuating its legacy beyond the airwaves.
Decades later, “The Great Pretender” found new life through Freddie Mercury, whose poignant interpretation rekindled its allure in 1987. Mercury, known for his theatricality and vocal prowess as Queen’s frontman, imbued the song with a reflective quality that resonated deeply with audiences. His music video, a playful homage to his eclectic career personas, added a contemporary twist to the song’s narrative, solidifying its relevance across generations.
In recognition of its enduring impact, “The Great Pretender” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 and secured a spot on Rolling Stone’s prestigious list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004. Its influence spans not only musical genres but also cultural spheres, as evidenced by its adoption as the ending theme for Wit Studio’s acclaimed anime series, “Great Pretender.”
From Buck Ram’s initial washroom musings to Freddie Mercury’s heartfelt rendition, “The Great Pretender” continues to captivate listeners with its timeless melody and introspective lyrics, etching itself into the annals of music history as a quintessential masterpiece of emotional storytelling and artistic expression.
Video
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 tellOh-oh, yes I’m the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I’ve played the game but to my real shame
You’ve left me to grieve all aloneToo real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t concealYes, 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 aroundToo real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t concealYes, 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