The Platters – The Great Pretender

About The Song

“The Platters – The Great Pretender – 1955” refers to the classic R&B and doo-wop song “The Great Pretender” by The Platters. Here are five facts about the song:

Release and Success: “The Great Pretender” was released as a single in 1955 by The Platters and quickly became one of their most successful songs. The song topped the charts in the United States, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it also performed well internationally.
Vocals and Harmony: The Platters were known for their smooth vocal harmonies, and “The Great Pretender” is a prime example of their vocal prowess. The lead vocals by Tony Williams, along with the harmonies of the group, contributed to the song’s emotional depth and timeless appeal.
Songwriting and Inspiration: The song was written by Buck Ram, the manager of The Platters. Ram was inspired to write “The Great Pretender” after observing the loneliness and sadness experienced by people who put on a façade to hide their true feelings. The lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and the desire to conceal one’s emotional pain.
Cover Versions: “The Great Pretender” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity and influence. Various interpretations of the song have been recorded in different languages and musical styles, solidifying its status as a classic.
Legacy and Recognition: The Platters’ “The Great Pretender” has been recognized as one of the greatest songs of its era. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included the song in its list of “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll,” acknowledging its cultural and musical impact on the development of popular music.

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 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)