This week, for Helen’s challenge , I have a special offer for you, especially for Christmas
3 for the price of 1!
The Great Pretender is my choice and you can see a little of the history of the song here.
It is strange that the original Platters recording was released on the MERCURY label and my favourite version is by Freddie Mercury. The song might have been written especially for Freddie and, in a way, is quite a sad reflection of his life.
I’ve included both versions, and a bonus of Gene Pitney’s recording too.
The Great Pretender
Oh yes I’m the great pretender (ooh ooh)
Pretending I’m doing well (ooh ooh)
My need is such I pretend too much
I’m lonely but no one can tell
Oh yes I’m the great pretender (ooh ooh)
Adrift in a world of my own (ooh ooh)
I play the game but to my real shame
You’ve left me to dream all alone
Too real is this feeling of make believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
Ooh ooh yes I’m the great pretender (ooh ooh)
Just laughing and gay like a clown (ooh ooh)
I seem to be what I’m not (you see)
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
Yeah ooh hoo
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
Oh yes I’m the great pretender
Just laughing and gay like a clown (ooh ooh)
I seem to be what I’m not you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re
Pretending that you’re still around
Songwriters: Buck Ram
The Great Pretender lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
I hope you enjoyed them.
wow a good choice Peter. Great and tragic song. Especially Freddie Mercury – you are right – fits this song the best. A feeling of a sad Clown…living for a show, but he was at least very sucessful..not sure if he would have changed his career for a happy partnership?
But as a choice of christmassong you gave this song another meaning.
Christmas and all this broken world around. Just some days to pretend everything is fine. Buying too mucch presents to pretend we care. To pretend we love.
O.k. this is not very nice, because there are enough poeple who care and love, but I think Jesus birth was not meant to be a advertising for some moneymaking stuff.
So I ´m really excited with your choice.
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Thank you Anie. What a lovely, insightful comment.
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A fantastic choice Peter, and I equally love the three versions, and thanks for this outstanding song.
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The Platters version remains my favourite and features on my play list regularly, as do many others from this era.
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Wow, what a great song. Thanks so much for sharing!
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