The song revolves around the theme of identity and self-acceptance. Through hauntingly raw lyrics, Alex G paints a vivid picture of self-loathing and the lengths we go to to hide our true selves. It speaks to our inherent need to fit into societal molds, even if it means denying our true identity. There’s an evident desire to escape oneself and find refuge in someone else, to be trapped in them, to be anyone but oneself. The poignant lines about covering up, pretending, and seeking external validations resonate deeply with listeners, revealing the songwriter’s journey or perhaps a broader societal commentary on hiding our vulnerabilities.
Have you ever felt that pressing weight of wanting to be someone else? Keep reading.
“Pretend” Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics of “Pretend” chronologically unfold a story of self-rejection and denial. Beginning with “Gonna crack a rib / when I get home,” there’s a visceral sense of internal conflict and self-harm, where home might not signify safety.
Moving on, “I’m gonna bury you / in my favorite hole” and “I made a bloody mess / in the kitchen sink” underscore this theme of suppression and violent denial. These phrases hint at the lengths one might go to hide their true emotions or a part of themselves they dislike.
The next set of lines, “They said, ‘We just want to talk with you / We just want to walk you through'” might signify society or a group’s attempt to ‘correct’ or ‘guide’ the individual through normative behaviors, further deepening the feelings of alienation and being misunderstood.
The chorus, “Oh, I don’t want to see me / I wanna be trapped in you”, is striking. It’s a poignant confession of not wanting to face oneself and the desire to lose oneself in another. This is paired with the line “But I’m gonna pretend for you,” which indicates the lengths one goes to present a false front.
The mention of painting nails and keeping it real, and the subsequent lines of looking for someone to provide an escape, signify the transient fixes people seek. These might be distractions or even substances, especially considering the lines about dirt and trash.
Toward the end, “In his room, in his bed / You can’t hear / what he said” paints a scene of isolation, where one’s true feelings and thoughts remain unheard or misunderstood.
The Story Behind “Pretend”
Alex G has been known for his introspective and often introspective approach to songwriting. His lyrics frequently traverse the landscapes of personal experiences, emotions, and the struggle of growing up in today’s ever-evolving world. It’s not far-fetched to speculate that “Pretend” is yet another mirror reflecting the tumultuous waves of his own journey or the collective experience of his generation.
During the time around which “Pretend” was released, there was a noticeable rise in conversations surrounding mental health, self-image, and societal pressures. The digital age, with its relentless bombardment of perfected images on social media, has made many feel the need to “pretend” or curate a certain image of themselves. This song might be Alex’s commentary on the same.
Additionally, the indie music scene, where Alex G prominently resides, has been known for its raw and authentic take on life’s trials and tribulations. The artists in this sphere are renowned for crafting narratives that pull no punches, speaking of vulnerabilities that mainstream tunes might gloss over. “Pretend” could have been Alex G’s personal therapy, a way to process and navigate through his feelings of identity, self-worth, and societal pressure.