Carlie Hanson’s “Pretender” explores the themes of self-deception, disillusionment, and the search for authenticity. The song navigates the internal struggle of recognizing one’s own pretense while yearning for genuineness. Hanson addresses someone—potentially herself or a general ‘other’—challenging them to reflect on their true self. She calls out the façade, highlighting the discrepancy between one’s outward appearance and inner reality. The song serves as a wakeup call, urging honesty and self-awareness. Hanson wrote “Pretender” to confront the all-too-common tendency to hide behind masks, encouraging a journey toward authenticity and self-acceptance.
Ever found yourself lost in a façade, struggling to find your true self? Carlie Hanson’s ‘Pretender’ captures this internal battle perfectly. Let’s unravel the layers of this compelling track together and discover the raw honesty in her words.
“Pretender” Lyrics Meaning
“Pretender” kicks off by directly addressing the ‘pretender’, painting a picture of someone lost in their own deception, like a fading image in a foggy mirror. The repetition of “Do do do” mimics the monotony of living behind a mask, reinforcing the song’s message. Hanson questions the pretender’s self-awareness and emotional connection, highlighting a dissonance between their actions and words.
She portrays a cycle of denial and stagnation, where the person acknowledges their dissatisfaction but remains stuck in the same patterns. Hanson’s frustration is evident as she bluntly asks, “What the fuck is your problem?”, pushing for a break from the pretense.
In the chorus, Hanson reveals her own struggles with pretense, confessing to giving herself false hope as a coping mechanism. She acknowledges the allure of the façade, but also recognizes its emptiness. This duality shows a personal connection to the song’s message, adding depth to her call for authenticity.
The second verse mirrors the first, repeating the questions and challenges, emphasizing the urgency of self-reflection and change. The song ends with a return to the opening lines, creating a full circle that mirrors the ongoing struggle with pretense.
The Story Behind “Pretender”
“Pretender” reflects Carlie Hanson’s introspective journey and her observations of the world around her. At the time of writing, she was navigating the complexities of young adulthood, an era fraught with change, self-discovery, and the temptation to conform. Hanson, with her raw lyrical style, aimed to cut through the façade that people often hide behind, urging honesty and self-acceptance.
The song can be seen as a personal manifesto, reflecting Hanson’s commitment to authenticity in an industry and generation often criticized for its emphasis on appearance over substance. She challenges not only herself but also her listeners to break free from the pretense and embrace their true selves.
“Pretender” stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. Through her candid lyrics and emotive delivery, Hanson encourages a stripping away of the masks we wear, advocating for a life lived with honesty and integrity.