About the song
“The Great Pretender” is a captivating pop classic recorded by The Platters, featuring Tony Williams on lead vocals, and released in November 1955. This iconic song, penned by Buck Ram—the band’s manager, producer, and a prolific songwriter—quickly became a landmark hit in music history. Written in an astonishingly brief 20 minutes, Ram composed the song in a restroom at the Flamingo Hotel, eager to follow up the success of “Only You (And You Alone).” Despite the rushed creation, Ram was confident in the song’s potential and even predicted its success before it was fully composed.
The Platters’ rendition of “The Great Pretender” achieved remarkable success, soaring to the top of Billboard’s Top 100 chart and reaching No. 5 on the UK charts. It was the best-selling R&B song in January 1956 and remained a major hit throughout the year, securing its place as the 12th best-selling single of 1956. This track also earned a significant spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, recognizing its enduring impact on the music industry.
The song’s influence extended beyond its initial release. In 1987, Freddie Mercury of Queen revitalized the song with his own rendition, which reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Mercury’s version was notable for its music video, where he parodied his Queen personas and featured a striking visual transformation, including the shaving of his iconic mustache. This reimagined cover helped cement the song’s status in modern pop culture. The song’s relevance was further demonstrated through its inclusion in the anime series “Great Pretender,” showcasing its broad appeal across different mediums and audiences.
Other notable covers include those by Sam Cooke, whose version is thought to have inspired Chrissie Hynde to name her band The Pretenders, and Roy Orbison, whose 1962 rendition was included on his album “Crying.” The song has also been interpreted by various artists such as Dolly Parton, Paula Tsui, and even in parody form by Stan Freberg.
With its rich legacy and wide-reaching influence, “The Great Pretender” remains a beloved piece of musical history, reflecting the enduring power of a truly great song.
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)