About the song
“Just Pretend.” Released in 1970 on his critically acclaimed album That’s the Way It Is, this song, written by Guy Fletcher and Doug Flett, stands out as a poignant exploration of enduring love and the power of imagination to sustain a connection. While perhaps not one of his boisterous rock and roll anthems, it showcases a mature, vulnerable Elvis, perfectly in tune with a song that delves into the depths of romantic devotion.
The lyrics of “Just Pretend” speak to a deep and unwavering love that transcends physical distance or even the limitations of reality. The narrator expresses a desire to simply close his eyes and just pretend that his beloved is right there with him, sharing the moment, feeling his presence. Phrases like “Just Pretend I’m there / And you can almost feel me anywhere” capture this yearning for connection and the power of memory and imagination to bridge any gap. It suggests a love so profound that it exists beyond the tangible, residing in the heart and mind, capable of bringing comfort even in absence. It’s a beautifully melancholic yet hopeful ode to a love that remains strong regardless of circumstances, a testament to the enduring bond that deep affection creates. The song offers solace in the idea that love, even when physically separated, can be experienced through the mind’s eye.
Elvis Presley’s vocal performance on “Just Pretend” is simply exquisite. By this period, his voice had matured, gaining a richer, more nuanced baritone, while still retaining its iconic power and emotional expressiveness. He delivers the lyrics with a profound sincerity and a tender vulnerability that is incredibly moving. He doesn’t need to belt out the notes; instead, he uses his remarkable control and subtle phrasing to convey the quiet longing and deep affection of the narrator. There’s a palpable warmth and genuine emotion in his delivery, making the listener feel the intimate connection he’s singing about. It’s a testament to his versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to interpret a sensitive ballad with as much conviction as he would a rock and roll classic.
The musical arrangement of “Just Pretend” is a lush, orchestral ballad, characteristic of the more sophisticated sound Elvis was embracing in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It features sweeping strings, a prominent piano, and a gentle rhythm section that builds subtly to a powerful, yet never overwhelming, crescendo. The production is polished and grand, creating a dreamlike, romantic atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical theme of imaginative closeness. It’s an arrangement designed to evoke deep emotion and allow Elvis’s soaring vocals to shine, creating a truly cinematic feel.
“Just Pretend” resonated deeply with audiences because its message of enduring love and the comfort found in memory and imagination is universally understood. It became a beloved track for fans, showcasing Elvis Presley’s continued artistic growth and his remarkable ability to convey profound human emotion. It remains a timeless classic, a beautiful reminder of a love that transcends physical boundaries and finds its solace in the power of the heart and mind to “Just Pretend.”
Video
Lyrics
Just pretend I’m holding you
And whispering things soft and low
And think of me, how it’s gonna be
Just pretend I didn’t go
When I walked away, I heard you say
If you need me, you know what to do
I knew it then, I’d be back again
Just pretend I’m right there with you
And I’ll come flying to you, oh yes
All the crying is true
Oh, I will hold you and love you again
But until then, we’ll just pretend
It’s funny, but I can’t recall
The things we said or why you’re crying
But now I know it was wrong to go
I belong here by your side
Yes, I’ll come flying to you, oh yes
All the crying is true
I will hold you and love you again
But until then, we’ll just pretend
Oh, I will hold you and love you again
But until then, until then (until then)
We’ll just pretend
We’ll just pretend
