About the song
“Just Pretend” by Elvis Presley, a tender and emotionally nuanced ballad that showcases his remarkable ability to convey vulnerability and longing. Released in 1970 on the album “That’s the Way It Is,” this song, written by Jerry Chesnut, offers a poignant look at the delicate dance between hope and denial in the face of a fading relationship. It’s more than just a song about pretending; it’s a heartfelt exploration of the human desire to hold onto love, even when reality suggests it might be slipping away.
The lyrics of “Just Pretend” paint a picture of a relationship on the brink, where the narrator clings to the act of “just pretend” to keep the illusion of love alive. He acknowledges the signs of a fading connection – the lack of genuine smiles, the absence of heartfelt conversation – yet he chooses to engage in a shared pretense, hoping that by acting as if everything is alright, they might somehow recapture the love they once shared. The verses are filled with a quiet sadness and a sense of unspoken desperation, highlighting the narrator’s internal struggle between recognizing the truth and the comforting lie of their charade. Elvis Presley’s vocal delivery is characteristically smooth and emotionally resonant. He sings with a gentle tenderness that conveys both the yearning for the past and the fragile hope for the future. There’s a palpable sense of vulnerability in his voice, making the listener feel the delicate balance between his desire and the underlying pain of their situation.
The musical arrangement of “Just Pretend” is a beautifully crafted ballad that supports the song’s emotional weight. Featuring a gentle and flowing melody carried by acoustic guitars and soft piano, with a subtle and supportive rhythm section and the warm, melancholic sound of strings that enhance the feeling of longing, the instrumentation creates an intimate and tender atmosphere. The production is polished yet retains a sense of heartfelt sincerity, allowing Elvis’s sincere vocals and the poignant lyrics to take center stage. The overall effect is one of quiet sadness and deep emotional resonance, evoking a sense of empathy for the narrator’s delicate pretense.
“Just Pretend” stands out in Elvis Presley’s vast catalog as a more introspective and emotionally vulnerable performance. It resonated with audiences who understood the pain of a relationship fading and the human tendency to cling to hope, even in the face of reality. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of the complexities of love and loss, and Elvis’s ability to convey such profound emotion with his signature vocal artistry. The act of “just pretend” becomes a poignant symbol of the lengths we might go to preserve a love we fear losing.
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
