MGMT is an indie electronic band formed in 2002 by Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser while they were students at Wesleyan University.
The band is renowned for its dreamy, experimental sound, which effortlessly mixes psychedelic rock, synth-pop, and alternative styles. They rose to fame with their debut album Oracular Spectacular, which included several hit tracks.
However, MGMT quickly gained a strong fan base for their creative music videos, layered sound, and Dreamlike lyrics.
About the Song
Time to Pretend is one of the most popular and defining songs by the band, first gaining attention in 2005 and later released as a single in 2008.
The lyrics bring themes of youth, fame, and the bittersweet fantasy of escaping reality. With catchy synth melodies and poetic verses, the song became an anthem for a generation looking to dream big and break free.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 30, 2005 |
| Album | Oracular Spectacular (2007) |
| Writer | Ben Goldwasser & Andrew VanWyngarden |
| Producer | Dave Fridmann |
Read Full Lyrics of Time to Pretend
Verse 1
I’m feelin’ rough, I’m feelin’ raw, I’m in the prime of my life
Let’s make some music, make some money, find some models for wives
I’ll move to Paris, shoot some heroin and fuck with the stars
You man the island and the cocaine and the elegant cars
Pre-Chorus 1
This is our decision, to live fast and die young
We’ve got the vision, now let’s have some fun
Yeah, it’s overwhelming, but what else can we do?
Get jobs in offices and wake up for the morning commute?
Chorus
Forget about our mothers and our friends
We’re fated to pretend
To pretend
We’re fated to pretend
To pretend
Verse 2
I’ll miss the playgrounds and the animals and diggin’ up worms
I’ll miss the comfort of my mother and the weight of the world
I’ll miss my sister, miss my father, miss my dog and my home
Yeah, I’ll miss the boredom and the freedom and the time spent alone
Pre-Chorus 2
But there is really nothing, nothing we can do
Love must be forgotten, life can always start up anew
The models will have children, we’ll get a divorce
We’ll find some more models, everything must run its course
Chorus
We’ll choke on our vomit and that will be the end
We were fated to pretend
To pretend
We’re fated to pretend
To pretend
Outro
I said yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Similar Songs Like Time to Pretend
Each one of these songs by MGMT that are similar in style, mood, or theme. These songs blend storytelling, synth sounds, and emotions that fans of Time to Pretend will appreciate.
- Kids: This song is upbeat yet also a little emotional, discussing the change to growing up and how childhood slips away too quickly for comfort.
- The Youth: Soft and thoughtful, this track focuses on the power of young people and the hope they carry into an uncertain world.
Similar Artists Like MGMT
Below is the list of some similar artists who share that offbeat, melodic, and emotional energy in their music.
- Tame Impala
Genre: Psychedelic Rock / Indie Pop
Top albums: Innerspeaker (2010), Lonerism (2012), Currents (2015), The Slow Rush (2020) - Passion Pit
Genre: Electropop / Indie Pop
Top albums: Manners (2009), Gossamer (2012), Kindred (2015), Tremendous Sea of Love (2017) - Empire of the Sun
Genre: Synthpop / Electronic Rock
Top albums: Walking on a Dream (2008), Ice on the Dune (2013), Two Vines (2016) - Foster the People
Genre: Indie Pop / Alternative Rock
Top albums: Torches (2011), Supermodel (2014), Sacred Hearts Club (2017) - Of Montreal
Genre: Indie Pop / Psychedelic Pop
Top albums: Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (2007), Skeletal Lamping (2008), Paralytic Stalks (2012), Aureate Gloom (2015)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Notable About the Music Video of Time to Pretend?
The music video references Alejandro Jodorowsky’s film The Holy Mountain and the novel Lord of the Flies. Ray Tintori directed it and features a cameo by Caroline Polachek.
How did Time to Pretend Impact MGMT’s Career?
The song became a cultural touchstone, helping to launch MGMT into mainstream success. It is often regarded as an anthem for a generation, expressing dreams, fame, and the experience of growing up.
What is the Genre and Style of Time to Pretend?
Time to Pretend features sweeping, rising synths with an 80s-inspired, electronic sound. It combines elements of indie rock, synth-pop, and psychedelic music, with a distinctly modern twist.
