The Platters are a famous American vocal group formed in Los Angeles in 1952 by bass singer Herb Reed. They became one of the most successful black vocal groups of the 1950s with smooth harmonies and a unique blend of R&B, doo-wop, and pop music.

Their lead singer, Tony Williams, had a powerful and emotional voice that helped them score many hits like Only You and The Great Pretender. Managed by Buck Ram, they became known for their polished performances and timeless ballads.

The Platters were pioneers in rock and roll and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Their music remains influential and beloved worldwide.

About the Song

The Great Pretender is about hiding true feelings behind a happy face. The singer pretends to be fine and strong but feels lonely and heartbroken inside. It expresses the pain of pretending to be okay when really feeling sad.

The Great Pretender Lyrics

Verse 1

Oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender (Ooh, ooh)
Pretending that I’m doing well (Ooh, ooh)
My need is such, I pretend too much
I’m lonely, but no one can tell

Verse 2

Oh, yes, I’m the great pretender (Ooh, ooh)
Adrift in a world of my own (Ooh, ooh)
I’ve played the game, but to my real shame
You’ve left me to grieve all alone (Ooh, ooh)

Bridge

Too real is this feeling of make-believe (Ooh, ooh)
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)

Verse 3

Yes, I’m the great pretender (Ooh, ooh)
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown (Ooh, ooh)
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around (Ooh, ooh)

Bridge

Too real is this feeling of make-believe (Ooh, ooh)
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)

Verse 4

Yes, I’m the great pretender (Ooh, ooh)
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown (Ooh, ooh)
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)

Similar Songs Like The Great Pretender

Fans of The Great Pretender will likely appreciate these timeless classics from the same golden era of vocal harmony.

• In the Still of the Night: The song is about longing for a loved one late at night. It expresses deep feelings of love and waiting.
• Save the Last Dance for Me: It talks about trusting someone you love to save their special dance just for you. The song shows love and hope despite separation.
• Teenager In love: This song describes the excitement and pain of young love. It shares feelings of joy and heartbreak that teenagers experience.
• Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: It is about feeling hurt after losing love. The song utilizes the concept of smoke to illustrate how love can be blind and confusing.

Similar Artists Like The Platters

For those who love the soulful melodies and rich vocal blends of The Platters, these musicians offer a similar musical experience.

• The Drifters
  Genre: Doo-wop, R&B, Soul
  Top Album: Save the Last Dance for Me
• The Flamingos
  Genre: Doo-wop, R&B
  Top Album: Flamingo Serenade
• The Del-Vikings
  Genre: Doo-wop, R&B
  Top Album: Come Go With The Del-Vikings
• The Five Satins
  Genre: Doo-wop
  Top Album: The Five Satins Sing
• The Ink Spots
  Genre: Vocal Group, Traditional Pop
  Top Album: The Best of The Ink Spots
• The Cleftones
  Genre: Doo-wop, R&B, Rock and Roll
  Top Album: Heart and Soul
• The Clovers
  Genre: Doo-wop, R&B
  Top Album: The Clovers’ Greatest Hits

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Great Pretender Featured in Any Films?

Yes, it was featured in the 1956 film Rock Around the Clock.

Have Other Artists Covered The Great Pretender?

Yes, many artists have covered the song, including Freddie Mercury.

Why did Freddy Mercury Cover The Great Pretender?

Freddie Mercury covered “The Great Pretender” because he felt its themes of pretending and acting felt relatable with his own experiences as a performer.