the great pretender

The Platters didn't have to pretend when they became the first Doo-Wop group to top the pop chart. Their manager, the legendary Buck Ram, wrote this song in the washroom of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas after being ribbed about what he would offer them as a followup to 'Only You'. The song was number one with Disk Jockeys, Jukebox sales, the R&B and the Top 100 charts.

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've 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

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

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.