Pretend

Alex G's song 'Pretend' delves into the complex themes of self-identity, escapism, and the desire to conform to someone else's expectations. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is deeply uncomfortable with their own self, to the point where they would rather 'crack a rib' and 'bury' their true self, as suggested in the opening lines. This visceral imagery sets the tone for a song that explores the lengths one might go to avoid facing their own reality.

The chorus, 'Oh, I don't want to see me, I wanna be trapped in you. Oh, I don't want to be me, But I'm gonna pretend for you,' speaks to the heart of the song. It captures the essence of wanting to escape one's own identity and the willingness to 'pretend' to be someone else for the sake of acceptance or love. This could be interpreted as a commentary on societal pressures to conform or the personal struggles with self-acceptance that many people face.

The song also touches on themes of substance use and the desire to disconnect from one's own consciousness, as seen in the lines 'Leave your body, Leave your mind, Don't you know, You're out of time?' This suggests a sense of urgency and desperation to escape the self before it's too late. The raw and honest lyrics, combined with Alex G's emotive delivery, create a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners who have ever felt the need to hide their true selves.