Pretending

Ben Schuller's song "Pretending" delves into the complexities of a relationship that has lost its genuine connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two people who are physically present with each other but emotionally distant. The opening lines, "I don't sleep like I used to / Counting sheep doesn't bring you back to bed," set the tone for a narrative of longing and disconnection. The mention of "seven drinks in the green room" suggests a coping mechanism to deal with the emotional void, highlighting the struggle to communicate and the fading memories of what once was.

The chorus, with lines like "But maybe we're lonely / Pretending it's love," captures the essence of the song. It reflects the realization that both individuals are clinging to the facade of love to avoid facing their loneliness. The repetition of "Pretending it's love" emphasizes the ongoing charade and the internal conflict of wanting to make things right but knowing deep down that the relationship has run its course. The lyrics also touch on the theme of change, as seen in "'Cuz I'm not the old me / And our time is up," indicating personal growth and the inevitable end of their time together.

Throughout the song, there is a nostalgic yearning for the past, as expressed in lines like "Take me back in time / Your chest pressed up on mine." This longing for a time when things were simpler and more genuine contrasts sharply with the present reality of pretense and emotional distance. The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of a relationship that has lost its authenticity, making "Pretending" a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the human tendency to hold on to illusions.