If We Could Just Pretend

Flatsound's song "If We Could Just Pretend" delves into the emotional turmoil of unfulfilled dreams and the heavy burden of isolation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has spent a significant amount of time—three and a half years—feeling stuck and unable to move forward. This period of stagnation is contrasted with the societal expectations of progress, such as going to college or traveling abroad. The protagonist wishes to fabricate a more socially acceptable narrative to explain their absence, highlighting the pressure to conform to societal norms and the shame associated with not meeting those expectations.

The song also explores the theme of self-worth and the impact of external validation. The line, "Why did you say that I was one in a million? Because I believed it," reveals the protagonist's reliance on someone else's opinion to feel valuable. This belief in their uniqueness and worth is shattered, leading to a sense of betrayal and disillusionment. The repeated phrase, "I overdid it," suggests a recognition of their own role in their prolonged isolation, perhaps due to overthinking or overanalyzing their situation.

Moreover, the song touches on the paradox of loneliness. The protagonist feels isolated even when surrounded by others, encapsulated in the line, "So what is it like to be by yourself and feel like you'll die around everyone else." This poignant observation underscores the depth of their emotional struggle, as they grapple with feelings of inadequacy and the fear of being forgotten. The closing lines, "Thank you, thank you," could be interpreted as a sarcastic acknowledgment of the empty reassurances they've received, or a genuine, albeit resigned, expression of gratitude for the lessons learned through their hardship.