Time To Pretend

MGMT's 'Time To Pretend' is a satirical take on the stereotypical rockstar lifestyle, filled with excess and escapism. The song, which became one of the band's signature tracks, delves into the allure of fame and the deliberate choice to embrace a hedonistic life, despite its obvious pitfalls. The lyrics are a blend of irony and genuine reflection on the consequences of such a life.

The opening lines set the stage for a life of making music, earning money, and marrying models, which is often glamorized in popular culture. The mention of moving to Paris, using heroin, and mingling with celebrities paints a picture of the extreme lifestyle choices associated with fame. However, the chorus reveals a sense of awareness and resignation, as the band acknowledges the decision to 'live fast and die young' and the inevitability of pretending to enjoy this unsustainable way of life. The song suggests that this path is chosen as an alternative to the mundane reality of everyday life, such as working a regular job and commuting.

As the song progresses, it touches on the nostalgia for simpler times, like childhood and family, which are sacrificed for fame. The second verse reflects on the transient nature of relationships and success in this fast-paced life. The inevitability of its end, possibly in a tragic way, is bluntly stated in the line 'We'll choke on our vomit and that will be the end.' Ultimately, 'Time To Pretend' is a commentary on the fleeting and often destructive nature of the rockstar fantasy, questioning the true cost of fame and the societal pressure to chase after it.