Just Pretending

Patrick Hernandez's song 'Just Pretending' delves into the complex emotions of longing, fantasy, and the stark contrast between reality and imagination. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is deeply engrossed in her fantasies about a man. She imagines his touch and the intimacy they could share, but these thoughts are confined to her mind. This internal world of desire is a stark contrast to her external reality, where such experiences are hard to come by. The act of 'pretending' becomes a coping mechanism, a way to escape the mundanity and pain of her real life.

The refrain, 'Just pretending, think it will help her to fly, look for that ultimate high,' underscores the idea that these fantasies provide a temporary escape, a fleeting sense of euphoria. However, the song also highlights the emptiness that follows these imagined encounters. The line 'Even faked it once or twice, but it left her cold inside' suggests that while pretending offers a momentary thrill, it ultimately leaves her feeling unfulfilled and disconnected.

The song also touches on themes of self-reflection and the harsh realities of life. When the woman looks into the mirror, she sees the 'pains of life' and recognizes that her real world is vastly different from the one she envisions. This dichotomy between her inner desires and outer reality creates a sense of disillusionment. Hernandez's poignant lyrics capture the essence of human longing and the often futile attempts to bridge the gap between dreams and reality. The song serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities that come with unfulfilled desires and the lengths to which people go to find solace, even if it's just in their minds.