I had a song in my head tonight … “Only You” by The Platters. But then, I started looking into it and this one popped up on my feed, and I decided to play it instead. Only problem … I played it already in February 2019. Oh well, that’s almost 2 years ago now, so be the ‘great pretender’ and pretend you’ve forgotten that I already played it, okay?
A few weeks ago, I played a verrrrrry oldie by The Platters, and since most of you liked it, I decided to try another favourite by them.
The Platters’ manager and producer, Buck Ram, says he wrote this song in about 20 minutes in the washroom of the Flamingo Hotel in order to have a song to follow up the success of Only You.
What I wasn’t aware of is that this song was revived in 1987 by Freddie Mercury of Queen, and his version was also a hit in the UK, though I don’t think so much in the U.S. I checked out the Queen version and found it not to my liking.
The Great Pretender
The Platters
Oh-oh, yes I’m the great pretender
Pretending that I’m doing well
My need is such I pretend too much
I’m lonely but no one can tell
Oh-oh, yes I’m the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I’ve played the game but to my real shame
You’ve left me to grieve all alone
Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
Yes I’m the great pretender
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
Yes I’m the great pretender
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
Songwriters: Buck Ram
The Great Pretender lyrics © Panther Music Corp.
The Platters were a fantastic group and Tony Williams had a great voice. They lead by a mile with this song. That’s not to detract from Freddy Mercury’s version which I also enjoyed. I’ve heard the version by The Band which I think was best as a live performance.
Cwtch
LikeLiked by 1 person
Though I like Freddie Mercury and much of his music, his version of this just didn’t hold a candle to The Platters, in my book. I concur with your thoughts about The Band … I hadn’t heard their version, listened to it just a few minutes ago, and while it isn’t bad, I think seeing a live feed would have been much better. But then, as I told Clive, I’m a Motown junkie, so likely to my poor ears, nothing would compare to The Platters. Anyway … I’m glad you liked it!
Cwtch
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it, and i love it! Thank you, Jill! You made my early morning! 😉 Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awesome! Finally, I play one you know! This is a great one, I think. I’m glad to have made your early morning … have a happy Sunday, my dear friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jill! Ine past there were i few, i was able to remember. 😉 But these days its so difficult finding them by mostly knowing only one or a few lines of the lyrics. Enjoy your Sunday too, Jill!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean … I frequently have a song in my head, but can only remember a line or two of the lyrics. Fortunately, Google is usually a big help! I did have a rather nice Sunday … thanks Michael, and I hope you did too! I’ve never asked you, and you can feel free to tell me it’s none of my business, but do you have a family with whom you’ll be spending the holidays, Michael?
LikeLike
I think this replaced The Yellow Rose of Texas as my favourite then song, and stayed there until Freight Train Blues came along. If the release/popularity timing is not consecutive, you must remember, I grew up in Winnipeg, Our music was not always what Americans were listening to.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Somehow, I just can’t picture you singing and tapping your toes to The Yellow Rose of Texas! I’m not familiar, at least not in my limited memory these days, with Freight Train Blues, but I’ll check it out in a minute. LuL
LikeLike
Freight Train Blues was nothing if not a song about moving around. From my 16th birthday onward I continually moved around. I was a wanderer, a nomad. Did the song make me that way, or was it just me being aware that I wore wandering shoes?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Methinks you were a wanderer because you were seeking something. Not sure you’ve found it yet, but you’ve settled anyway. Give Gail a hug from me, please.
LikeLike
Happy holidays from Gail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great song. Listened to this a lot as a kid.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊 Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill, as you know, I love The Platters. They take me back to an earlier time. This is one of many of their great songs. I think the words of this song are very poignant. Keith
LikeLiked by 2 people
So do I, Keith! I can’t think of a Motown group I didn’t like at least some of their music. You’re right … the lyrics are poignant. Glad to know you liked this one!
LikeLike
Sorry, but I’m not really a fan of the Platters, or of the Freddie Mercury version. For me the best cover of this is by The Band.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I didn’t mind the Freddie Mercury version, but I’m a Motown junkie, so I did love the Platters. I did listen to a recording of the version by The Band, and while it wasn’t bad, I think David might be right, that it would be better live. This is what I love about music … we each have our own tastes and sometimes we like the same things, sometimes we don’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve often said that life, like music, would be boring if we all liked the same things! The Band were generally best seen and heard live, that’s why I think The Last Waltz concert recording is so good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I fully agree! There’s something for everyone to love in the music world … discounting today’s music, that is. 😉 I’ll check out that concert recording … thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s plenty of good new music around, depending on your taste – it isn’t likely to be found on mainstream radio though! The concert was The Band’s ‘farewell concert’ – the last show by the original line up, though they have produced a lot more since then in various configurations. It was released in 1978 as a triple album, and there was a movie of the show, directed by Scorsese. It had loads of guest artists, and is to me a classic. The DVD occasionally still gets an airing 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I rarely listen to radio anymore … unless I use my daughter’s car and when I start it up, the radio comes on at 1,000 decibels! You are far more well-versed in music than I am! For one thing, I am 90% deaf, so while with headphones I can hear the music, I can rarely understand the lyrics. I’ve given my girls many a laugh when singing the wrong lyrics to a song! Still, I love certain artists and their music … I’d have to put Stevie Wonder at the top of my list, along with Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, James Taylor, Jim Croce, and many others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to do that with the car radio too! I don’t think it’s about being more well-versed, just that our knowledge lies in different areas of music. Some good choices there 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m really enjoying these music posts … first, because I’m learning so much about the backstory of the songs and the artists and songwriters, and second because I’m enjoying the discussions and comments with readers, some of whom share my tastes almost entirely, others who have broadened my horizons with music that was new to me. And an added benefit, I’m learning what the lyrics REALLY said! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person