I Pretend

Kim Carnes' song "I Pretend" delves deep into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the coping mechanisms one employs to deal with such heartache. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is deeply in love with someone who is already committed to another. The protagonist envies the person who has the love they yearn for, feeling the sting of being second best. This sense of inadequacy and longing is palpable throughout the song, as the protagonist wishes they could be in the shoes of the one who holds their beloved's heart.

The chorus reveals the protagonist's method of coping with this unfulfilled love: pretending. By creating a fantasy where they are the object of their beloved's affection, they find a way to get through the night. This act of pretending serves as a temporary escape from the harsh reality of their situation. The repetition of phrases like "I pretend that you're loving me after dark" and "I pretend that your valentine is for me" underscores the depth of their longing and the extent to which they immerse themselves in this fantasy world.

The song also touches on the pain of memories that refuse to fade. The protagonist is haunted by memories of their beloved, which come alive whenever they see them. This inability to escape from their feelings further intensifies their need to retreat into their fantasy. Kim Carnes' emotive delivery and the poignant lyrics combine to create a powerful portrayal of the agony of unrequited love and the solace found in dreams and fantasies.