Pretending

Eric Clapton's song 'Pretending' delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the theme of pretense and the emotional toll it takes. The lyrics explore the repetitive nature of misunderstandings and the struggle to maintain genuine connections. Clapton questions how many times the same mistakes must be made and how often people fall into the trap of living in past memories. This sets the stage for a narrative about the difficulty of achieving true emotional honesty in relationships.

The song paints a vivid picture of a band working hard to perfect their music, a metaphor for the effort required to make a relationship work. The line 'Two go out working, three stay home at night' suggests a division of labor and perhaps a sense of imbalance or sacrifice. This is further complicated when the female character admits to 'pretending,' revealing that she has been feigning understanding and emotional involvement. Clapton's realization of her pretense underscores the song's central theme: the pain and confusion that arise when love is not genuine.

As the song progresses, Clapton reflects on the changes that love undergoes and the disorientation that comes with it. He acknowledges that people are often not who they thought they were, highlighting the transformative and sometimes disillusioning nature of relationships. The repeated plea to 'not be pretending' about feelings and love serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity. Clapton's message is clear: true love cannot thrive on pretense, and only by being honest about one's feelings can a relationship endure and grow stronger.