Pretending

The song 'Pretending' by Glee, a musical comedy-drama television series known for its covers and original songs, delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited or undeclared love. The lyrics express the pain of being close to someone physically, yet feeling a vast emotional distance. The repeated line 'Face to face and heart to heart, we're so close, yet so far apart' encapsulates the essence of this struggle, highlighting the paradox of proximity and emotional disconnect.

The chorus questions whether the characters will ever express their true feelings or if they are doomed to maintain a facade, 'pretending' to be content with the current state of their relationship. The song captures the fear of vulnerability that comes with confessing one's feelings and the uncertainty of whether such a confession would lead to a 'happy ending' or if it would simply complicate matters further. The use of the word 'pretending' suggests a performance, an act put on for the outside world, or perhaps even for themselves, to avoid facing the reality of their emotions.

The bridge of the song introduces another layer of complexity, hinting at the possibility that both parties might share the same feelings but are keeping them secret. This lack of communication creates a barrier that prevents them from truly connecting, leaving the listener to wonder about the potential of the relationship if only they could 'tear down all the walls.' The song, therefore, not only speaks to the individual experience of longing and emotional concealment but also to the broader theme of how fear and uncertainty can inhibit the formation of genuine connections.