Pretender

Jackson Browne

About Pretender

"The Pretender" is a song written and performed by American rock performer Jackson Browne and featured on his 1976 album The Pretender.


Year:
2004
352 
#2

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I'm going to rent myself a house
In the shade of the freeway
Gonna pack my lunch in the morning
And go to work each day
And when the evening rolls around
I'll go on home and lay my body down
And when the morning light comes streaming in
I'll get up and do it again
Amen.
Say it again
Amen.

I want to know what became of the changes
We waited for love to bring
Were they only the fitful dreams
Of some greater awakening?
I've been aware of the time going by
They say in the end it's the wink of an eye
When the morning light comes streaming in
You'll get up and do it again
Amen.

Caught between the longing for love
And the struggle for the legal tender
Where the sirens sing and the church bells ring
And the junk man pounds his fender.
Where the veterans dream of the fight
Fast asleep at the traffic light
And the children solemnly wait
For the ice cream vendor
Out into the cool of the evening
Strolls the Pretender
He knows that all his hopes and dreams
Begin and end there

Ah the laughter of the lovers
As they run through the night
Leaving nothing for the others
But to choose off and fight
And tear at the world with all their might
While the ships bearing their dreams
Sail out of sight

I'm gonna find myself a girl
Who can show me what laughter means
And we'll fill in the missing colors
In each other's paint-by-number dreams
And then we'll put our dark glasses on
And we'll make love until our strength is gone
And when the morning light comes streaming in
We'll get up and do it again
Get it up again

I'm gonna be a happy idiot
And struggle for the legal tender
Where the ads take aim and lay their claim
To the heart and the soul of the spender
And believe in whatever may lie 
In those things that money can buy
Thought true love could have been a contender
Are you there?
Say a prayer for the Pretender.
Who started out so young and strong
Only to surrender.

Say a prayer for the pretender
Are you there for the pretender?
Say a prayer for the pretender
Are you there for the pretender?
Are you prepared for the pretender?

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Jackson Browne

Clyde Jackson Browne (born October 9, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has sold over 17 million albums in the United States alone. more »

17 fans

Written by: Jackson Browne

Lyrics © FLAT TOWN MUSIC CO., A DIV. OF SWALLOW PUBLICATIONS, INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Year
"Pretender" by Jackson Browne is a song from the album "The Pretender" which was released in 1976.
Studio Production
The recording and production of the song and the album was done at the legendary Sound Factory Studio in Los Angeles.
Producer
The album "The Pretender" was produced by Jon Landau who is notably known for his long-term work with Bruce Springsteen.
Album Position
"The Pretender" is the title track and is the last song featured on the album.
Theme
The song delves into existential themes, with Jackson Browne reflecting on the disillusionment and loss he felt after the death of his first wife.
Chart Performance
The album "The Pretender" reached the number five position on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1976, making it a major success.
Musicians
The recording involved some notable artists like David Lindley, Russ Kunkel, Craig Doerge and Leland Sklar.
Cover Versions
The song "The Pretender" was covered by various artists like Shawn Colvin, Katey Sagal, and Pat McGee Band.
Popular Culture
Over the years, "The Pretender" has been used in various TV series soundtracks such as "The Simpsons" and films like "No Looking Back".
Legacy
The song, as well as the album, has been hailed for its profound lyrics and emotional depth, which have resonated with audiences for decades. Many musicians and critics consider it a classic in the singer-songwriter genre.

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    "Pretender Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18980239/Jackson+Browne/Pretender>.

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