The Pretender

Jackson Browne

About The Pretender

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


Year:
2010
5:55
134 

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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


11 facts about this song

Song Origin
"The Pretender" is a song by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, released in his 1976 album of the same name.
Lyrics & Themes
The song is a commentary on the disillusionment and underlying hope of the American dream.
Album Performance
The Pretender album peaked at number 5 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart in the year of its launch.
Personal Life Influence
Many believe that the album and specifically "The Pretender" was heavily influenced by the tragic death of Browne's first wife, Phyllis Major, who committed suicide earlier in the year the album was released.
Collaborations
The album features meaningful collaborations, including harmonies by David Crosby and Graham Nash on the title track, "The Pretender".
Iconic Producer
The album was produced by esteemed industry figure Jon Landau, who is also known for his work with Bruce Springsteen.
Critical Response
The song "The Pretender" has been described as both a masterpiece of songwriting and as an uncomfortable summary of the mass empty lifestyle, showing Browne's ability to touch upon raw, emotional themes within his music.
Legacy
The song "The Pretender" and its encompassing album remain among Browne's most popular and enduring works, solidifying his reputation as a major influence during the 1970s California rock scene.
Covers
Various artists have covered "The Pretender," including a heart-touching rendition by the late Glen Campbell on his 2008 album "Meet Glen Campbell".
Recognition
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked The Pretender album on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, indicating the lasting impact of the song and its parent album.
Release Format
Interestingly, the song "The Pretender" was never released as a single. It gained popularity through radio airplay and as part of the overall album.

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    The Pretender

    3.3M
    17,746     935

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1977

    Billboard #58


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