Today’s song of the day is the doo-wop chart-topper “The Great Pretender” by the Platters, released in 1955.

Fun Facts

• The Platters were the first R&B group to have a #1 Billboard pop hit with this song in 1956.
• Producer Buck Ram claims to have written the song in the bathroom of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.
• It’s featured in the 1956 film Rock Around the Clock, a rock and roll musical produced by Sam Katzman, famous for his b-movie filmography.
• The name of the band comes from the metal disc that rotates records on a turntable.
• The Platters have gone through many lineup changes, but the members performing on this track include:
  • Tony Williams
  • Herb Reed
  • David Lynch
  • Paul Robi
  • Zola Taylor

Lyrics 

(Musixmatch)

Oh yes I’m the great pretender (ooh ooh)

Pretending I’m doing well (ooh ooh)

My need is such I pretend too much

I’m lonely but no one can tell

Oh yes I’m the great pretender (ooh ooh)

Adrift in a world of my own (ooh ooh)

I play the game but to my real shame

You’ve left me to dream all alone

Too real is this feeling of make believe

Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal

Ooh Ooh yes I’m the great pretender (ooh ooh)

Just laughing and gay like a clown (ooh ooh)

I seem to be what I’m not (you see)

I’m wearing my heart like a crown

Pretending that you’re still around

Yeah ooh hoo

Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal

Oh yes I’m the great pretender

Just laughing and gay like a clown (ooh ooh)

I seem to be what I’m not you see

I’m wearing my heart like a crown

Pretending that you’re

Pretending that you’re still around