Meaning of Pretend by CNCO

The Hidden Depths of "Pretend" by CNCO

As I first heard "Pretend" by CNCO, I was struck by the haunting melody and the lyrical themes that resonated deeply with me. As I delved deeper into the song, I became fascinated by the complexity of the emotions expressed in it. The song explores the tumultuous nature of a secret love affair, where the protagonists grapple with conflicting feelings of desire and guilt.

The Clandestine Nature of Love

The song begins with Joel singing, "I only love you in the middle of the night, that’s when you run my mind." This poignant line sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing the secretive nature of the relationship. The protagonist is drawn to this person under the cover of darkness, when they can’t suppress their desires. This stark contrast between the intensity of their feelings and the taboo nature of their relationship makes for a compelling narrative.

The Internal Struggle

The chorus reveals the protagonist’s inner turmoil. "It’s not right, but I need you tonight, that’s why I’ll pretend."_ This admission underscores the difficulty of navigating a forbidden love. The protagonist recognizes that their actions are unacceptable, yet they can’t resist the allure of the person they desire. "I’ll pretend that I don’t love you, but I know it’s not true." This poignant line highlights the emotional struggle, as they acknowledge the impossibility of their situation.

Yearning and Longing

In the first verse, Chris and Joel convey a sense of surrender, confessing their willingness to obey the desires of the person they long for. Despite knowing that this may have a negative outcome, they are willing to comply, even if it means damaging their own well-being. "Staring at a problem we can’t solve" emphasizes the complexity and impossibility of finding a resolution to their predicament.

Intensity and Passion

Zabdiel’s pre-chorus suggests that their intense passion and desire may be mistaken for unconditional love. "You could be the one I would die for, I wouldn’t know what I’ve been living for."_ This poignant line reveals the depth of their emotions and the overwhelming nature of their feelings. It’s as if they are willing to give everything to satiate this addiction they’ve developed, which they refer to as love.

Boundaries and Secrecy

The second verse, performed by Erick and Richard, uses metaphors to convey their longing and desire. "Always hooking up on the low, low" exemplifies the secrecy of their relationship and their commitment to keeping it hidden. This line highlights the rules that govern their encounters, revealing the boundaries they have set to maintain the illusion of their clandestine love.

The Repetitive Nature of Heartache

The repetition of the chorus, post-chorus, and bridge emphasizes the ongoing struggle of the protagonists. "Pretend" serves as a reminder of their precarious situation, where they acknowledge their love for this person, yet recognize that it can’t continue forever.

A Cautionary Tale

As I continued to listen to "Pretend" by CNCO, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The song presents a cautionary tale about the emotional toll of engaging in a relationship that is unsustainable. "Pretend" offers a glimpse into the emotional complexity of secretive love affairs, revealing the conflicting feelings, the need for discretion, and the understanding that their love can only exist in the shadows.

Personal Reflection

As I reflect on the song, I’m struck by the universality of the emotions expressed. Have we all, at some point, found ourselves grappling with the complexities of secrecy and desire? The intensity of the emotions in "Pretend" resonates deeply, serving as a reminder of the emotional journey we embark upon when we engage in relationships that test our boundaries.

In the end, "Pretend" by CNCO is a thought-provoking song that invites us to explore the depths of human emotion. It’s a reminder of the importance of authenticity, honesty, and communication in our relationships.

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