track

The Great Pretender - Single Version

1999Released

2:41

Adult Standards Easy Listening Rock-And-Roll Rockabilly

Did You Know?

Interesting facts and trivia about The Great Pretender - Single Version. By Songfacts®.

This song describes a man who deals with his heartbreak by denying it - he's mastered the art of smiling through the pain. It was written by The Platters' producer, Buck Ram, who needed a follow-up to the group's first hit, "Only You." Working fast, he wrote the lyrics in the washroom of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, where the group was performing.

This was used in the movie Rock Around The Clock, and also appeared on the American Graffiti soundtrack along with two other songs by The Platters: "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "Only You."

Freddie Mercury revived "The Great Pretender" in 1987 when he released his version of a single. It didn't make an impact in America, but went to #4 in the UK.