Danette McMahon
Don’t pretend that you’re happy to see me
I never dreamed you would be here
Wish that I could disappear
Guess we’re stuck in this place
Wipe the phony smile off your face
Don’t put you’re lyin’ arms around me
Don’t pretend
Don’t pretend we’re something we’re not
Don’t let the eyes so closely watching put you on the spot
(Don’t let the eyes watching so closely put you on the spot)
We’ve already said our goodbyes
Our friends never realized
We were long overdue being over
Don’t pretend
I was such a hopeless romantic
You were just hopeless
Now, it all comes down to this
Who gets the house, who’ll get the cars
Who will get the kids that wear the scars?
Don’t pretend that it doesn’t hurt real bad
When you see your babies cryin’
Does it make you sad?
Your freedom had its price
Did you stop once… to just think twice?
Are you glad that we’re finally over
Or, do you just pretend?
Story
There was a work situation where I wish it had been more pleasant to share the stage with an individual. There are some musicians who bring out the best in us and the hours fly by. There are some who are just punching the clock for a pay check. Very seldom, but it happens, there might be one you are so relieved that your season performing with them has come to an end. Let’s face it, personalities might clash, even when all the chords are right.
I went out to hear a band one night and was very shocked to run into someone I didn’t expect to be there. This was a ‘someone’ I had been happy to end my performance time with. (For the record, I was not the only singer who had felt this way.) He had been called to sub for the musician I was hoping to see. I was a bit surprised with his friendly greeting and a big hug!
When I was heading home, after enjoying some great music, the lyrics started in my head, “Don’t pretend you’re happy to see me! I never dreamed you would be here, wish I could disappear. Guess we’re stuck here in this place. Wipe that phony smile off your face and don’t put you’re lyin’ arms around me….Don’t Pretend!”
From there, I transitioned to a struggling couple, changing the story line. I would say this is one of the most painful subjects I have shared in my songs. So many have experienced the devastation of their families falling apart. As I worked on bringing this song to life, the lyrics “Who gets the house, who gets the cars, who’ll get the kids that bear the scars” stayed with me, demanding their place in the story.
I think I’ve made it clear, I’m not a real experienced songwriter. This creative part of me was awakened later in life. I would often walk into my private lesson with, Joe LoCascio, waiting for him to say, “Whoa! I don’t think that can work, Danette!” Fortunately, he didn’t quash an idea I had. In telling this story, I felt I needed to lighten the mood just a bit. That’s why I added what I call my ‘Cinderella’ moment, at the bridge, taking “I was such a hopeless romantic” into ¾ time. This ‘relief’ section of the song often makes people laugh…but comes right before the most painful lyrics.
I was fortunate to have Joe on piano to record this for my album. While prepping with the musicians, searching for the perfect intro, I requested something simple and ‘dark’! I love the chord he picked. When we got to the end, I repeated my request for more ‘dark’ and he nailed it!
Fortunately, this tune is followed by a happy, upbeat cover from The Dave Matthews Band!