“The Pretender” by Foo Fighters
“The Pretender” reveals the activities of people in authority who in a bid to stay in power use all forms of lies and pretense to control the beliefs and emotions of citizens. The speaker explains that these Pretenders, due to their thirst for power make sure that they keep their followers in the dark so they can continually control them.
As the narrator reveals the destruction these bad people cause by keeping most people stuck, he distinguishes himself by stating that he will no longer be controlled by them. In the chorus, the writer further presents himself as a person who is willing to speak against them, expose them and fight for change while doing what is right. Despite the fact that these pretenders in authority may have not faced any opposition for a long time, he is ready to challenge them. And in doing so, he will reveal their deceptive secrets and start a revolution which will open the eyes of the majority.
“The Pretender” Facts
Writing: Dave Grohl alongside:
- Chris Shiflett
- Nate Mendel
- Taylor Hawkins
Production: Gil Norton
Album: Foo Fighters’ hard rock Grammy-winning album “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” of 2007
Release: 21st August, 2007
Was “The Pretender” a single?
Yes. Foo Fighters released it as the first of the four singles supporting “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace”.
Records Charts Performance
Foo Fighters have released a ton of mega hits, and this is considered one of them. In addition to getting to No. 37 (peak position) on America’s greatly desired Hot 100 charts, “The Pretender” scored a number 1 on the following American record charts:
- “Alternative Airplay”
- “Mainstream Rock”
FYI, the aforementioned charts are all run by Billboard.
In United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, New Zealand and Poland, Foo Fighters again scored a top-10 hit with “The Pretender”.
Did “The Pretender” win a Grammy Award?
It almost won one in 2008 when it received a nomination in the “Best Rock Song” grouping. “Radio Nowhere” by Bruce Springsteen beat it and three others to become the award’s recipient.
As a rock song this is an 11 out of 10 and the video takes it to 12. Even though this came out over a decade ago it has never been more timely given the growing gaslighting by mainstream cable news, and increasingly authoritarian bent of government in the USA be they Democrat or Republican.
Totally agree with you about the meaning of lyrics.