Meaning of "Pretender" by Miike Snow

The lyrics of "Pretender" by Miike Snow convey a sense of reluctance to face reality until a significant touch forces acknowledgment. The narrator reflects on their drinking habits, possibly using alcohol as a coping mechanism to avoid confronting difficult emotions or situations. The mention of "the turning of the universe" suggests a broader sense of inevitable change and the passage of time. The idea of being a "pretender" and questioning if this will be the "age of surrender" speaks to the internal struggle of accepting one's reality and the aging process. The reference to children lying in their places and the lines in their faces may indicate a contemplation of youth, innocence, and the passage of time. The repeated theme of not wanting to wake up and the falling darkness lining the walls suggest a desire to remain in a comfortable but ultimately unfulfilling state, perhaps hinting at a fear of facing the unknown or the inevitability of aging and change. Overall, the lyrics of "Pretender" explore themes of avoidance, introspection, and the passage of time, encouraging listeners to confront reality and embrace change instead of pretending to avoid it.