Meaning of "Pretender" by Sarah Jaffe

The lyrics of "Pretender" by Sarah Jaffe delve into the theme of masking one's true emotions and vulnerabilities in order to maintain a facade of strength and resilience. The narrator portrays themselves as a selfless individual who is always ready to give and forgive, but deep down, they struggle with feelings of neglect and loneliness, as indicated by the lines "When nobody's around, I try not to care" and "When nobody's home, I will not get the door." The repeated chorus emphasizes the idea of being a pretender, suggesting a sense of disconnection between the outward projection of generosity and forgiveness and the inward struggle with their own emotions. The imagery of wilting flowers in the cold further reinforces the idea of hidden fragility and vulnerability. Ultimately, the lyrics capture the internal conflict of hiding behind a mask of strength while grappling with the weight of unexpressed feelings and emotions.