Meaning of "Making Believe" by Social Distortion

"Making Believe" by Social Distortion portrays a bittersweet narrative of unrequited love and the pain of longing for someone who will never truly be theirs. The song revolves around the idea of creating an illusion to cope with the reality of a lost love. The narrator acknowledges that their significant other no longer loves them, yet they continue to make believe in order to hold onto the remnants of their relationship. The repetition of the line "making believe is all I can do" emphasizes the narrator's resignation towards their unfulfilled desires.

Throughout the song, the narrator realizes that they cannot truly possess the person they long for. The lyrics "I can't hold you close, darling, when you're not with me, you're somebody's love, you'll never be mine" reflect their acceptance of this painful truth. Despite this acceptance, the narrator still spends their lifetime loving this person, demonstrating an unwavering devotion and an inability to let go.

The repetitive nature of the lyrics emphasizes the cyclical nature of the narrator's emotions. They consistently find themselves in a state of loneliness and sadness, unable to escape from the torment of their unrequited love. This emotional turmoil is expressed through the poignant descriptions of feeling alone and blue, further amplifying the sense of heartbreak and longing.

Overall, "Making Believe" delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the lengths individuals go to in order to cope with their unfulfilled desires. It serves as a reminder of the pain and vulnerability that can come with loving someone who will never truly be yours.