Meaning of "I Can't Pretend" by The Barracudas

The lyrics of "I Can't Pretend" express a sense of helplessness and frustration in watching someone self-destruct. The singer acknowledges their own limitations and inability to save the other person, as they are already dealing with their own issues. The repeated refrain of "I can't pretend anymore" reflects a breaking point in the singer's ability to ignore the destructive behavior of the other person. Despite feeling no sympathy or sorrow for the person's situation, the singer decides to walk away for their own well-being. The song captures the complexity of relationships where one person is struggling to save the other but realizes that they can't always be the hero.