Don't Pretend

Album: Lazarus (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was produced by ChadBeatz and features Canadian singer-songwriter Colin Munroe and blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. McCoy told Alternative Press about the track: "When I heard the beat at first, I was like, 'This song has an eerie vibe, but a sense of hope with the horns.' What's funny is whenever I get off tour and get to Miami, my allergies are completely out of control. I can't breathe and everything is itchy. Unfortunately, I had to go directly into the studio [when I got home to record] and I was like, 'There is no way I can record tonight.' But I decided, 'F--k it, I'm just going to give it a try.' I went into the studio and I hadn't written any lyrics yet, so I put the beat on loop for about half an hour and just started mouthing words and freestyling. I went in to record the first verse without writing anything down and it just came out. My allergies were so crazy - it added to the emotional vibe of the song. At the end, when the music drops out and I'm still rapping, that's where I think it really grabs the listener. You can definitely feel the pain and emotion in the song. It still gives me chills. I think it's the perfect end song for this album because the next Gym Class Heroes album picks up where Lazarus, ends. The next Gym Class record is really personal and introspective."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.