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

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.