Pretend
Marvin Gaye · A Tribute To The Great Nat King Cole [1965]
Artist: Nat King Cole
-peak Billboard position #2 in 1953
-competing versions charted by Ralph Marterie (6) and Eileen Barton (#17)
-also charted by Tab Smith in 1957 (#89)
-also charted in 1959 by Carl Mann (#57)
-Words and Music by Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman, and Frank Lavere
Pretend you're happy when you're blue
It isn't very hard to do
And you'll find happiness without an end
Whenever you pretend
Remember anyone can dream
And nothing's bad as it may seem
The little things you haven't got
Could be a lot if you pretend
You'll find a love you can share
One you can call all your own
Just close your eyes, she'll be there
You'll never be alone
And if you sing this melody
You'll be pretending just like me
The world is mine, it can be yours, my friend
So why don't you pretend?
<instrumental interlude>
And if you sing this melody
You'll be pretending just like me
The world is mine, it can be yours, my friend
So why don't you pretend?
-peak Billboard position #2 in 1953
-competing versions charted by Ralph Marterie (6) and Eileen Barton (#17)
-also charted by Tab Smith in 1957 (#89)
-also charted in 1959 by Carl Mann (#57)
-Words and Music by Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman, and Frank Lavere
Pretend you're happy when you're blue
It isn't very hard to do
And you'll find happiness without an end
Whenever you pretend
Remember anyone can dream
And nothing's bad as it may seem
The little things you haven't got
Could be a lot if you pretend
You'll find a love you can share
One you can call all your own
Just close your eyes, she'll be there
You'll never be alone
And if you sing this melody
You'll be pretending just like me
The world is mine, it can be yours, my friend
So why don't you pretend?
<instrumental interlude>
And if you sing this melody
You'll be pretending just like me
The world is mine, it can be yours, my friend
So why don't you pretend?
Pretend
Marvin Gaye's 1965 recording of "Pretend" serves as a poignant song in his tribute to Nat King Cole. During this period, Gaye was refining the smooth, soulful vocal style that would later define his classic era. This track captures his ability to interpret standards with deep emotional resonance, bridging the gap between traditional pop and emerging R&B sensibilities. The song highlights Gaye's versatility as a vocalist capable of honoring jazz legends while infusing the material with his own distinctive warmth. As part of a broader discography that spans decades, this recording stands as a testament to his early mastery of balladry and his enduring influence on the genre.