The Great Pretender

· by The Platters

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Lyrics

Oh, (Eb)yes, I’m the (Fm)great

(Bb7)pre (Eb)tend er,

(Eb7)pre (Ab)tend in’

I’m do in’ (Eb)well.

(Eb7)My (Ab)need

is (Bb7)such, I pre (Eb)tend too (Ab)much; (Fm7)I’m (Eb)lone ly, but (Fm)no one can (Eb)tell.

(Bb7)Oh, (Eb)yes, I’m the (Fm)great

(Bb7)pre (Eb)tend er,

(Eb7)a (Ab)drift in a world of my (Eb)own.

(Eb7)I (Ab)play

the (Bb7)game, but to (Eb)my real (Ab)shame, (Fm7)you’ve (Eb)left me to (Fm)dream all a (Eb)lone.

(Eb7)Too (Ab)real is this feel ing of (Eb)make

be lieve, (Eb7)too (Ab)real when I feel what my (Eb)heart can’t con (Bb7)ceal.

Oh, (Eb)yes, I’m the (Fm)great

(Bb7)pre (Eb)tend er,

(Eb7)just (Ab)laugh in’ and gay like a (Eb)clown.

(Eb7)I (Ab)seem

to (Bb7)be what I’m (Eb)not,

(Eb)you (Ab)see;

(Fm7)I’m (Eb)wear in’ my (Fm)heart like a (G)crown,

(Bb7)pre (Eb)tend in’ (Eb)that (Fm)you’re still a (Eb)roun’.

(Bb7)Oh, (Eb)yes, I’m the (Fm)great

(Bb7)pre (Eb)tend er,

(Eb7)pre (Ab)tend in’

I’m do in’ (Eb)well.

(Eb7)My (Ab)need

is (Bb7)such, I pre (Eb)tend too (Ab)much; (Fm7)I’m (Eb)lone ly, but (Fm)no one can (Eb)tell.

(Bb7)Oh, (Eb)yes, I’m the (Fm)great

(Bb7)pre (Eb)tend er,

(Eb7)a (Ab)drift in a world of my (Eb)own.

(Eb7)I (Ab)play

the (Bb7)game, but to (Eb)my real (Ab)shame, (Fm7)you’ve (Eb)left me to (Fm)dream all a (Eb)lone.

(Eb7)Too (Ab)real is this feel ing of (Eb)make

be lieve, (Eb7)too (Ab)real when I feel what my (Eb)heart can’t con (Bb7)ceal.

Oh, (Eb)yes, I’m the (Fm)great

(Bb7)pre (Eb)tend er,

(Eb7)just (Ab)laugh in’ and gay like a (Eb)clown.

(Eb7)I (Ab)seem

to (Bb7)be what I’m (Eb)not,

(Eb)you (Ab)see;

(Fm7)I’m (Eb)wear in’ my (Fm)heart like a (G)crown,

(Bb7)pre (Eb)tend in’ (Eb)that (Fm)you’re still a (Eb)roun’.

(Bb7)Oh, (Eb)roun’.

The Great Pretender by The Platters — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Great Pretender” by The Platters in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Ab at 72 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "The Great Pretender" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "The Great Pretender"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "The Great Pretender" use?: Just 11 chords: Ab, Bb7, C7, Cm7, Eb, Eb7, F7, F9, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Platters songs work for kids?: Try "THE MAGIC TOUCH", "ONLY YOU", "My Prayer". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.