The Great Pretender

· by The Platters

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The Great Pretender

The Platters80 BPM

Lyrics

(CN.C.)Oh, (C)yes,

I’m the (Dm)great

pre (C)tend er,

pre (F)tend in’ in a I’m

do in’ (C)well.

(F)My

is (G)such,

I pre (C)tend too (F)much, I’m (C)lone ly but (Dm)no

one can (C)tell.

Oh, (C)yes,

I’m the (Dm)great

pre (C)tend er,

a (F)drift in’ in a world

of my (C)own.

(F)I

the (G)game,

but to (C)my real (F)shame, you’ve (C)left me to (Dm)dream

all a (C)tell.

Oh, (C)lone.

Too (F)real

is this feel

ing of (C)make

be lieve,

too (F)real

when I feel

what my (C)heart

can’t con (G)ceal.

Oh, (C)yes,

I’m the (Dm)great

pre (C)tend er,

just (F)laugh

in’ and gay

like a (C)clown.

(F)seem

to (G)be

what I’m (C)not,

you (F)see,

I’m (C)wear in’

my (G)heart

like a (E)crown;

(F)pre (C)tend in’

that (G)you’re

still a (C)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 C at 180 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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.
What other The Platters songs work for kids?: Try "THE MAGIC TOUCH", "THE GREAT PRETENDER", "ONLY YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.