Pink’s song “Can We Pretend” isn’t just about having fun—it’s about escaping the pressures of real life and wishing we could go back to simpler, more carefree times. Through catchy lyrics and a vibe that’s both playful and emotional, Pink captures a feeling we’ve all had at some point: the urge to forget about everything for a while and pretend life is easier than it actually is.
Verse 1: Nostalgia and Mixed Emotions
The first verse of “Can We Pretend” is a trip down memory lane. Pink sings, “I remember conversations, We were dancing up on tables, Taking pictures when we had nowhere to post.” She’s remembering a time when things were spontaneous—when they didn’t need to worry about Instagram or TikTok to have a good time. The focus wasn’t on getting likes or followers, but just living in the moment.
But then she gets real with us: “You were laughing, I was crying, We were dancing, we were dying.” This isn’t just fun and games. It’s about the raw emotions that come with being young, where things felt intense, and even though there were moments of happiness, there was also a lot of pain. It’s the kind of emotional rollercoaster that you might experience with a best friend, a crush, or even your family. Pink remembers how they could have been having the best time, but still dealing with heavy emotions, like crying or feeling lost. And even though everything was messy, “Sometimes I don’t know how we walked away.” Maybe things didn’t end perfectly, but that doesn’t stop her from longing for those moments.
Pre-Chorus 1: Missing the Thrill of the Unknown
The pre-chorus gives us a glimpse into why those days felt so special. Pink admits, “If I’m honest, what I liked were the things we didn’t know.” When you’re younger, there’s a lot of excitement in not knowing what’s going to happen next. It’s like when you and your friends plan a night out and don’t know exactly where you’re going, but the thrill of the unknown makes it fun. The spontaneity and surprises are what made it all feel alive.
She follows that up with, “Every morning, every night, I’d be beating down your door just to tell you what I’m thinking, but you already know.” This shows how close they were—like when you don’t have to say much because your partner or best friend already knows what you mean. It’s that easy connection, where everything felt natural and simple.
But, Pink’s not quite ready to move on. She says, “Screw this, I don’t wanna let it go.” She’s not ready to say goodbye to that feeling. It’s like being unwilling to let go of your favorite hoodie that’s falling apart, just because it brings back so many good memories.
Chorus: Wishing for an Escape from Reality
When the chorus kicks in, Pink gets to the heart of the song: “So can we pretend that I’m 22 today? Dancin’ on the tables with you, oh yeah.” This line shows her desire to go back in time—to when she was younger, maybe more carefree, and just enjoying life without worrying about the responsibilities that come with adulthood. Maybe it’s like that time you were at a party with friends, dancing and laughing, but the next morning you had to deal with work—and it just didn’t feel as fun anymore.
She continues with, “Can we pretend that we all end up okay?” Pink is acknowledging that life is unpredictable. Not everything always turns out the way we hope, and sometimes the future seems uncertain. It’s that moment when you’re trying to figure out your path and wish you could just skip ahead to when everything’s figured out.
Then, she gets playful: “Can we pretend that we both like the president? Can we pretend that I really like your shoes?” Here, she’s asking to just go along with things, to pretend like certain opinions or things matter, even if they don’t. It’s that feeling of just going along with what others say to avoid the awkwardness of disagreement. In a way, she’s expressing how exhausting it is to pretend sometimes—whether it’s agreeing with people you don’t really care about or wearing something just to fit in.
By the end of the chorus, Pink sums it up with, “Honestly, reality, it bores me.” She’s admitting that sometimes real life just feels dull, and she’d rather live in a world of make-believe—where things are more exciting and less complicated.
Post-Chorus: A Simple Refrain, but More Feeling
The post-chorus is short, but it adds a lot of emotional weight. Pink repeats, “Can we pretend?” This simple question echoes throughout the song, reminding us how much she wants to escape reality. The repetition shows how deeply she feels the need to pretend, to escape. Sometimes, just asking for a break from the heavy stuff is all we can do.
Verse 2: Reflecting on What’s Changed
In the second verse, Pink shifts the focus a little. She remembers what they wanted and how they used to think they’d never take things for granted. “I remember what we wanted, what we’d never take for granted.” This reflects how, when we’re younger, we have these big dreams and ideas about how we want life to be. It’s like when you and your friends make a pact to always stay close and never let anything come between you, but as time goes on, things change, and sometimes those promises get harder to keep.
Then, Pink touches on something more personal: “How our daddy issues took us to LA.” This line shows how deep emotional stuff, like family problems, affected their journey. It’s not always fun, but it’s part of growing up. It’s like when you and your friends are dealing with stuff at home, and it ends up shaping your decisions—whether you realize it or not.
Pre-Chorus 2: Missing Simplicity and Connection
In the second pre-chorus, Pink talks about missing the simple moments. She says, “What I miss is not knowin’ what to say, and the feeling of your lips.” She’s referring to the simplicity of not needing to say much to someone because you just know each other so well. It’s like being able to hang out with your best friend without even having to talk—just being in the same space and enjoying the comfort of each other’s company.
But, even though she misses these moments, she’s still reluctant to let go of them. “Screw this, I don’t wanna let it go.” Again, she’s not ready to leave behind the comfort of those carefree days.
Chorus: The Desire to Keep Pretending
As the chorus repeats, Pink’s plea to escape reality becomes stronger. She asks, “Can we pretend that we like these fake-ass dudes?” She’s calling out the fake, shallow people that sometimes pop up in adulthood. It’s that feeling of being surrounded by people who don’t feel real, and wishing for something more genuine. It’s like when you’re stuck in a social situation with people you don’t really click with, and you just wish you could escape to a place where things felt more true.
Outro: Keeping the Dream Alive
The outro brings us back to the question: “Can we pretend?” Pink’s not giving up on the idea of pretending. She’s still longing for that simpler time when things were more exciting and less complicated. It’s like that last thought before bed, when you’re thinking about how much easier things would be if you could just hit reset.
Conclusion: A Universal Wish for Escaping Reality
Pink’s “Can We Pretend” is all about wishing we could escape from the heavy parts of life and return to a time when things felt easier. Whether it’s the confusion of growing up or the weight of adult responsibilities, we all have moments where we just want to pause and pretend things are different. Through this song, Pink gives voice to that universal feeling of wanting to escape reality—if only for a little while. And in a world that’s often too fast-paced and overwhelming, it’s easy to see why so many people connect with this idea. So, next time life feels too real, you can always hit play on “Can We Pretend” and let yourself dream for a bit.