Released: 2024
“I’d Rather Pretend” by Bryant Barnes featuring d4vd is a deep dive into the complexities of love and vulnerability. The song captures the fear of getting hurt again and the internal conflict between wanting to love and the instinct to protect oneself by pretending not to care.
The hook, “I’d rather pretend that I don’t love you like I do, ’cause I don’t wanna hurt again,” sets the tone for the entire song. It highlights the fear of vulnerability and the desire to avoid emotional pain by pretending not to have feelings.
In the first verse, Bryant Barnes talks about getting used to feeling nothing for a long time and now wanting to love but feeling conflicted. The line “my head is holding up my heart” suggests a battle between logic and emotion.
The pre-chorus, with lines like “I’ve seen all the signs” and “What if they’re all lies?” reflects the doubt and mistrust that often come with past heartbreaks. Barnes questions the authenticity of the signs of love he’s seeing.
The chorus, “Tell me, is this real to you? ‘Cause I can feel my heart again,” is a plea for reassurance. Barnes feels his emotions resurfacing but is scared of being hurt again, so he chooses to pretend he doesn’t care.
d4vd’s verse adds another layer to the narrative. He talks about giving everything to someone and putting them on a pedestal, only to feel let down. The line “I gave it all for you to fall” speaks to the disappointment and betrayal he feels.
The repetition of “I’d rather pretend” in the bridge emphasizes the internal struggle. Both artists are scared of the potential pain that comes with love, so they choose to hide their true feelings.
The outro, with its repeated “I’d rather pretend,” leaves the listener with a sense of unresolved tension. The fear of getting hurt is so strong that it overshadows the desire to love openly.
Overall, “I’d Rather Pretend” is a powerful exploration of the fear of vulnerability in love. It captures the emotional turmoil of wanting to love but being too scared to risk getting hurt again.
Bryant Barnes and d4vd deliver a heartfelt performance that resonates with anyone who’s ever been afraid to open up emotionally. The song’s relatable theme and honest lyrics make it a standout track in their discographies.
