We all have our moments when we need to pretend to be something we’re not. In honor of those moments, here are 20 of the best songs about faking it. Whether you’re putting on a brave face for the people around you or just trying to get through the day, these songs will help you feel like you’re not alone.
By the way, if you’re looking for more songs about faking, you may also want to check out songs about bats, songs about disappointment, songs about failure and success, songs about guilt, and songs about hidden love.Complicated – Avril Lavigne
“Complicated” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne, released as the lead single from her 2002 debut album Let Go. The song was written by Lavigne and produced by Cliff Magness. musically, “Complicated” is a power pop and pop punk song with acoustic instrumentation. The song’s lyrics deal with teenage angst and navigating through life. Its central theme is about faking one’s emotions in order to fit in.
“Complicated” received generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised its catchiness. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the United States, “Complicated” became Lavigne’s breakout hit and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming one of the best-selling songs of 2002. “Complicated” remains Lavigne’s signature song and is often considered to be one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
Doll Parts – Hole
In the song “Doll Parts” by Hole, lead singer Courtney Love explores the idea of faking it. The lyrics suggest that Love is pretending to be someone she’s not, likely in order to please others. She sings about putting on a “happy face” and wearing a ” mask” of sorts. It’s clear that Love is not comfortable in her own skin. She feels like she has to put on a show for the world, and it’s taking a toll on her mental health. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is desperately trying to hold herself together, even though she feels like she’s falling apart.
Don’t need You – Bullet For My Valentine
“Don’t Need You” is a song by English rock band Bullet for My Valentine, from their fourth studio album, Temper Temper (2013). Written by frontman Matthew Tuck and guitarist Michael “Padge” Paget, the song was released as the album’s third single on 8 October 2012. The lyrics of “Don’t Need You” address the issue of faking relationships. Tuck has said that the song is about “people who stay in relationships for all the wrong reasons”. He further explained that “there are a lot of people out there who are just in it for what they can get out of it, whether that be a financial gain or just to be seen with somebody”.
Entertainer – Zayn
Zayn is a singer and songwriter who first rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. His solo career has been characterized by R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences, and his music often explores themes of heartbreak and grief. One of his most well-known songs is called “Entertainer.” This track is about faking it – or putting on a false front – in order to cope with life’s struggles. Zayn sings about struggling with identity and confronting feelings of isolation, yet still keeping up appearances for the sake of others. He acknowledges that living life as an entertainer comes with its own unique set of challenges, but he ultimately serves up a message of hope and determination.
Everybody’s Fool – Evanescence
Everybody’s Fool is a song by Evanescence about faking it. It explores the idea that, despite appearances to the contrary, we can all be pretending to be something we’re not. The lyrics are raw and emotional, conveying both vulnerability and strength as the speaker sings about their attempts to keep up a facade in front of those around them. Ultimately, the song challenges us all to embrace our true identities and live authentically, rather than simply trying to appear perfect in every situation.
FAB – JoJo
![JoJo - FAB. (feat. Remy Ma) [Official Music Video]](https://theawesomemix.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F4_4b9ZcewYI%2F0.jpg&fix=it)
FAB, also known as JoJo, is a song about faking. The lyrics describe the various ways in which we may pretend to have feelings or experiences that we do not actually possess. For example, we might fake having a crush by flirting in order to impress others, or we could feign confidence by acting like everything is okay even when it’s not. This can be especially dangerous when we present a façade to a romantic partner, as they may come to rely on our false expressions of emotion and build up their hopes and expectations based on them. In any situation, then, FAB should remind us to be authentic in our interactions and refrain from playing games with people’s hearts and minds.
Fair Trade – Drake
Fair Trade is a song by rapper Drake that explores the concept of faking. In the lyrics, Drake talks about all the different ways that people try to deceive others, using everything from appearances and material items to their own words and emotions. He states that everyone does it in one way or another, but that it is ultimately an empty pursuit because no one ever really feels satisfied in the end. Through clever wordplay and vivid imagery, Fair Trade paints a picture of the many facades people put on, while also giving a nuanced argument against trying to fool others.
Fake Friends – PS1
“Fake Friends” by PS1 is a song about the dangers of faking friendship. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is betrayed by their “friend”, and the song serves as a warning to others about being too trusting. The song is built around a simple melody, but the lyrics are what make it truly memorable. The lyrics are both sad and admonishing, and they serve as a reminder that not all friends are genuine. “Fake Friends” is a song that everyone can relate to, and its message is one that will stay with you long after the song is over.
Fake Happy – Paramore
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The song “Fake Happy” by the band Paramore is a song about pretending to be happy. In the song, the singer talks about how she smiles and pretends everything is okay, even though she is really hurting inside. She talks about how she puts on a brave face for the world, even though she feels like she is breaking down. The song is about the pain of pretending to be something you’re not, and how exhausting it can be. However, it also contains a message of hope, as the singer says that she is determined to find her way out of the darkness. The song is relatable to anyone who has ever felt like they had to put on a fake smile and act like everything was okay when they were really struggling. It is a reminder that we are all fighting our own battles, and that it is okay to ask for help.
Fake Love – Drake
Many people have experienced the feeling of being in love, and for many, that feeling is raw and intense. In his song “Fake Love,” Drake examines the complex nature of this experience. He describes the feelings of frustration and disillusionment that can come with loving someone who doesn’t truly reciprocate those feelings. As Drake puts it, “this love isn’t real.” But despite the harsh emotions he expresses in this song, there is also a sense of perseverance and hope. Despite getting hurt over and over again, he still believes that true love exists somewhere out there for him. This unique combination of sadness, optimism, and determination make Drake’s “Fake Love” a powerful exploration of one of life’s most complex emotions.
Friends – Raye
The song “Friends” by Raye is about the dangers of faking relationships. The lyrics describe a scenario in which two people who are not really friends end up hurting each other because they are pretending to be something they’re not. The song is a warning against trying to force a friendship, and it advises listeners to be honest with themselves and others about their true feelings. “Friends” is a catchy and memorable tune that will leave its listeners thinking about the meaning of true friendship.
Gatekeeper – Cancer Bats
“Gatekeeper” is a song by Canadian rock band Cancer Bats. The song was released as the lead single from the band’s fourth studio album, Dead Set on Living (2012). “Gatekeeper” is a song about faking it. The lyrics describe someone who is pretending to be something they’re not, in order to fit in or gain approval. The song has been interpreted as being about inauthenticity and “putting up a front.” It has also been seen as a commentary on the music industry, and how people often have to pretend to be something they’re not in order to be successful. “Gatekeeper” was well-received by critics, who praised its catchy hook and sharp lyrical wit. The song was also a commercial success, charting in Canada and the United States. Cancer Bats have said that “Gatekeeper” is one of their favorite songs to play live, and it has become a fan favorite at their shows.
Hallucination – Regard
Hallucinations by Regard is a song about faking happiness in order to impress others. The lyrics describe a person who is putting on a brave face, even though they are struggling on the inside. Despite the upbeat melody, the song has a dark and uneasy feeling, which reflects the narrator’s inner turmoil. The song ultimately speaks to the pressure that we all feel to put on a happy front, even when we are struggling. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that it is okay to ask for help. Hallucinations by Regard is an important song that gives voice to the often-hidden struggle of mental illness.
Hard Of The Man – Laura Nyro
Laura Nyro’s “Hard of the Man” is a song about faking. The lyrics tell the story of a man who pretends to be something he’s not, in order to impress others. The man is “hard of the man,” meaning that he’s not really a tough guy. He’s just pretending to be one. The song is critical of the man, but it also shows some sympathy for him. The man is obviously not happy with his life, and he’s trying to escape from it by pretending to be someone else. The song ends with the man realizing that he can’t keep up the act forever, and that he needs to face up to his real life. “Hard of the Man” is a sad song, but it’s also a realistic portrayal of how some people try to cope with their own unhappiness.
How Look On You – Ariana Grande
In her song “How Look On You,” Ariana Grande sings about the challenge of pretending to be something she’s not. The lyrics suggest that Grande is struggling to keep up the act, and that she’s longing for someone to see through her facade. The song could be interpreted as a message about the danger of living a lie, or about the importance of being honest with oneself. It’s a powerful message, delivered with both honesty and vulnerability. Grande’s deep understanding of the human condition is evident in this song, and it’s one of the many reasons why she is such a successful artist.
Hypocrisy – Skepta
In his song “Hypocrisy,” Skepta examines the dangers of faking or pretending to be something you’re not. He begins by critiquing those who claim to be “real” but are actually living a lie. He points out that many people put on a false persona in order to gain popularity or respect, and that this often leads to them losing touch with their true selves. He goes on to say that those who are always trying to put up a front eventually end up revealing their true colors, often in embarrassing or humiliating ways. In the end, Skepta concludes that it’s better to just be yourself, even if you’re not perfect. After all, as he says, “Nobody’s perfect, we all have our flaws.”
I Never Love A Man – Aretha Franklin
I Never Love a Man is an iconic song about faking love and feelings for a partner. The lyrics describe how the speaker’s feelings for their partner are anything but genuine, deep-rooted, or authentic. Instead, they are based on mere infatuation or a desire to keep the other person in their life out of convenience. The speaker briefly discusses the pleasures and benefits of being in a relationship with this person, but ultimately admits that their love isn’t real and is built only on attachments and need. Through her masterful vocals and poetic lyrics, Aretha Franklin conveys both the guilt and relief that comes along with such an admission like never before. This song is a powerful reminder that true love can only exist when it is free from fakeness, manipulation, or unearned needs.
Imitation Of Life – Anthrax
Imitation Of Life is a song by the metal band Anthrax that explores the theme of faking one’s identity or feelings in order to succeed. Drawing on their own experiences as musicians, the band writes about what it feels like to be an imposter in a cutthroat industry that values image over substance. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who desperately wants other people to view them as being something they aren’t, either through pretending to have money or fame, or changing their appearance in order to fit in with others.
Know Now – Public Image Ltd.
Public Image Ltd., also known as PiL, is a post-punk band that was founded by John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten after he left the Sex Pistols. PiL’s debut album, First Issue, was released in 1978 and included the song “Know Now,” which is about faking. The lyrics of “Know Now” describe how someone can appear to be something they’re not, whether it’s by wearing a disguise or pretending to be something they’re not. Lydon has said that the song is about how people fake their way through life and how we’re all guilty of it at some point. “Know Now” is a catchy tune with a dark message, and it’s one of PiL’s most popular songs.
Liar – Rollins Band
“Liar” is a song by Rollins Band, released on their 1991 album Weight. The song is about faking it in order to get by in life. Rollins sings that he’s “tired of being what you want me to be” and that he’s “tired of being a liar.” He goes on to say that he’s “tired of compliance” and “sick of this game.” “Liar” is a powerful song about the frustration of living a lie and the desire to break free from it. The song has an aggressive, driving sound that reflects the frustration and anger of the lyrics. The song was a hit for Rollins Band, reaching #1 on the Modern Rock charts. It remains a popular song today, and its message is as relevant as ever.
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