PRETENDING by Jerry Lynn Williams (performed by Eric Clapton)

Tab(chords and words actually) submitted by Andy Citron

Piano intro, a few drum hits, then guitar solo around verse chords (lick 1*)

How many times must we tell the tale?

[G/E]How many times must we fall?

[A/E]Living in lost memory

You just recalled (lick 1, guitar only)

Working on the sound of the band (2 part harmony)

Trying to get the music right

Two go out working

Three stay home at night (lick 2)

That’s when she said she was pretending

Like she knew the plan

That’s when I knew she was pretending

Pretending to understand

Pretending, pretending

Pretending, pretending (2nd time, repeat ‘pretending’ part before solo)

(second time guitar solo here)

Satisfied but lost in love (2 part harmony)

Situations change (2 part harmony)

You’re never who you used to think you are

How strange (lick 2)

Chorus

I get lost in alibis

Sadness can’t prevail

Everybody knows strong love

Can’t fail (lick 2)

Don’t be pretending about how you feel (3 part harmony when singing)

Don’t be pretending that your love is real (the word ‘pretending’)

Don’t be pretending about how you feel

Don’t be pretending that your love is real

Pretending, pretending

Pretending, pretending

* lick 1 = E D B A G E E (octave lower)

* lick 2 = A B D B G D E

Notes: E5 may be E maj or E min, it isn’t clear. The rythm plays E5 and

the solo sometimes plays major 3rd sometimes minor 3rd.

Also, the its not clear if the Em7 is an Em7 or a G with an E in the bass.

I find that these ambiguities are part of the appeal of the song.