Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: hard-rock
Song Meaning of “Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know” by Dinosaur Jr.
“Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know” is a song by Dinosaur Jr. that speaks to the difficulties of communicating with a loved one. The lyrics suggest that the singer is struggling to get the message across to someone they care about, who is perhaps avoiding a difficult conversation. The song speaks to the tension of conflict—in the verses the singer expresses their frustration, and in the chorus they plead with the other person to simply be honest and open with one another:
Verse:
Though we’re close, we don’t understand
I don’t know how to say goodbye
I can’t seem to get it through
Can’t seem to make you see
Chorus:
Don’t pretend you didn’t know
We can’t go on like this
If you want to tell the truth, we can get to it
Just don’t pretend you didn’t know
The song captures the difficult and awkward experience of trying to talk to someone about a challenging issue. The message of the song seems to be that communication can help to bridge gaps in relationships—if the other person would just be honest and open, it could help both sides to move forward. Ultimately, the song reminds us that true communication requires courage, and it can lead to a better understanding of each other when it is finally achieved.