The Pretender | Jackson Browne | Lyrics ☾☀

[@tayhey56]

My husband and I saw Jackson every time he came to Las Vegas. Lost him last year after 46 years. Saw Jackson alone last week. Had the best seat, front row, center. My Jack would’ve loved it. He was the one who made me love Jackson. For that one night, we were side by side again.

[@marybethholland4044]

So sorry for your loss

[@kyrgyzstanification]

Beautiful sentiment you've expressed. Thank you.

[@carolbarquin1127]

I am so sorry for your loss. My husband passed away 15 years ago.

[@jamesslick4790]

I know that your Jack was with you at that show! You will ALWAYS be side by side With Jack! 👍😊👍

[@dcron6]

God bless you.

[@WesB1972]

Every working mans anthem. Never give up. BRAVO Mr Browne.

[@edmega3819]

I remember listening to this in the 70s and thinking I had all the time in the world … in a wink of an eye was more prophetic than I realized … such a well written classic!

[@TheBilly4121]

amen to you brother

[@MBMCincy63]

Yeah, I agree.

[@kathleenwhite6148]

What a wonderful beautiful songwriter.........

[@bobbyjoemerritt3158]

@@kathleenwhite6148 true

[@stevecareskey6542]

Ridiculous, how true this song is.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

This song came out in 1976 when Jackson was only 28 years old. As a songwriter I want to know how could such a young man have this much wisdom. I'm 56 and I'm just figuring out these things now. Oh , and he wrote " These Days " at 16 years old. God Bless You Jackson Browne !!!!

[@georgeevangel3233]

Graig Whitney That could be said of a lot of musicians Most were in their 20s

[@Craig-bz3dm]

@@georgeevangel3233 I agree that the 20's are the primary years of Songwriting . I could write a song a week in my 20's . I don't think that you got the meaning of my comment . Most Songwriters in their 20's could not write a Masterpiece like this , because in your 20's you think that you have life by the balls !!! It's not until you get in your late 40's or 50's , that you come to the realization that life had you the whole time , and you were just a " Pretender " !!! I mean , " Out into the cool of the evening Strolls the Pretender . He knows that all his hopes and dreams , begin and end there " . You just do not have that experience under your belt in your 20's my friend !!! I am assuming you are older like myself , so you know exactly what I was trying to say if you think about it !!! Jackson Browne was definitely not a "Pretender " at 28 years old !!! That's what I was trying to imply by my comment . I won't even get into the implication of writing " These Days " at 16 years old , because that's on a whole other level of insight !!!!

[@georgeevangel3233]

@@Craig-bz3dm I was thinking of Cat Stevens. He wrote a lot of great music in his early 20s, one song even in Spanish How he acquired that wisdom at such a young age always baffled me

[@Craig-bz3dm]

@@georgeevangel3233 Oh I absolutely agree about Cat Stevens !!! He was 22 when he released it Tea For The Tillerman , one of my Favorite Albums of the 70's !!!

[@RogerDiotte]

What a great memo you wrote here! Me at 11 years old in 76 I recall this song so well on the radio...I used to have this and still do btw song humming in my head on a loop...hence why I'm here today!

[@andydasher9830]

We spend our entire life struggling for the legal tender so we can retire in comfort but you can have all the money in the world but without your health it means nothing. Take care of yourself my friends. P.S. at some point enjoy it

[@carolwillis7549]

My husband died last year. At 58.. We were The pretenders....saw Jackson..few years ago....it wasnt a bad life. In love..worked..that's what you do...

[@grahammatthews537]

I am an African American male age 74 and this is my favorite song of Jackson Brown, I saw him in concert at the Merriwether Post Pavilion in 1978, best concert ever.

[@mariettadude]

Hey Graham! I'm 71, right behind ya and this one of my favorites as well! Take care!

[@tonioshea9870]

Wish I'd been there...☺

[@abrahamdelacruz5068]

Toni O'Shay same

[@patgorn3817]

Graham Matthews ahh Genius

[@milliewray]

Hey Graham you're not an African American You're pure unlimited consciousness experiencing life through your present avatar carnation

[@pammiller2172]

Love, Love, Love Jackson Browne. Beautiful man

[@kellysmith8845]

Indeed

[@tombeyer375]

Woke up to the birds chirping and the lyrics to this number runnin' through my head. Through this rollercoaster of life, at 64 years young, still tryin' to hold onto the good times. Peace, love and harmony going out to everyone.

[@rocky8758]

67 here and the same here.

[@kylewashington1841]

37, me and my nephews will carry on this song. Hopefully they show their children. God bless you brothers.

[@greenpen122]

I’m 67...agree. Special song...sung by a special man. Thanks JB.

[@thefunmom2929]

My Dad loved Jackson Browne, he would always tell me to listen to the lyrics, I never really understood them untill after he passed... 💔 😢 Timeless music.

[@theawakeningheard410]

That’s so touching. I feel for you and have much respect for your Dad. I would have liked him. No doubt.

[@pamelalee3223]

Pamela Ruth Lee. I'm a pianist and played this. I sing also. Love Jackson Browne. Thanks for the memories.❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊😊😅😊😊

[@kiamichiozarks7056]

I believe this man is anointed to write and sing.

[@laurandre492]

with severe levels of conviction.

[@markbrock1228]

I thought that of a best selling author I know too. Truly, I think it's a lot of discipline too. Sitting down and writing relentlessly when you do not feel it happening. The story will tell itself. I could be wrong, however.

[@kiamichiozarks7056]

mark brock, I think you are right too, Mr. Brock. It does take discipline, 💁🏻‍♀️ but you can’t make a ballerina out of an elephant.

[@laurandre492]

What did you think of the critics' rave and lifting-up of "Lawyers In Love?' To me, it was overrated, probably because of the video interpretation, causing [intended] message to be transformed into this saccharine cliche endlessly spinning in the mainstream rinse cycle.

[@markbrock1228]

@@kiamichiozarks7056 , I would be that said elephant. I don't have what it takes to be a good musician! LOL!

[@patricia5570]

My dad is so humble about how much success God blessed him with. Even legal issues. My education has been priceless. We talk about God and the real important man that has always been……

[@tombeyer375]

Soooo very glad you were blessed with such a great loving father, who led you to such a greater Father, who only wants the best for all of us. ❤

[@SharonGoewert]

l loved this song when I was preteen Im now 56 yrs. old and wish and Pray for my 27 yr. old son now.

[@angelaallen340]

Thanks again, you tube , for keeping this classic song up . Beautiful music never dies. 🎤🎵🎹

[@myriammeijer6537]

I wanted to say.. Tears in my eyes ❤️🙏 I'm 23 but fan of Jackson Browne since years. I m also fan of Mick Jagger since I was 3 years old I'm from holland. 🙂

[@kerrienich7934]

I fell in love with this song when I was about 13. At 61 it's still the most hauntingly beautiful song I've ever heard . I still haven't found all my colours though...

[@scottcreech9936]

So I’m 61 & when the song came out (1976) I was 16. How were u 13?

[@DJDeez87]

@@scottcreech9936 he said he was about 13

[@adamdrach5394]

@Kerrie Nich, me neither, and some days there are no colors, only shades of gray…

[@Paul-ev7zy]

Oh...61...me too... however this song and the meaning is timeless... absolutely

[@4700_Dk]

I’m retired now in my 60’s. And this song hits home, growing up as a teen in the 70’s.

[@robikenoll-faries6589]

same, except no retirement avail for me... so this music and JT, etc gets me thru every day

[@markhavard171]

Its by far the most beautifully depressing song ive ever heard . no one has even come close to writting and singing the dipication of what a pretender really is. And so many have lived and still live it everyday. Jack is a very talented man . its spot on Jack . Thanks i love it

[@ShiftlessBill]

I remember hearing this song for the first time late at night when I was driving cab, and being blown away - it was so unlike anything else on the radio. And that line "I'm gonna be a happy idiot and struggle for the legal tender" really got me wondering about the direction of my life.

[@scottrsmity4466]

I never tire of this beautiful song....it reminds me of myself and many close friends/family who chase that dollar while losing that precious commodity of time.

[@toddadams7442]

But the commodity of time is key to struggle for the legal tender...time clock and get paid by the hour, the Job and or salary...all time ...lost to the struggle for the legal tender...

[@toddadams7442]

Traveling to Town to town...

[@brentrice1370]

One of the best singer/songwriter of our generation ❤

[@energyexecs]

...One of my favorite tunes...offers a reflection on one's quest and struggles to make an imprint in this great miracle called life.

[@jena8728]

"While the ships bearing their dreams sail out of sight" At 50 years old, a lot of dreams sailed out of sight. I hold on to the ones hanging around at the shoreline❤

[@frederickmaximiliano7039]

i know Im kinda off topic but do anyone know of a good site to watch newly released series online ?

[@kyngroman4238]

@Frederick Maximiliano Flixportal :P

[@frederickmaximiliano7039]

@Kyng Roman Thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D Appreciate it !!

[@kyngroman4238]

@Frederick Maximiliano You are welcome :D

[@johncraig3561]

@@kyngroman4238 😘 78 😘

[@vincefisher9907]

One of the most underrated and prolific songwriters of all time.

[@johntobey1558]

Vince Fisher truly profound.

[@10thavenuesteve45]

I’m a happy idiot

[@furioussherman7265]

Underrated? Everyone at least knows him for co-writing Take It Easy.

[@evelynbaron2004]

In Tom Petty's bio Jackson Browne said, "I've known him for a long time but I can't say that I really KNOW him." I'm biased in favour of brilliant keyboard artists because that's my instrument but I'm very aware that that makes one a one man orchestra, despite the band behind you. Both artists were supreme and underrated but I do understand the slight gap in understanding. Tom Petty needed a family and found the best form in his band: and still found himself in a position that guaranteed him loneliness. Despite his many social defences (humour was a great one, never mind the fucking sunglasses he needed glasses period … it was impossible not to love him as a human being. Mutatis mutanda, I also think that Jackson Browne deals with emotional themes while maintaining a certain distance, if that makes any sense at all. Tom's music was emotionally HUGE: in the Heartbreakers' house there were many mansions, for each of us to find ourselves. In a Venn diagram they had a really big area in common but the periphery was crucially different. We need them both. The very best.

[@pammyann48]

The best!!!

[@bobsarfatty4673]

The song says it all. " True love could have been a contender " Great poet, song.

[@lawrencerasmus]

I'm 71 and he just sang my whole life😥

[@RogerDiotte]

Right on Lawrence...I hear that statement so well...me also and I sang this song my whole life knowing that the meaning would strike me a cord at some point...TODAY!

[@peteberwick]

I can think of no other song so lyrically perfect, that embodies all that there is about Life. This is the song that even Bob Dylan wished he could have written.

[@ACF6180T]

This is the only song that I can relate to as far as the way I did live my life from when I was 19 when I 1st heard it ! Till know that I'm 65 ! & now I'm running on empty on the short side of life !

[@1_Hit_Gaming]

One hell of a great musician

[@jadezee6316]

jackson brown..was my go to guy...when i was young...and that first hit.....took over

[@timothyneighbors8600]

Time is our greatest gift make your days count

[@LaurenMiddleton28]

I discovered Jackson Browne in College back in 2015. My god his lyrics are just amazing. I’m ashamed my generation has no idea who he is.. that’s sad. If there was a kid in his 20’s singing these lyrics they would be Blown away but since he was around in the 70’s they will never know.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

It's not hard to find older music.. They just have an ignorant attitude...if it's old dont bother..

[@unpluggeddogdreams]

My kids are grown now but when they were teenagers they found my music stash and they were blown away. They love the music from the decade before they were born, knowing that their parents were listening to the treasure they found didn't have any bearing on the fact that the music was the better than anything that was available to them in that wonder time before adulthood had to move in. I am very pleased that they could appreciate the greatest music decade that ever was and probably will ever be.

[@billred3820]

I started listening to Jackson brown about the same time in college too

[@psarginson]

Just look at it this way " It's ours we're gonna enjoy it ! "

[@grace77555]

Have you ever heard his Hold Out?

[@debbiesills6402]

This was played at my brothers memorial and I couldn't listen to it for about 6 years after his death. I still barely get through without tears. I love Jackson Browne, always have. Saw him in the 1970's and was suppose to see him next month but now it will be next year. I will sob big tears if he should do this song, but that's okay, music moves us in so many ways.

[@nickg2431]

very poignant lyrics and very beautiful..

[@psarginson]

The song sends a message to me that we are slaves to not just money but those that control it ! It's sad when you are just compartmented !

[@billbeamer5342]

I always loved this song. Lost my wife 2 yrs. Ago . Life can be lonier than I've ever known .

[@glendavies4403]

Awesome song ; sorry for your loss Debbie 😔💔

[@thirdeyeordie8226]

@@billbeamer5342 I'm sorry for your loss....be strong and help someone to the light..

[@bramble4517]

I'm a pretender, too. This album is the one Christmas present from 1976 I still have.

[@alanoneill3065]

nice!

[@shaneburst5661]

Jackson Browne saved my life with his music when I was in my 20s!!!

[@timothyneighbors8600]

Think he has done that for many

[@douglasgeiger7591]

Your such a drama queen!!

[@MikeBrown-td1ok]

GREAT!!!!!

[@anthonyhoey6394]

The man's a poet,a singer,a guitar player and one hell of a song writer.Greetings from ireland 🇮🇪.

[@DutchGirl859]

Love Jackson Brown! This song played on the radio on July 4th on my way to work, and it hit me deep in my heart. How appropriate. Need more artists like this, especially in this day and age. He's genuine and one of the best artists ever.

[@kellysmith8845]

Jackson is clearly in a class by himself! Touching song!!!

[@jaypugh8839]

Jackson brown makes my day so much better when I'm having a bad day.. thanx jackson for the amazing music n lifetime of memories.. my dad was a single dad raising me and he passed when I was 13 alot of my memories of him consist of your music

[@maiathebee1]

I am almost 25. This song has been one of my favorites since I was about 20. It brings me to my knees every time, as I deeply resonate with the lyrics...💔

[@raywhittington1368]

Can't be a Jackson Browne fan without this near the top of your favorites from this artist.

[@missy767166]

Ray Whittington

[@fivestring65ify]

Amen

[@stevetrimble7007]

Its there

[@tomscotland]

Damn right, this and Late For The Sky, For A Dancer and so many more are just heartbreaking, spellbinding nuggets of musical bliss.

[@brendansheerin8980]

Cant be a music fan i general without loving this song

[@deancodner8147]

I’m still struggling for that legal tender at the ripe age of 61,I can still hold my own with the young ones . It just hurts doing it more now lol

[@kellysmith8845]

Move at a measured pace and never surrender. That’s s Corey Hart song 😀

[@rustyblair7515]

I was a teenager in the 70's and didn't really understand 'The Pretender'. As I'm staring 60 it's so apparent. I've spent my whole adult life struggling for the 'legal tender'. And for what?

[@tammyclark9192]

Rusty Blair I vote for love.

[@dougdavis8986]

We trade the hours of our life for big screen tv's, cars and thousand dollar phones.....and make the 1% richer.

[@tundrawomansays5067]

The first 30 yrs. go by slowly. The next 30 pick up a whole lot of speed....We all have to answer that “for what” question eventually.

[@tomzielinski9506]

@@dougdavis8986 preach it Brother, preach it!

[@kellywatkins6409]

Indeed. I was 15 when the song was released I liked the music. Today approaching 60 I finally understand the message within the lyrics.

[@TheMick26]

What a great tune and superb lyrics.👌 I'm in tears right now. My beautiful wife brought me here. Thanks, Y... Love you, girl!

[@Roverosable]

44 Years on and it's still touching people, never heard this before tonight. Man, I hung on every subtitle

[@chriswalters6148]

Glad you came upon it, a Jackson classic! I first heard it in the mid-70s, when FM radio became popular in my city.

[@mike840621]

After my 23 year marriage ended, I found myself a girl who showed me what laughter means, and we filled in the missing colors in each other's paint by number dreams. I still struggle for the legal tender, but I come home to a wonderful loving woman. And yes, when the morning light comes streaming in, we get it up again.

[@josephoneal2630]

Happy for you Man. Everyboby deserves some calm in their life.

[@rickslickrickharvey9112]

Yep. Im hoping for a chapter 3. . Salute 22 years here. Fun in this century. We got this. Bc we love fantastic music.

[@nickg2431]

Good on you

[@lorichapman9556]

Love love love!

[@billred3820]

Right on dude

[@colinamey2921]

Jackson Browne is truly one of the best songwriters. He paints such a perfect picture that you can visualize in your mind and marries it to a beautiful melody. He can stir up so many emotions and bring back memories of a simpler time in life. I’ll be 46 in April and I feel myself longing for my younger days and this music just hits home big time! I love JB!

[@joyepolk7693]

I have loved his music for 50 yrs. I finally got to see him at the Orpheum in Memphis. Amazing really.

[@cynthiarouse]

His lyrics here are as good as anything Dylan ever wrote. Really.... ; - )

[@patgorn3817]

cynthia rouse transcendent Everyman

[@cynthiarouse]

@@patgorn3817 *before autotune, people had real talent.....* ; - )

[@nickpavona3326]

@cynthia rouse relax cindyj

[@cynthiarouse]

@@nickpavona3326 I am....but I still think this is a great tune. The lyrics are perfect.... ; - )

[@nickpavona3326]

@cynthia, I know, I know, just having a laugh. Enjoy !

[@kenpayton5131]

He , Springsteen and Seger tell great stories in their songs

[@MBMCincy63]

Totally agree. Marley, Collins, Clapton... Also

[@TheBassfresh]

and James Taylor, listen to Millworker

[@Aaliyah_mille]

You got it Ken . I agree with you .

[@kellysmith8845]

Where have all the greatest artists gone? Perhaps they could offer tutorials to the up and coming..,

[@AbelieverinHim23]

Don’t forget Al Stewart

[@debbieobrien299]

It helped my son (30) appreciate the struggle other young men are having at the same place in time as he is.

[@aamishit]

This was real music. Loved him back in the 70's and still do. What a cool dude.

[@USCG.Brennan]

What a CLASSIC this is....

[@mrsmacca126]

Musical poetry, by one of the most talented, yet humble human beings, ever. TIMELESS.

[@kellysmith8845]

Spot on!

[@kat_a_bru]

There is something about Jackson Browne's voice... it's like a gut punch to the soul. :) This song is brilliant; it does such a good job of showing the struggle to come to grips with the life we thought we would have and the life we ended up with. My favorite line is "Are you there? Say a prayer for the pretender. Who started out so young and strong -- only to surrender". I think we can all relate to that feeling.

[@barrysoetoro7835]

It’s very poignant. That’s for sure. Beautiful song.

[@thomashanlon4734]

My girlfriend now wife bought this 8 track in 1977..we listened in our 68 mustang lots. I still have the 8 track

[@kat_a_bru]

@@thomashanlon4734 what a nice memory

[@Steve-gx9ot]

My favorite is the veteran asleep at the traffic light, dreaming of the fight

[@lonniebeavers7794]

For over 35 years worked in hot nasty machine shops six to seven days a week ten to twelve hours a shift . Now my strength has gone . My health gone . God bless the pretender all of us .

[@susanmoreland2671]

Amen!

[@jerryhuber9256]

know what you mean, been delivering food for 20 years.

[@georgeevangel4292]

I feel your pain Brother

[@jemmag2259]

♥

[@Georgia.J]

I think this is the poignant and sorrowful message of the song. We are all the Pretender. Starting out so young and strong, full of dreams and fire. But life surely drains you of every last hope, slows you down until the fire are only ashes that choke you in your throat. His songs are about the frailty and hopelessness of life, how youth is really the only good time because you think your dreams are real.

[@lnl3237]

Mr. Jackson Browne was such an old soul.

[@mjmorgan2114]

Still is... he ain't dead yet.

[@danielsutton2031]

How did a kid write the words of an old guy .. genius .rock on kid

[@tatteredplaylists4841]

@@danielsutton2031 His father had agroup of guys to the house all the time. He grew up in the midst of music and musicians. (he said in video)

[@kellysmith8845]

It was a completely different generation then!

[@kellywatkins6409]

One of those deeply meaningful songs that take a while before you can experience the existential truth contained in the lyrics. Sounds better today but it feels so much more.

[@americanpatriot9193]

I’m 64 and still listening to music like this and other oldies. 😊

[@chrisstrunk9729]

I think this is probably the happiest sounding sad song ever written

[@DejiDigital]

outkast hey ya got ya beat

[@algrand52]

I'd say 'Obladi, Oblada' beats it by just a nose.:)

[@sabbastian]

What do you find sad about "Obladi, Oblada"?

[@williamsprinklesr5036]

Chris Strunk that's it brother KEEP LISTENING TO THE WORDS OFTHE POETS.

[@ermindocivita8419]

Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen is the happiest sounding sad song.

[@tomwaite4594]

As an old man the lyrics ring so true for those of us that dared to have dreams

[@alansgail]

Wait! Are you THE Tom Waite of music fame?

[@williamsprinklesr5036]

Dream on brother. If only a few come true it can only get better.

[@Sebmagkit]

You are so very right about that... , I am 67 years old but I remember that time very well c'est la vie

[@Fldavestone]

How dare us

[@gmajorspresents]

Beautiful ! Perfectly stated .

[@JeredtheShy]

Jackson Browne taught Bruce how to be The Boss

[@bryanbrown8625]

No, that was Van Morrison.

[@simonwright9735]

Heartwrenching. No more to be said.

[@martybaran5509]

Beautiful ive worked 45 years this rings so true!

[@mariatwox]

One of the best songs ever recorded from one of the best albums ever produced. Just freakin' wow. Poignant isn't even enough of a word to describe this masterpiece - musically & philosophically. "...And tear at the world with all their might While the ships bearing their dreams Sail out of sight..." 😥💔

[@strategosgaming8230]

Saddest and most piercing song I can remember. God, this song hits hard.

[@JohnnyCardinale]

Strategos Gaming Spot on.

[@maich7551]

God helped him write it sun shine

[@johnhanner6767]

Really really really good music

[@billiepage5732]

Love Jackson Brown and anybody that never has herd him thare loss I hope that thay discover him one day.

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

We all are "pretenders" to some degree or another. We all have secret dreams and secret regrets.............

[@everthcruz9767]

True 💕💕💕💕 Love.... The true meaning of things....Are you there....Say a Prayer for.... The Pretender....!!!! Beautiful Song.... Great Songwriting.... Jackson Browne....!!!!

[@rickylane3155]

Damn this Jam brings back so many memories!Growing up in the 60's & 70's.

[@janettomlinson6456]

I so agree...Jackson Browne has Such enormous talent and wisdom...and we still struggle ...

[@RIDETHESUNSHINE]

“Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” Oscar Wilde . . . . . Amen, Will

[@johnveitch4898]

Well done. Short, sharp and clever. Best wishes to you and yours.

[@LyTashaRachelle]

Thank you for this

[@RIDETHESUNSHINE]

@@johnveitch4898 And also to you and yours my friend, Will

[@RIDETHESUNSHINE]

@@LyTashaRachelle Bless You Dear Lady, Please Stay Strong, Will

[@imamorninglory]

Completely Beautiful and True. I'm So Grateful for you, reminding me of this quote from my old friend Oscar! (; He's definitely a favorite poet of mine, probably found him when I was listening to Jackson... now 56, these Lovely Men soothe my Soul even more so! Thanks again, Hope this finds you well during this pandemic. Take Care and Blessings 💛

[@RockDocNeal]

I'm 56 y/o and have heard this masterpiece song many times over the years, but this is the first time I can remember where I just sat and listened to him sing the lyrics while I read them on the screen and I feel devastated because I feel like he was singing about my life. I've been a musician since I was a kid and as I was growing up my only goal was to be a professional musician and I intended to go to Berkley for music production, but after high school I took a couple years off to play music full time and after seeing many musicians in their 40's and 50's living paycheck to paycheck, I talked myself out of it and decided to do the "responsible" thing and become a professional. I ended up going through many years of school to become a medical professional and I have to say, I've regretted that decision over and over again throughout the years.

[@joemarshall4226]

You're still hear. You made the right decision, especially if you raised kids. Retire and do music. It's never too late. Check out the film A Thousand Clowns.

[@RockDocNeal]

@@joemarshall4226 Thanks

[@lucillesellitto6367]

He is sing about all our lives

[@zachhocking9053]

The longing for love is not a solution, even though it seems the better path when compared to the "struggle for the legal tender". Jackson would tell you that a career in music is no salvation either. The pretender lives in all of us, and there is no cure to his appetites inside ourselves or anywhere on earth.

[@kebobradley582]

Yes.We've all regrets.But the music has remained. Thank God,for you're understanding of the language music.

[@Mr1gladiatore]

Anyone as nostalgic as I am, songs like this hurt...in a great way.

[@tonioshea9870]

I'm like you♡

[@DutchGirl859]

Yes.

[@tatteredplaylists4841]

It proves you are still human.. Jackson wrote of us.

[@imamorninglory]

Amen to that... you're not alone, my Friend. Love and Prayers 💛

[@Mr1gladiatore]

@@imamorninglory And so much more to you...may love and kindness always be given to you.

[@gypsy1507]

How I miss the old days listening to my 2 brothers playin' their guitars n singing all these good ole jams .. They've passed on now but these songs let me visit old memories when they were still here ... Luv n miss u Brian n Carman ...

[@chuckh2929]

An amazingly good song, made even more amazing by the fact that it's a song about losing that fire as you grow older, but was released when Jackson Browne was only 28 years old. So insightful.

[@kellysmith8845]

Old soul... He is still amazing 😀

[@billyennis7355]

time for a slowdown ......you think the simple times were'nt so bad you think? becaust it could all end in a new your minute i think about that........ wow

[@julieberkowitz2750]

One of the all time GREAT songs sung and written. Goes to my core.

[@MrJohnisthename]

Young as he was he sure had a way of telling a story from the perspective of someone who has lived an entire lifetime.

[@mariatwox]

Old soul...

[@John-Johnston]

John Prine is the same type of writer....

[@tonioshea9870]

Poetic soul. Real Eyes Realize♡

[@phyllisdehart8182]

Man, simply beautiful, true and amazing ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@christianlorre]

this is one of the most beautiful songs ever. it feels so smart and caring. it feels like the 70's. okay, i was born in the 80's, so i don't really know that, but if nothing else it feels like a slow summer night in a quieter time. it's to the ears what the movie bull durham is like to my eyes and ears.

[@StormLaker]

This was one of those songs that had little meaning to me when I was young. Now that I've gotten into my 40's and have been married for a couple decades I can appreciate this song more. After my dad passed away, and one of my best friends died of a heart attack at age 50, It really forced me to re-examine my life. Life is a relentless treadmill...and sometimes you have to step off every now and again and give yourself a break- otherwise you are no good for yourself, you spouse, you family- this is why I go spend a week in a remote wilderness area on vacation every year now.....and this song and the aforementioned life events played a huge roll in why I have to get away from the world on vacation...to get away from the rat race.

[@carolbusse5803]

Hands down, my absolute #1 favorite of many Jackson Browne tunes I adore. All the many years....♡♡

[@markpearson3911]

Today at Walmart I ran into two old friends I've known for over 40 years. This song is all I could think of on the way home. Brought back a lot of memories. Those days, that was the good stuff!

[@Fromard]

That song reaches out and grabs you by the soul.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

Man these lyrics really tear at my heart strings and make the eyes see the truth of what became of the young man with all those big dreams. I surrender. Are you there? Say a prayer , signed , The Pretender

[@stoneman28]

Same here. I relate it more to the loss of the hippie ideals to corporate America's motto of buy buy buy. The political machine reluctantly held off on another forever war but they made up for lost time with 20 years in the middle east.

[@jimd2463]

JB is the best, of the best song writer of all time. NOBODY paints a picture like he does. Period.

[@gary-joannelgin7670]

Springsteen

[@TheRjb2010]

John Lennon

[@rickczainski9856]

John Prine

[@2Bouse]

Thanks Megan - JB is one of the most underappreciated poets of our time, and this one is a favorite!!!

[@megan_smith]

You're very welcome! He is a wonderful musician and songwriter.

[@Cjnw]

-Justin Bieber-

[@erwinstinsonjr856]

@@megan_smith I wish I could

[@gennarolezzi9356]

No words to say how wonderful this song is. Thanks jb

[@joelcampbell4589]

I am blessed to once again rise and see the morning light! God thank you for everything you have done. The fight is coming and you will be with me.

[@truckerdaveandred6731]

They don't write lyrics like this anymore. Such an absolute beautiful and meaningful song. Songs like this are why the youth are slowly abandoning modern music and finding their way back to these standards

[@ninamartinez2146]

Nina Martinez

[@AnnaLVajda]

Yeah well kids are getting accused of being shallow and stupid and have been deprived of feeling songs like this.

[@peteralbert1485]

They do. Taylor Goldsmith - A Little Bit of Everything.

[@billmitchell4423]

A masterful story teller ! I grew up with him in my life... I am 67yo now. And tonight , my bucket list gets a checkmark as I hear the words... " Ladies & Gentlemen, please welcome, Mr Jackson Browne"... at North Charleston Performing Arts Center. I am so excited.... and have been playing his music for my (16 yrs younger) wife for weeks now :). Just going to enjoy this day and night... and not think about one thing negative ! Thank you Jackson !

[@Twinmom-dw8ii]

My favorite verse “And we'll fill in the missing colors In each other's paint-by-number dreams”.

[@billyennis7355]

aw...........................LOVE

[@douglasgeiger7591]

Your such a romantic! O were it that easy!

[@douglasgeiger7591]

But yeah...my favorite verse also!

[@Cheshirecat-nx9zn]

I had this on 8 track, 33 rpm vinyl, CD, and now on my phone. Great music.

[@watchingtelevision]

"And we'll make love until our strength is gone". Even in those areas of the lyrics when you think you're safe, you're bound to be hit by the saddest of concepts. It takes a genius to write a song like this one, and a fearless one at that.

[@wobblyjack9481]

What a post. ☮️

[@stevesilagyi3830]

Truer lyrics could not have been wrtten!

[@deborahparsons7667]

Thank you for a song that i dedicate to my friend lonnie. He just passed on.

[@budhiharlow4945]

There are a handful of all time great ballad drummers, and yet the feeling that Jeff Porcaro brings out of this song (and every song he ever played on) has a very particular magic that can't be replicated.

[@jasoncorona9760]

He can rock out furiously too

[@matthewnickerson8629]

I never realized Jeff was on drums, but now listening closely I can hear the Porcaro shuffle.

[@tomlonerganthelonerpromoti7356]

released on this date in 1976, a special album in my lifetime collection, from a very special artist Jackson Browne

[@r-kellyspeesheets908]

I'm 29 years old and I heard this song for the first time yesterday. Instantly fell in love, I'm going through such a tough time right now and this song is so relaxing. Just beautiful, they really dont make anything close to this anymore

[@kellysmith8845]

Well put

[@timothyneighbors8600]

Im 51 and found this song when I was 50 and it is my favorite

[@sarahbradbury4899]

I am 32 I have loved this song since I was 21. I stumbled across the song while finding soulful tracks. I find the interpretation to be one of love and the motivation of love. I see dreams of those who are in love and want to give the love of their life things this world can buy only to forget that love is not about money and things, its about always hoping together of a brighter future, thats what keeps us young. If the working man only dreams of giving the material things its easy to forget the spiritual. During the rat race... Dont forget the spiritual or the love you have and the dreams you have could slip right through. Always hold on to the love you have for each other, work hard but at the end of the day remember not to put your heart and soul into the spender because that is how you become the pretender. This song is good to remember.

[@franklewisjr6071]

Awesome, real music, real life, jackson writes and performs just as well as he did 40 years ago......❤

[@Lucaforminds]

Aren’t we all pretenders in the end? We fight we strive we work hard to live our dreams… we lose but we get up doing it again and again and again… amen 🙏 what a splendid song. I listened to the pretender in ‘79. 43 yrs have passed but the song year after year, listening after listening becomes more and more poignant and impossible not to feel moved by it. Splendid music sublime arrangement, incredible voices (CSN, folks…) and while you are uplifted by the music you feel the words so truer and so human….

[@dwaynesaleski4640]

As I just got diagnosed for cancer, this song really hits home for me like never before. One of the greatest.

[@Littlebird50]

Hang in there Dwayne, I was diagnosed with cancer in Jan 2015 and given a 20% chance of survival. Well here I am in 2021, as Elton put it I'm still standing.

[@67marlins]

Dwayne - how are you today?

[@kariannowen9055]

For the love of God, please get well. I have lost many people to cancer and say prayers for orevention.

[@rogerbrookes3515]

Wow! Knocks me out every time...

[@jasonguilliams5803]

As I sit quiet listening to this song, I think what of my son (21 months) my life had eluded me but in the best ways. I still see and felt sorrow...my family. This song somehow brings me a smile, of memory, sorrow,happiness...i get up again and struggle but my soul is mine!! Say a prayer! What are you pretending?

[@haroldcheeseburger]

Absolutely Beautiful.