A Tender Escape Into the Innocence of Young Love
There’s a wistful charm to “Let’s Pretend”, a song that embodies the sweet, dreamy innocence of teenage romance. Though not as widely recognized as some of the Bay City Rollers’ biggest hits, this track carries the same sense of youthful longing and unguarded emotion that made the Scottish pop group one of the defining acts of the mid-’70s teen idol craze.
By the time “Let’s Pretend” was released, the Bay City Rollers were at the height of their global popularity, particularly in the UK, Australia, and Japan, where their devoted fan base turned nearly every song into a cherished anthem. Known for their harmonious melodies, feel-good lyrics, and a touch of sentimental nostalgia, the band’s music provided an escape for teenagers looking for a soundtrack to their youthful dreams and heartaches.
Musically, “Let’s Pretend” is soft, melodic, and deeply sentimental, carried by gentle acoustic guitar strumming, warm harmonies, and a soaring chorus that evokes both hope and wistfulness. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of young love suspended in time, where the simple act of pretending can make fleeting moments last forever. In the world of the song, reality doesn’t matter as much as the feeling of being in love, even if just for a little while.
The Bay City Rollers had an uncanny ability to tap into the emotional pulse of their audience, and “Let’s Pretend” is no exception. It speaks to the universal experience of first love, where everything feels bigger, brighter, and more important than it ever will again. There’s an inherent nostalgia in the melody, a sense that even as we live in the moment, we know it won’t last—but we hold onto it anyway.
While the song may not have been one of their most commercially dominant hits, it remains a hidden gem within their discography, cherished by fans who were swept up in the magic of their music. Even decades later, “Let’s Pretend” carries with it the warmth of a first slow dance, a secret glance, a love letter never sent—a song forever suspended in the golden glow of youthful romance and unspoken dreams.