I was twenty years old in 1976, hoping and dreaming. Some worked out, some didn’t. Life is wonderful enjoy the good things and try not to dwell on the hard things. Music is one of the good things!
Hey Andrei & Dominika, I have been listening to you for a while, but couldn't reply due to a faulty computer. I have lived in London, all my life, seventy odd years. You guys are really lovely and your reaction to music I listened to over fifty years ago is inspiring. Your obvious love for the music and one another, makes for compulsive viewing. You worry too much about your apologizing, it's part of you and people don't mind it, if they did, they would look elsewhere, there is plenty of choice. Keep on doing what you are doing and the way you are doing it. Best wishes from Mark, in London.
If you’re unsure of pronunciation, you can go to Google and search pronounce and the word or name, and you’ll get an audio recording! I love your channel and your authenticity 😍
Don't be sorry for interrupting, you have great observations which you might forget if you wait. Jackson's lyrics are just amazing. His songs are full of insightful observations and commentary on the angst and disappointments of modern life but written with a poet's gift. As you hear, it hasn't changed in 50 years. Kudos to you both, it sounds like you realized and found a way to escape the machine.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this song but you guys seem to have understood the message better than most. Lost dreams, surrender to the status quo, giving in to day-to-day life rather than chasing your dreams. I'm old enough that it is painful to admit that I am the pretender.
One of the best lyricists to ever do it. Love Jackson Browne. He's written a lot of great songs for himself and others. Edit: Just wanted to add that I enjoy your reactions, and it gives me a warm feeling seeing how much you two obviously adore each other. It's a beautiful thing.
Jackson’s catalogue is filled with brilliantly written and performed songs that will have similar impact you. He’s been doing it since a teen. You’ve begun a rewarding journey, should you take the leap down his rabbit hole.
Yes: he's referring to the counterculture and the hopefulness it engendered. Guys: this man has at LEAST - that's 'at least' - 30 or 40 incredible songs. He IS a national treasure.
Jackson had a phenomenal band and his albums were well recorded. He is a master wordsmith that really captures " life" for the average person. Another national treasure musically..and there are many from the 60's and 70's.
Jackson wrote this song after the suicide death of his first wife. I didn't know this. My wife also died by suicide, and so the line " Are you there? Say a prayer for the Pretender, who started out so young and strong, only to surrender." I really know what that line means.
My thought on this, is because of the proceeding lines of giving up on love and going for money is that 'started so young and strong only to surrender ' is the Pretender started young and wanting love but after time gave up on love for money, so say a prayer for him because he is living a life without love.
I truly think of Jackson Browne as one of Americas’ national treasures and that he doesn’t get nearly as much credit as he deserves for his stellar songwriting. Your understanding and appreciation made this a really enjoyable reaction.😊
Glen Frey from the EAGLES, moved to Los Angeles around 1969 and the person in the basement apartment under him, was Jackson Browne. Glen commented that he learned how to write songs living above him. Day after day week after week, and all day long Glen would hear,........"Doctor my la lal lall lalal " Then ......."Doctor my eyes....la la lal laala" ......then "Doctor my eyes have seee..........lal lalal a" . Over and over and over adding a word, changing a word, until Glenn just couldn't stand the song after a month or two of endless overs and overs.
But Glenn also said he really learned that writing a _good_ song was hard work and that was how it was done. There were no short cuts, only applying yourself totally to the task at hand for as long as it took and that the satisfaction of finally reaching your goal was something not very many people find.
This is one of my handful of favorite Jackson Browne songs, and has been since I was a young man. The older I get, though, the better this song becomes. Sitting here, going on two years retired, I find it hard to believe he wrote it when he was in his mid-twenties. I love your honest and heartfelt reactions/responses to music and lyrics.
What an absolutely beautiful and heart-warming reaction. I am so happy that I was able to introduce you to this man and his lyricism and that his sounds drew out such a life-affirming reaction from the two of you. Continue on with his catalogue as there are many songs that will do you in. Joy & Peace to both of you.
Andre and Dominica.. I love you guys even more for sharing your thoughts, dream and life lessons. You both are a blessing to us all. We all can learn a lot from you both. We see the love and affection you both have for each other and you both are an inspiration to us all. Amen...
Jackson Browne...an artisan musician who wrote about himself ' don't remind me of my failures .. I've not forgotten them ' ! Aged 17 years young ...wow ! As a little aside , the unconditional true love expressed through Andrei's eyes and face to Domenika , is more than beautiful... It was Kismet when you both met ...be happy
You have hit it right on the head!! You did so good with your interpretation!! It's a deep song calling for a thoughtful and sensitive reaction!! You did it!!!
I can’t imagine Jackson Browne being anything other than delighted and thrilled that this song inspired you to talk so introspectively about the lives you led, what your hopes were when you were younger, moving through different jobs, different places, different phases. The power of this beautiful song is that it feels written to each and every one of us: we’re either the Pretender, or the observers saying a prayer for him…but we can’t help but climb onto this song and let it take us for a ride.
When we first heard this in '76 we were young and naive but Jackson Browne felt real and paradoxically life affirming, even though he made us aware of the banality of life portrayed in his lyrics. He was never one of my favourites, but over time I grew to love his music.
Jackson Browne is a poet of our social conscious. Keep going down this rabbit hole and you won't regret. No matter what song you react to, I recommend pulling up his lyrics. 👌👍✌
The 70s were a special time in America. At a crossroads, as it seems we are today, and perhaps always. Jackson Browne was part of a golden musical era.
It was so lovely to hear about your backgrounds and how you relate to the song. Jackson Browne has such a way with words, it's like he paints beautiful pictures but they're of real life and real people.
Jackson Browne is one of the most prolific and talented songwriters. A couple of songs by him I would like you to react to are "For A Dancer" and "Before the Deluge". ☮
"And we'llffill in the missing colors in each others' paint-by-numbers dreams . . . " Unbelievable! That's what most of us do: imagine that if we just find the 'right Other, we'll be whole. Then, when we do and we're not whole, we're disillusioned, and descend into blame and power struggling...when it was an impossible task from the get-go. Thank you both for tuning in so deeply to this song and to an artist who's worthy of the name.
I am so happy you have experienced the masterful writing of, in my opinion, one of the greatest writers ever. Jackson Browne always made me feel he was looking through the window of my life. I love you both so much. Peace and love to you both. ✌🤗
I was going to college in NY from 1975-78, and after I heard this song for the first time, I went to asleep in the dorm with it playing on my headphones every night. It said something to me, and it was trying to prepare me for what lie ahead in my life. And yes....the dreams I had then all got changed down the road. JB is one of THE great story tellers and one of my all time favs. Amen.
Now that's a reaction! 🥰 Fill in the missing colors of each other's paint by number dreams. It doesn't get any better than that. One of the great recordings. Love the reaction.
Hello you two! I must say that with each video of yours that i watch, I more in love with you guys. Your sincerity is so obvious and evident. Such a breath of clean fresh air. I’m so n Detroit, and at 63 years of age, recently learned that i am Polish, so i feel a bit of kinship as well. Keep on doing what you’re doing. It seems to be working perfectly!
This is Jackson Browne at his best as a song writer and a superb storyteller. One way or the other I believe that we all can relate to some of his verses. The one verse: " I'm going to be a happy idiot and struggle for the legal tender " sort of tells it all. A lot of us have gotten "caught up in the machine". We unwittingly become that " Hamster in a Wheel" that is running and running on his wheel. The term is a metaphor for the wasted effort of working, working, working away with no apparent end in sight. Time passes and before we know it....... our dreams have sailed away without us.
Wow, head first into the rabbit hole. I've seen many reactions to this song. Few get the jist of it as you did. Enjoy your journey with Jackson. His insight into self realization is amazing.
Very good insights! No need to apologize for stopping video. That’s what your channel is for. Anyway, thanks for reacting to this! One of my favorite J Browne songs!
I love watching someone react to a song when they really understand what the songwriter was trying to say. You two do it regularly, and it's even more impressive since English isn't your first language. Your love for one another shines through on all of your videos. Don't ever apologize for that.
Jackson has written many important songs about modern life and challenges. He is one of the best of the California Rock singer songwriters. He hung out with all the other Laurel Canyon crowd- Joni, CSNY, Mamas and the Pappas, James Taylor, the Eagles. He has a great live video on YT, which is more uplifting and fun than his usual fare, THE LOAD OUT/STAY which is truly outstanding.
@@kurtsaxton823 Glenn Frey and Don Felder also roomed with Jackson, and credited him with teaching them how to write songs, teaching them perseverance and good work habits. They have said that he was up long before them, working on new material on the piano
@@markmurphy558 oh yeah he definitely helped shape The Eagles, they took a page out of his writing and his presentation, they were all part of Troubadour crowd. Along with JD Souther and Linda Ronstadt. Carole King the list goes on and on and on. The fact is that all of these Singer /Songwriters that came out of that scene are musicians, musicians. There will never be a time when that many amazing artists are together and on this planet again.
Every so often you come across a profound song and "The Pretender" is one of them. Jackson Browne was born as an "old soul" as the saying goes, one of those people who has understanding way, way beyond his years and the ability to put it into words and music. This is truly one of my favourite songs because it so successfully puts into words the trap a materialistic, consumer driven lifestyle like the West's ensnares generation after generation with. But after you live long enough you realize that it is a never ending conveyor belt of "things" that don't make you happy at all in the end, and finally you just step out of the rat race and learn to live a happier life without the very latest car or gizmo or fashion of clothes. Things don't make us happy. Living a life of love for God and others and yourself does. 😊💖💖💖
I admit, when a Jackson Browne song would come on the radio, I would usually skip to another station UNTIL one day where I didn’t and actually LISTENED to The Pretender. After that, I was hooked. Incredible songwriting: potent and deep.
I have been listening to this song for at least 40 years, & it keeps giving me more & deeper meaning. This is what it means to me now… This is social commentary at its finest. I hear him talking about the limitation that the 1% put on our lives, even our dreams. From the get go of the song, we are shown what limitations of our dreams/goals are meant to be by our Masters. God forbid we should have a higher, more ethical standard to reach for, besides commercialism. But the "Man" whispers to us, "You should be happy w/ what you are given, & not expect more". "Caught between the longing for love, & the struggle for the legal tender", & later he bemoans that "True LOVE could have been a contender" Talking about how social movements based on love, could have been the focus of our lives: like Civil Rights & Anti-War aspirations. But NO, we were quietly told to shut up & trade in our dreams for the "struggle for the legal tender" (limited though it was, for the lower classes), & adopt the dreams that the Oligarchy wanted for us. Most of the other lyrics speak of how petty & limited are the dreams we are allowed : "Children & the Ice Cream Vendor", etc. The key (to the ken) of this song, is the title, "The Pretender", a person trying to navigate conditions he despises, but must endure to survive. Has little or nothing to do w/ the simplicity of male or female thinking. "Leaving nothing but to choose off & fight, They'll tear at the world w/ all their might", means to me, how we are pitted against each other, of the lower classes, & ethnic background, to get the scraps, we are allowed, to survive, while the rich, laugh all the way to the bank. "while the ships bearing their dreams (real ones), sail out of sight", while we 99%ers were distracted by the daily struggle, our real aspirations were forgotten. "I'm gonna find myself a girl, who can show me what laughter means, & we'll fill in the missing colors of our paint by number dreams", I'm gonna get as much happiness out of the limited choices I'm allowed, but this also displays a genuine desire to find a soul mate, that can focus him on the good, beautiful & funny things that can be had, even w/in the limited scope we have available. The next lines refer to the rose colored glasses we must don, to make the best of a bad situation, & funny stuff about, love making..... The reduction of the scope of our hopes is found in the next lines, "& believe whatever may lie, in those things that MONEY can buy", we are left to wish for fulfillment in cheap trinkets, tokens of true value, that we are denied access to. "Forget your ideals, & be happy w/ what (little) you are "blessed" w/ "! Then the epitomal line about True Love/Contender. "Say a prayer, R U there for the Pretender", he is asking us to pray & sympathize w/ the Pretender, because he is US !!!
Bravo folks what a fabulous breakdown of this song! This is one of my all time favorite song, for just the exact reasons you both pointed out! Fabulous analysis!
stuck in the machine - so well put - i remember buying this album when it came out in 1976 - i was on my first job out of college - it didn't take long to realize the machine was in control :)
Where the master Jackson Browne excels is talking about life and love in all of his music, he takes a subject and moulds it into a masterpiece of life. He is a beautiful songwriter as iI discovered in the 70's and to this day still have every single album he released and every now and then on a hot sunny day or a pouring rainy day out them on and can escape the world for a while as he has that sort of magic. Ty to the sub's who request him and to you both for reacting to these stunning songs. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘❤❤🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶
Jackson Browne and John Prine are two of my favorite song writers. Their lyrics just touch your soul!! Jimmy Buffet is in that great writer category as well. I mean anyone that can write a hit song about a cheeseburger is pretty good.
excellent, intelligent reaction. subscribed! what a great song. Jackson one of the great social commentators of his generation, puts it into music and song perfectly.
*Andrei and Dominika* I've been a "Silent" Subscriber and watcher of your reactions for over a year.!!! I've *NEVER* commented even tho Led Zeppelin is *MY PERSONAL* Favourite band ever.! Even that wasn't enough to comment but honestly I've been SOOOOOOO waiting for you to react to this *SPECIFIC* song..... I was a former American, touring musician who now lives in Idaho.! I think you two are beautiful people and I *TRULY* love your output & gifts to all of us...... I though it was about to time I said something..... *NOW* I'm going to watch your reaction to this song I hold very dear.... David..... *AND NOW* at 7.5 minutes what I "hoped" would happen did happen.!!!!! BINGO..... your spot on..... I could go on and on..... but I see you understand..... now back to silent & obscure..... watching U 2
Hi Guys, I just discovered you recently as you were covering 3 of my favorite singer songwriters. Jackson Browne, Springsteen and the Eagles. What truly separates these artists is they are singer/songwriters and they truly bring a different perspective as artists. I love your commentary and insights and like these Artists they have older soul perspectives ( for being so young when they wrote this material). There is a Jackson Browne song “For a Dancer” which hopefully you could cover in the future. Looking forward to future shows. Best Wishes Jim L.
You’re not criticizing anyone,you’re explaining what millions of people feel every day. Jackson is a national treasure 🤘🤘
I was twenty years old in 1976, hoping and dreaming. Some worked out, some didn’t. Life is wonderful enjoy the good things and try not to dwell on the hard things. Music is one of the good things!
Same age. Love this music but nowI appreciate the message and talent these the artist’s convey. I so enjoy learning more about this music.
Hey Andrei & Dominika, I have been listening to you for a while, but couldn't reply due to a faulty computer. I have lived in London, all my life, seventy odd years. You guys are really lovely and your reaction to music I listened to over fifty years ago is inspiring. Your obvious love for the music and one another, makes for compulsive viewing. You worry too much about your apologizing, it's part of you and people don't mind it, if they did, they would look elsewhere, there is plenty of choice. Keep on doing what you are doing and the way you are doing it. Best wishes from Mark, in London.
My guess is that Mark in London is a heckuva guy! 🙂
Thank you Mark for your beautiful words! Glad you're enjoying our videos 😊 Best wishes from Romania 💚
If you’re unsure of pronunciation, you can go to Google and search pronounce and the word or name, and you’ll get an audio recording! I love your channel and your authenticity 😍
Don't be sorry for interrupting, you have great observations which you might forget if you wait. Jackson's lyrics are just amazing. His songs are full of insightful observations and commentary on the angst and disappointments of modern life but written with a poet's gift. As you hear, it hasn't changed in 50 years. Kudos to you both, it sounds like you realized and found a way to escape the machine.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this song but you guys seem to have understood the message better than most. Lost dreams, surrender to the status quo, giving in to day-to-day life rather than chasing your dreams. I'm old enough that it is painful to admit that I am the pretender.
Yes they got it Down!
Well done sir.
One of the best lyricists to ever do it.
Love Jackson Browne.
He's written a lot of great songs for himself and others.
Edit: Just wanted to add that I enjoy your reactions, and it gives me a warm feeling seeing how much you two obviously adore each other.
It's a beautiful thing.
Thank you 😊
"Doctor My Eyes" - Jackson Browne
Yes! 👍
Yes, Yes, Yes!
Jackson’s catalogue is filled with brilliantly written and performed songs that will have similar impact you. He’s been doing it since a teen. You’ve begun a rewarding journey, should you take the leap down his rabbit hole.
I love your thoughtful, genuine reactions-and your love and kindness toward one another gives me hope. Thank you
Yes: he's referring to the counterculture and the hopefulness it engendered. Guys: this man has at LEAST - that's 'at least' - 30 or 40 incredible songs. He IS a national treasure.
Jackson had a phenomenal band and his albums were well recorded. He is a master wordsmith that really captures " life" for the average person. Another national treasure musically..and there are many from the 60's and 70's.
He is one of the finest lyricists of his generation. Late for the Sky was a masterpiece.
Jackson wrote this song after the suicide death of his first wife. I didn't know this. My wife also died by suicide, and so the line " Are you there? Say a prayer for the Pretender, who started out so young and strong, only to surrender." I really know what that line means.
Much love from both of us 💚
My thought on this, is because of the proceeding lines of giving up on love and going for money is that 'started so young and strong only to surrender ' is the Pretender started young and wanting love but after time gave up on love for money, so say a prayer for him because he is living a life without love.
I truly think of Jackson Browne as one of Americas’ national treasures and that he doesn’t get nearly as much credit as he deserves for his stellar songwriting. Your understanding and appreciation made this a really enjoyable reaction.😊
Hits hard doesn't it? Jackson Browne is definitely a word Craftsman. He has an awesome catalog.
Glen Frey from the EAGLES, moved to Los Angeles around 1969 and the person in the basement apartment under him, was Jackson Browne. Glen commented that he learned how to write songs living above him. Day after day week after week, and all day long Glen would hear,........"Doctor my la lal lall lalal " Then ......."Doctor my eyes....la la lal laala" ......then "Doctor my eyes have seee..........lal lalal a" . Over and over and over adding a word, changing a word, until Glenn just couldn't stand the song after a month or two of endless overs and overs.
But Glenn also said he really learned that writing a _good_ song was hard work and that was how it was done. There were no short cuts, only applying yourself totally to the task at hand for as long as it took and that the satisfaction of finally reaching your goal was something not very many people find.
This is one of my handful of favorite Jackson Browne songs, and has been since I was a young man. The older I get, though, the better this song becomes. Sitting here, going on two years retired, I find it hard to believe he wrote it when he was in his mid-twenties.
I love your honest and heartfelt reactions/responses to music and lyrics.
Your honest comments are beautiful. Thank you.
What an absolutely beautiful and heart-warming reaction. I am so happy that I was able to introduce you to this man and his lyricism and that his sounds drew out such a life-affirming reaction from the two of you. Continue on with his catalogue as there are many songs that will do you in.
Joy & Peace to both of you.
In this case, thank YOU, too!
Thank you once again for introducing us to such an amazing song! Best wishes 💚
Andre and Dominica..
I love you guys even more for sharing your thoughts, dream and life lessons. You both are a blessing to us all.
We all can learn a lot from you both. We see the love and affection you both have for each other and you both are an inspiration to us all.
Amen...
Thank you so much! Warm wishes from Romania ☺️💚
Jackson Browne...an artisan musician who wrote about himself ' don't remind me of my failures .. I've not forgotten them ' ! Aged 17 years young ...wow ! As a little aside , the unconditional true love expressed through Andrei's eyes and face to Domenika , is more than beautiful... It was Kismet when you both met ...be happy
You guys made ME cry! So sweet you two ❤️
You have hit it right on the head!! You did so good with your interpretation!! It's a deep song calling for a thoughtful and sensitive reaction!! You did it!!!
I can’t imagine Jackson Browne being anything other than delighted and thrilled that this song inspired you to talk so introspectively about the lives you led, what your hopes were when you were younger, moving through different jobs, different places, different phases. The power of this beautiful song is that it feels written to each and every one of us: we’re either the Pretender, or the observers saying a prayer for him…but we can’t help but climb onto this song and let it take us for a ride.
When we first heard this in '76 we were young and naive but Jackson Browne felt real and paradoxically life affirming, even though he made us aware of the banality of life portrayed in his lyrics. He was never one of my favourites, but over time I grew to love his music.
Some of the best minutes of a given day are watching your reactions - great job.
Amen.
Wow, thank you! Love and peace from Romania 💚
You 2 are precious. This song describes life in general, and the disappointments in general. Not everyone’s life but so many of us. 🔥
Thanks for sharing your reaction to this song. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
These days is also a gem. keep up the sincere reactions.
Jackson Browne is a poet of our social conscious. Keep going down this rabbit hole and you won't regret. No matter what song you react to, I recommend pulling up his lyrics. 👌👍✌
The 70s were a special time in America. At a crossroads, as it seems we are today, and perhaps always. Jackson Browne was part of a golden musical era.
What a wonderful reaction. Thanks for sharing.
It was so lovely to hear about your backgrounds and how you relate to the song. Jackson Browne has such a way with words, it's like he paints beautiful pictures but they're of real life and real people.
The man is a poet. Now I'm in my 50s and this song really hits home. I think your analysis is right on.
Jackson Browne is one of the most prolific and talented songwriters. A couple of songs by him I would like you to react to are "For A Dancer" and "Before the Deluge". ☮
"And we'llffill in the missing colors in each others' paint-by-numbers dreams . . . " Unbelievable! That's what most of us do: imagine that if we just find the 'right Other, we'll be whole. Then, when we do and we're not whole, we're disillusioned, and descend into blame and power struggling...when it was an impossible task from the get-go. Thank you both for tuning in so deeply to this song and to an artist who's worthy of the name.
Your very best reaction Andrei and Dominika.
The love that you demonstrate toward each other overwhelms me.
I am so happy you have experienced the masterful writing of, in my opinion, one of the greatest writers ever. Jackson Browne always made me feel he was looking through the window of my life. I love you both so much. Peace and love to you both. ✌🤗
Love Jackson. Try "Running on Empty"....Ty guys. Great reaction ☘️🇺🇲
❤...., ..again a great reaction, from an amazing couple. Saying a prayer, for all of us Pretenders! ✌️
❤Seeing/hearing Jackson Brown perform live, blessed my ears n my soul❤❤
That was beautiful I hope Jackson sees this what his music is doing❤❤❤❤❤❤
Love your reactions. They are so refreshing and honest.
Thank you for this lovely reaction
I was going to college in NY from 1975-78, and after I heard this song for the first time, I went to asleep in the dorm with it playing on my headphones every night. It said something to me, and it was trying to prepare me for what lie ahead in my life. And yes....the dreams I had then all got changed down the road. JB is one of THE great story tellers and one of my all time favs. Amen.
Great reaction to a great song.
Jackson Browne is an amazing song writer. So many good albums.
I LOVE YOUR SHARING YOUR PERSPECTIVE. ON MUSIC AND LIFE. BLESSINGS PEACE
Jackson's reflections on life are awesome. Right to the heart.
Jackson Browne's lyrics certainly do deserve your thoughtful cosiderations.😊
Now that's a reaction! 🥰 Fill in the missing colors of each other's paint by number dreams. It doesn't get any better than that.
One of the great recordings. Love the reaction.
My favourite Jackson Browne song. Another great reaction, he's a brilliant story teller.
Love Jackson. He has the ability to write lyrics that really touch peoples souls. Thank you for your astute reaction.
NAILED IT. Love your commentary. This is what happens when you lieten to Jackson Browne
These Days....written when he was very young.
You two have become my favorite reactors. Your warm hearts bring a loving truth to us. Be at peace and look for the diamonds in the rough in life.
Thank you for your kind words. Much love from both of us 💚
Oh thank you💜🦋💜
you guys interpreted this so well!
all of JB's music is just as prolific, my fave "Rock me on the Water"
looking forward to more 💜🦋💜
This is easily the best reaction I've ever watched. You two are the best. I'm glad you found each other and let love be a contender. 😊
Thank you! In our case, love really is a contender 😊 Warm wishes from Romania 💚
Hello you two! I must say that with each video of yours that i watch, I more in love with you guys. Your sincerity is so obvious and evident. Such a breath of clean fresh air. I’m so n Detroit, and at 63 years of age, recently learned that i am Polish, so i feel a bit of kinship as well. Keep on doing what you’re doing. It seems to be working perfectly!
Thank you so much!! ...oh wow, Polish!? Hello brother 😁 Love and peace from both of us 💚
This is Jackson Browne at his best as a song writer and a superb storyteller. One way or the other I believe that we all can relate to some of his verses. The one verse: " I'm going to be a happy idiot and struggle for the legal tender " sort of tells it all. A lot of us have gotten "caught up in the machine". We unwittingly become that " Hamster in a Wheel" that is running and running on his wheel. The term is a metaphor for the wasted effort of working, working, working away with no apparent end in sight. Time passes and before we know it....... our dreams have sailed away without us.
I so enjoyed your reaction and discussion of the song. Jackson Browne is a brilliant observer of life. You must listen to "Doctor My Eyes"
A lyrical masterpiece, without a doubt. God Bless you folks. Cheers, --bd
Fantastic. You guys are great.
Remember these incredible lyrics of wisdom and maturity
were written by a quite young Jackson Browne...
Wow, head first into the rabbit hole. I've seen many reactions to this song. Few get the jist of it as you did. Enjoy your journey with Jackson. His insight into self realization is amazing.
Very good insights! No need to apologize for stopping video. That’s what your channel is for.
Anyway, thanks for reacting to this! One of my favorite J Browne songs!
I love watching someone react to a song when they really understand what the songwriter was trying to say. You two do it regularly, and it's even more impressive since English isn't your first language. Your love for one another shines through on all of your videos. Don't ever apologize for that.
Fountain of sorrow is one of the most beautiful songs. It paints an amazing picture in your mind.
You both bring joy to my life. Thank you
Jackson has written many important songs about modern life and challenges. He is one of the best of the California Rock singer songwriters. He hung out with all the other Laurel Canyon crowd- Joni, CSNY, Mamas and the Pappas, James Taylor, the Eagles. He has a great live video on YT, which is more uplifting and fun than his usual fare, THE LOAD OUT/STAY which is truly outstanding.
He was also Gregg Allman's roommate for a while.
@@kurtsaxton823 Glenn Frey and Don Felder also roomed with Jackson, and credited him with teaching them how to write songs, teaching them perseverance and good work habits. They have said that he was up long before them, working on new material on the piano
@@markmurphy558 oh yeah he definitely helped shape The Eagles, they took a page out of his writing and his presentation, they were all part of Troubadour crowd. Along with JD Souther and Linda Ronstadt. Carole King the list goes on and on and on. The fact is that all of these Singer /Songwriters that came out of that scene are musicians, musicians. There will never be a time when that many amazing artists are together and on this planet again.
Every so often you come across a profound song and "The Pretender" is one of them. Jackson Browne was born as an "old soul" as the saying goes, one of those people who has understanding way, way beyond his years and the ability to put it into words and music. This is truly one of my favourite songs because it so successfully puts into words the trap a materialistic, consumer driven lifestyle like the West's ensnares generation after generation with. But after you live long enough you realize that it is a never ending conveyor belt of "things" that don't make you happy at all in the end, and finally you just step out of the rat race and learn to live a happier life without the very latest car or gizmo or fashion of clothes. Things don't make us happy. Living a life of love for God and others and yourself does. 😊💖💖💖
Wise words. Thank you for sharing. Much love from both of us 💚
Ok...I think I've watched this 10 times already. Fantastic reaction and thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us.
Congratulations on such a great reaction I love this song and the meaning can get you emotional keep it up I'm a fan
Wonderful reaction to a great song writer ❤
Another great Jackson Browne song is That Girl Could Sing.
Two of my favorite Jackson Browne songs show his range; from the light Somebody's Baby to the profound The Rebel Jesus.
I admit, when a Jackson Browne song would come on the radio, I would usually skip to another station UNTIL one day where I didn’t and actually LISTENED to The Pretender. After that, I was hooked. Incredible songwriting: potent and deep.
Jackson Browne's songs always give you something to think about, you can see yourself in his songs.
That’s Music, one of the monsters of the 80’s! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Just caught this reaction - excellent! I'm so glad you guys found such meaning in it as so many of us did!
Sky Blue and Black is another lyric gem from Jackson Browne. A deeper cut that is very worth a listen.
This was a fantastic reaction. I love it when reactors really understand a song.
Great reaction to one of my favorites. BEAUTIFUL!!!
I have been listening to this song for at least 40 years, & it keeps giving me more & deeper meaning. This is what it means to me now…
This is social commentary at its finest. I hear him talking about the limitation that the 1% put on our lives, even our dreams. From the get go of the song, we are shown what limitations of our dreams/goals are meant to be by our Masters. God forbid we should have a higher, more ethical standard to reach for, besides commercialism. But the "Man" whispers to us, "You should be happy w/ what you are given, & not expect more". "Caught between the longing for love, & the struggle for the legal tender", & later he bemoans that "True LOVE could have been a contender" Talking about how social movements based on love, could have been the focus of our lives: like Civil Rights & Anti-War aspirations. But NO, we were quietly told to shut up & trade in our dreams for the "struggle for the legal tender" (limited though it was, for the lower classes), & adopt the dreams that the Oligarchy wanted for us. Most of the other lyrics speak of how petty & limited are the dreams we are allowed : "Children & the Ice Cream Vendor", etc. The key (to the ken) of this song, is the title, "The Pretender", a person trying to navigate conditions he despises, but must endure to survive. Has little or nothing to do w/ the simplicity of male or female thinking. "Leaving nothing but to choose off & fight, They'll tear at the world w/ all their might", means to me, how we are pitted against each other, of the lower classes, & ethnic background, to get the scraps, we are allowed, to survive, while the rich, laugh all the way to the bank. "while the ships bearing their dreams (real ones), sail out of sight", while we 99%ers were distracted by the daily struggle, our real aspirations were forgotten. "I'm gonna find myself a girl, who can show me what laughter means, & we'll fill in the missing colors of our paint by number dreams", I'm gonna get as much happiness out of the limited choices I'm allowed, but this also displays a genuine desire to find a soul mate, that can focus him on the good, beautiful & funny things that can be had, even w/in the limited scope we have available. The next lines refer to the rose colored glasses we must don, to make the best of a bad situation, & funny stuff about, love making..... The reduction of the scope of our hopes is found in the next lines, "& believe whatever may lie, in those things that MONEY can buy", we are left to wish for fulfillment in cheap trinkets, tokens of true value, that we are denied access to. "Forget your ideals, & be happy w/ what (little) you are "blessed" w/ "! Then the epitomal line about True Love/Contender. "Say a prayer, R U there for the Pretender", he is asking us to pray & sympathize w/ the Pretender, because he is US !!!
Bravo folks what a fabulous breakdown of this song! This is one of my all time favorite song, for just the exact reasons you both pointed out! Fabulous analysis!
stuck in the machine - so well put - i remember buying this album when it came out in 1976 - i was on my first job out of college - it didn't take long to realize the machine was in control :)
For a Dancer, These Days, In the Shape of a Heart, Fountain of Sorrow, and Your Bright Baby Blues. And about 50 more.
Wow!! Amen ❤️
Where the master Jackson Browne excels is talking about life and love in all of his music, he takes a subject and moulds it into a masterpiece of life. He is a beautiful songwriter as iI discovered in the 70's and to this day still have every single album he released and every now and then on a hot sunny day or a pouring rainy day out them on and can escape the world for a while as he has that sort of magic.
Ty to the sub's who request him and to you both for reacting to these stunning songs.
Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘❤❤🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶
Jackson Browne and John Prine are two of my favorite song writers. Their lyrics just touch your soul!! Jimmy Buffet is in that great writer category as well. I mean anyone that can write a hit song about a cheeseburger is pretty good.
excellent, intelligent reaction. subscribed! what a great song. Jackson one of the great social commentators of his generation, puts it into music and song perfectly.
Thank you kindly for your support! Best wishes 💚
May all your hopes and dreams happen for you two. You are a lovely couple.
Thank you so much 😊 Love from Romania 💚
That was beautiful. Both the song, and you.
You two are amazing!! Love watching your reactions. You are the best. God bless you in all your endeavors!
Thank you so much!! 😊
*Andrei and Dominika* I've been a "Silent" Subscriber and watcher of your reactions for over a year.!!! I've *NEVER* commented even tho Led Zeppelin is *MY PERSONAL* Favourite band ever.! Even that wasn't enough to comment but honestly I've been SOOOOOOO waiting for you to react to this *SPECIFIC* song..... I was a former American, touring musician who now lives in Idaho.! I think you two are beautiful people and I *TRULY* love your output & gifts to all of us...... I though it was about to time I said something.....
*NOW* I'm going to watch your reaction to this song I hold very dear.... David.....
*AND NOW* at 7.5 minutes what I "hoped" would happen did happen.!!!!! BINGO..... your spot on..... I could go on and on..... but I see you understand..... now back to silent & obscure..... watching U 2
Thank you so much! Much love from Romania 💚
FYI... nearly every song on this album is so deep. GREAT ALBUM
It was beautiful and so moving to see the two of you identify with this sone. Your love shines!
Hi Guys, I just discovered you recently as you were covering 3 of my favorite singer songwriters. Jackson Browne, Springsteen and the Eagles. What truly separates these artists is they are singer/songwriters and they truly bring a different perspective as artists.
I love your commentary and insights and like these
Artists they have older soul perspectives ( for being so young when they wrote this material).
There is a Jackson Browne song “For a Dancer” which hopefully you could cover in the future.
Looking forward to future shows. Best Wishes
Jim L.
Beautiful guys! Jackson is another musical poet. Amazing talent
The first verse of this song is burned deep down into my soul.