**(Verse 1: Loretta)** [Steel Guitar Intro]
I wake up every morning, put on my best smile,
Pretending that I'm happy, but it’s been a while.
The coffee’s brewing strong, but I can’t find the taste,
‘Cause I’m drowning in memories that I just can’t erase.
**(Chorus: Loretta & Merle)**
Oh, I can’t stop pretending, wearing this old mask,
Hiding all my heartache, it’s a heavy task.
In the daylight I’m shining, but the night’s like a thief,
Stealing all my moments, can’t you see my grief?
**(Verse 2: Merle)**
Well, I see you there smiling, but I know it’s a show,
Behind those pretty curtains, there’s a pain I know.
We dance through the seasons, playing our old parts,
But darling, can we talk about the aching in our hearts?
**(Chorus: Loretta & Merle)**
Oh, I can’t stop pretending, wearing this old mask,
Hiding all my heartache, it’s a heavy task.
In the daylight I’m shining, but the night’s like a thief,
Stealing all my moments, can’t you see my grief?
**(Bridge: Loretta)**
Maybe if I let you in, we could break these chains,
Talk about the shadows, the sorrow and the pains.
**(Verse 3: Merle)**
Now I see the tears, they sparkle in your eyes,
Let’s put down the pretense, it’s okay to cry.
We’ve been through the battles, oh, we’ve seen the worst,
But together we can heal our hearts that feel cursed.
**(Chorus: Loretta & Merle)**
Oh, I can’t stop pretending, wearing this old mask,
Hiding all my heartache, it’s a heavy task.
In the daylight I’m shining, but the night’s like a thief,
Stealing all my moments, can’t you see my grief?
**(Outro: Loretta & Merle)**
So let’s drop all the charades, we both know the score, when it comes to pretendin' I won't take it no more......
