Song Stories: MGMT: Time to Pretend

In 2007 MGMT dropped a song, that was written about them pretending to be rockstars. Little did they know that "Time to Pretend" and it's parent album 'Oracular Spectacular' would propel them to exactly what they were pretending to be.

MGMT, originally formed by Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser in 2002, was initially an experimental college project that toyed with different genres. However, as the duo’s unique sound began to evolve, they struck gold with "Time to Pretend," a song that captured both the carefree fantasies of stardom and the existential crises lurking beneath them.

Andrew and Ben drew inspiration from their experience watching the rise of rock legends and pop culture icons. According to VanWyngarden, "Time to Pretend" was a tongue-in-cheek reflection on the hedonistic lifestyle that rock stars often embody, filled with wild parties, fast cars, and fleeting romances. It’s a fantasy that seduces so many, and yet, MGMT—despite their youth—seemed keenly aware of its darker implications.

The opening chords of "Time to Pretend" are instantly recognizable: sweeping, soaring synths that transport listeners into a kaleidoscopic dream world. The production of the track is unapologetically 80s-inspired, with nods to artists like David Bowie and New Order, with a distinctly modern twist. These electronic sound, accompanies an almost melancholic undercurrent choing the song’s lyrical exploration of the rise and inevitable fall of youthful abandon.

The song’s central hook, "This is our decision, to live fast and die young," sets the tone for the entire track. It's both a declaration and a warning—a reflection of the precarious balance between living for the moment and succumbing to the consequences of reckless excess. The lyrics of "Time to Pretend" paint a vivid picture of rock-star dreams: buying yachts, marrying models, and escaping reality in every way possible. But beneath the surface, the song reflects a sense of disillusionment. MGMT crafted the track during a time when the pressures of adulthood, the trappings of fame, and the search for meaning loomed large. 

The song became a cultural touchstone, its lyrics and sound embodying the contradictions of the millennial generation.  Becoming an anthem for dreamers, but also those who felt trapped in the very same dreams that they pursued.

"Time to Pretend" remains a shimmering relic of its time, both a celebration and critique of youth, fame, and the ephemeral moments that define our lives. Whether you’re dreaming of rock star glory or grappling with the grind of everyday life, MGMT’s anthem speaks to the part of us that’s still deciding whether to live fast—or find meaning in the morning commute.