Pretending by Glee is featured in New York, the final episode of Season Two. The song is written by Finn, which he performs as a duet with Rachel along with New Directions performing as backup vocals at Nationals. Before they perform, Rachel tells Finn that "he wrote an amazing song," which causes Finn to admit to her that he still has feelings for her. However, while Rachel tells Finn that the feelings are mutual, she can't let him get in the way of her career in the future.
At the end of the song, they share an unplanned kiss in front of the crowd to express their true feelings for each other. After the New Directions are done performing, Jesse calls out Finn and Rachel's kiss, calling it "vulgar" and "unprofessional" and that it would cost them the National title. His theory is proven correct when the New Directions misses the top 10 by two places, placing at 12th.
Lyrics
Finn and Rachel:
Face to face and heart to heart
We're so close yet so far apart
I close my eyes I look away
That's just because I'm not OK
Rachel:
But I hold on
Finn and Rachel:
I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong
Will we ever say the words we're feeling?
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?
We will always, always, always be pretending?
How long do I fantasize?
Make believe that it’s still alive
Imagine that I am good enough
And we can choose the ones we love
Finn:
But I hold on
Finn and Rachel:
I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong
Will we ever say the words we're feeling?
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be
Keeping secrets safe
Every move we make
Seems like no one's letting go
And it’s such a shame
'Cause if you feel the same
How am I supposed to know?
Finn, Rachel, and New Directions:
Will we ever say the words we're feeling?
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
(Rachel: Tear down all the walls)
Will we ever have a happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?
(Finn: Only be pretending)
New Directions with Finn and Rachel ad-libbing:
Will we always, always, always be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be pretending?
