Midwestern indie rock band Pretoria capture unrequited feelings and longing through relatable lyricism in their latest single, “Don’t Fade.”
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Stream: “Don’t Fade” – Pretoria
Originating in Grand Rapids, Michigan, independent rock band Pretoria have found their footing in the city of Chicago.
The relocation isn’t the only development on the horizon for the group, as shown by the release of their latest single, “Don’t Fade.” Aiming for 2025 to be their biggest year yet, this song gives fans a glimpse of all that’s to come. With classic indie pop beats and heartfelt lyrics, the band explores the struggle of tiptoeing around the inevitable ending of a relationship.
For you, I’m patient
Three days I’ve waited
Too long, too complacent
One last vacation
And I see your stasis
And I hear your hatred
And when I touch you lately
I feel you fading
Waiting on an individual can feel daunting, as if the other person holds the shiny magic key controlling the fate of a relationship. In the process, the subject puts it all on the line, only to feel the other person pulling away. Pretoria’s lyrics perfectly capture the desperation of holding on, and how that can take a toll on someone. It’s a relatable storyline that allows listeners to connect with the message – prompting them to crave clarity just as the subject does.
If you’re gonna lie to me then do it to my face
If you’re gonna break my heart then break it all the way
And if you don’t have the guts to put me in my place
Don’t fade
You’ll get back to me, right? Right?
Ooo, the dare
The twin bed we shared night after night
Now kill the lights
Ooo, so I don’t have to see this masterpiece die
Feeling powerless in a situation is the emotional equivalent of being trapped underwater, desperately gasping for air. Each lyric aches with vulnerability of opening up to someone, ultimately leading to an unexpected loss.
At the start of the track, the subject reveals they’ve waited three days for this person – or even just for answers. By the end of the song, three days stretch into three weeks, signaling a hopeful persistence. Truly caring about someone means giving them what they need – whether it’s time or space. In this case, that time is taken for granted rather than used constructively, leaving the subject to cope with a slow, painful detachment.
For you, I’m patient
Three weeks I’ve waited
Too long, too complacent
One last vacation
And I see your stasis
And I hear your hatred
And when I touch you lately
I feel you fading
Unreciprocated love consumes a person, overtaking their thoughts and swallowing them whole.
“Don’t Fade” is a poignant portrayal of those emotions, reminding listeners that it’s okay to be a hopeless romantic. The track serves as a cautionary tale for those who fall too deep, too fast. While romance may be unreliable, falling head over heels for “Don’t Fade” is a guarantee.
Keep an eye on Pretoria – this is only the beginning of the greatness yet to come!
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Stream: “Don’t Fade” – Pretoria
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© Brady Olson
© Brady Olson
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