Pretoria Experiences a Wave of Emotions in “Don’t Fade” - Atwood Magazine

      Midwestern indie rock band Pretoria express unreciprocated emotions and longing through their relatable lyrics in their latest track, “Don’t Fade.”

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      Listen to: “Don’t Fade” – Pretoria.

      Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, independent rock ensemble Pretoria have established their presence in Chicago. The move is just one of the many developments for the band, as indicated by the release of their new single, “Don’t Fade.” They have their sights set on 2025 being their most successful year and this song offers fans a preview of what lies ahead. With quintessential indie pop rhythms and poignant lyrics, they delve into the challenges of navigating the impending end 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

      Don’t Fade – Pretoria

      Waiting for someone can be overwhelming, as if that person possesses the magical key to the relationship's destiny. During this period, the individual risks everything, only to sense the other party withdrawing. Pretoria’s lyrics effectively convey the urgency of holding on, capturing the emotional toll it takes. This narrative resonates with listeners, making them yearn for 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 mirrors the emotional experience of being submerged underwater, gasping for air. Each lyric radiates the vulnerability of opening up to someone, ultimately leading to an unanticipated loss.

      At the beginning of the song, the subject reveals that they’ve waited three days for this person or even just for clarity. By the end, those three days extend into three weeks, indicating a hopeful tenacity. Caring for someone genuinely means providing them with what they need—be it time or space. In this instance, that time is squandered instead of utilized wisely, leaving the subject to deal with a gradual, 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

      Pretoria © 2023

      Pretoria © Brady Olson

      Unreciprocated affection can consume an individual, enveloping their thoughts completely. “Don’t Fade” powerfully captures these sentiments, reminding listeners that it’s perfectly fine to be a hopeless romantic. The track serves as a cautionary tale for those who become too invested too quickly. While romance can be unpredictable, falling in love with “Don’t Fade” is assured.

      Keep an eye on Pretoria – this is just the beginning of their promising journey!

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      Listen to: “Don’t Fade” – Pretoria

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