Under the Hood, Episode 3: "A World of Pretenders"



The players:

- Sil Simone — guitars (Tom Cochrane, Triumph, Rik Emmett, Lee Aaron; Rock of Ages, We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell)
- Harry Hess — programming & backing vocals (Harem Scarem)
- Creighton Doane — drums (Harem Scarem; Alannah Myles, Kim Mitchell)
- Franklin McKay — lead vocals

Written by Franklin McKay & Harry Hess. Produced by Harry Hess. 100% CANCON.

I was on a cross-country summer drive when the idea for this song hit me. I felt the spirit of it move me — and I knew right then exactly where it needed to go. Once Harry and I started working on it, it came together fast. Then Sil came in and added his magic, especially those shredding solos. The final version is big and powerful, with huge energy.

Lyrically, it's about the search for what's genuine — in faith, in people, in ourselves — in a world full of performance. It opens with humanity's oldest questions: is heaven real or is it all a lie, divine creation or a roll of the dice? Then it turns its sights on the wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 10:16) — not attacking faith, but defending the real thing from the people who use religion as a costume. And the title goes wider than church walls: politicians, influencers, curated online lives — and ourselves, whenever we choose appearances over honesty.

The heart of it is one word: forged. "Only God knows what we've got, and if it's forged or real." Counterfeit — or forged through fire. Both readings are in there on purpose.

I've also recorded a full lyric-by-lyric audio synopsis that walks through every section — the verses, the crossroads, the title line — for anyone who wants to go deeper.

It's out there now as a Christian rock single getting major radio adds. Turns out the song can sure hit a nerve with some people!

Franklin



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