The song feels a bit ambiguous. The way I see it it’s about being in a relationship and being willing to make sacrifices and to forgive the troubles past. It is about giving the other and the relationship what it needs.
Here's your chance
I give you what you want
I am a giver
Here's your chance
To tell me what you want
I'm a forgiver
When nobody's around
I try not to care
I must deliver
When nobody is home
I will not get the door
I'm a pretender
Here's your chance
I give you what you want
I am a giver
Here's your chance
To tell me what you want
I'm a forgiver
When nobody's around
I try not to care
I must deliver
When nobody is home
I will not get the door
I'm a pretender
So, here we stand
Like flowers in the cold wilt and wither
Here's your chance
Tell me what you want
I'm a forgiver
Pretender was produced by John Congleton.