The song "No Pretending" by Hundred Reasons is an emotional and introspective track that explores the themes of imperfection, self-realization, and the consequences of pretending to be someone you're not. The lyrics suggest that the listener has already "ruined what they should've held dear," indicating that they have made mistakes or wrong choices in their life. The line "teaching imperfection's like drilling holes in the sea" implies that trying to teach or impose imperfection is futile or impossible, as it is a natural part of being human. The speaker offers to take the listener aside to share their wisdom and apologize for any misunderstandings or past actions. This indicates that the speaker is compassionate and genuinely cares about the listener's well-being. The chorus questions whether the listener has been living a lie and pretending to sacrifice real things in order to win some kind of fight. This could refer to the idea of sacrificing genuine emotions or relationships for the sake of achieving success or fulfilling societal expectations. The line "I thought that I told you that it wasn't working" suggests that the speaker may have previously tried to advise or warn the listener about their behavior or choices. Overall, the song seems to convey a message of authenticity and the importance of being true to oneself. It encourages the listener to reflect on their actions and choices, and to consider the true meaning and value of what they have been sacrificing.