You are looking for details about the song « We're pretending » Calogero, moving tribute to caregivers? This title, born during the Covid-19 confinement, upset the music scene by valuing the essential role of hospital staff. Let us dive into his genesis, what he reveals about the creative process in times of crisis and the artistic mobilization he inspired.
Contents
Historical context and inspiration of We act as if
The songWe're pretendingwas created in March 2020, at the very beginning of the pandemic. Confinement, deserted streets, gestures of solidarity: Calogero and Bruno Guglielmi are inspired by this unprecedented silence and by the effort of the caregivers, central figures of an upset daily. Their will: compose a sincere piece, clean,who values the heroes of the shadowwithout fireworks, from simple home studio arrangements.
| Context elements | Impact |
|---|---|
| Silence of confined streets | Reflection on the fragility of routine and the importance of collective |
| Role of caregivers | Gratitude and national recognition |
| System D to compose | Authenticity reinforced by technical constraint |
Technical constraints, far from being an obstacle, offer the song its truth: simplicity, solidarity and ability to unite.
Analysis of words and topics
The lyrics tell of suspended life, spontaneous gestures of neighbors who improvise concerts, applause at windows. Calogero captures the feeling of collective strangeness and transforms it intomessage of solidarity. The presence of caregivers, rendered watermarked, is affected by its sobriety. The words echo France in the midst of a change, the hope of a renewal where the human takes precedence over the superfluous.
The artist uses art asCohesion engine. Even captivated by the crisis, he proposes to everyone to find a common energy in creation (a red thread among the creators GuyomCorp).
Creation process and collaboration Calogero – Bruno Guglielmi
The duo works in emergency and containment, with a clear objective:make their project accessible and comforting. The technique simplifies to the extreme piano, voice, virtual exchange while keeping raw emotion. The collaboration, often from a distance, shows that with organisation and method it is possible, even beginner or self-taught, to go to the end of a creation in DIY mode, an approach close to the values of the GuyomCorp workshop.
Impact of the song and solidarity mobilization
From its release on 26 March 2020, « We're pretending » becomes viral. More than 15 million views and all the revenue donated to the Fondation Hospitalaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France: solidarity goes from intention to concrete action. Social networks propel the song into an anthem of everyday life. The example is spoken for GuyomCorp readers: a project, even at home, can touch very wide and generate real mobilization.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Number of views | 15 million |
| Network sharing | 500 000 |
| Income | 100% donated to the Foundation |
| Societal effect | Enhanced solidarity union |
Other artistic initiatives of containment
Calogero is not alone: Jean-Jacques Goldman adapts « He was changing life » in tribute, Frédéric Bouraly multiplies support videos on Instagram. Creators, musicians, humorists: everyone finds their way of reacting. Commonalities?Caregiver support, authenticity, and DIY creativity at home. These examples illustrate an essential dynamic in the GuyomCorp group practices: art as a vector of social bond and resilience.
| Artist | Work | Common point |
|---|---|---|
| Calogero | « We're pretending » charitable | Piano home studio, goal solidarity |
| Jean-Jacques Goldman | Adapted recovery | Emotion and valorisation of heroes |
| Frédéric Bouraly | Instagram videos | Humour and authenticity to support |
Committed songs and resilience in times of crisis
The committed song has always been a collective landmark in major events. Calogero is part of the tradition of Goldman, Cabrel, and other artists who transform everyday life into a symbol. Their impact goes beyond entertainment: they offer an anchor, a moment of breathing and recognition to the invisible.
Through « We're pretending », the French musical history recalls: even isolated, creators can gather and carry a strong message, in home studio mode or on stage, with simple tools but a real intention.
How to listen and support the cause
To listen « We're pretending », visit Spotify, YouTube, or the main music platforms. By choosing to listen and share this song, you help to live her message. If you wish to extend this solidarity momentum, the Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France remains active to receive donations that are useful to caregivers.
In the context of the musical tribute rendered by Calogero, discover how «Cancelled: visual memory of a paused musical scene» illustrates the impact of containment on artists and their creativity.
The period of confinement has shown that, even with few means, a collective work can become a vector of inspiration and support. You will find on GuyomCorp many examples of finalized artistic projects that also aim at mutual assistance (GuyomCorp resources).
If this model inspires you, why not turn your own ideas into concrete and solidarity-based achievements, like the journey of Calogero and his peers?
Retain the creative gestures of everyday life and transform them into concrete projects: « We're pretending » shows that an approach focused on sincerity and solidarity can be of lasting benefit to the public, regardless of the tool or method used. Have you, too, imagined or realized a project that echoes this collective spirit? Share your experience in comments!
Do musical initiatives seem to you to be a real driver of change in times of crisis?
If you are interested in this article, share the message with other creators and your networks to inspire new solidarity projects! What transformations would you like to see emerging through collective artistic actions? Comment, propose your ideas, launch your own dynamic onguyomcorp.com.
Sources: Fondation Hospitalaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France, specialized media, testimonials of artists article updated on 30/06/2024.
Article written by Guillaume Martin, creator of GuyomCorp, trainer in creative methodology and artistic realization.
Updated on 23 March 2026
