Throwing back to the week of January 10, 1957, we find Dean Martin and Tennessee Ernie Ford holding on to the top two spots with, respectively, ‘Memories Are Made of This‘ and ‘Sixteen Tons.’
At #3, The Platters’ ‘The Great Pretender’ was steadily moving up the chart on its way to a #1 berth a few weeks later. This was the first chart-topping hit for the doo-wop band, which ultimately had four songs reach #1.
A couple of months back I wrote about ‘Only You (And You Alone),’ The Platters’ hit that preceded this one. The band’s manager, Buck Ram, wrote ‘The Great Pretender’ to capitalize on the success of that track, penning it in a hotel bathroom in just 20 minutes.
That’s his version of events, anyway. I always assume stories like that are embellished at least a little bit.
Oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender (Ooh, ooh)
Pretending that I’m doing well (Ooh, ooh)
My need is such, I pretend too much
I’m lonely, but no one can tell
[Verse 2]
Oh, yes, I’m the great pretender (Ooh, ooh)
Adrift in a world of my own (Ooh, ooh)
I’ve played the game, but to my real shame
You’ve left me to grieve all alone (Ooh, ooh)
[Bridge]
Too real is this feeling of make-believe (Ooh, ooh)
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
[Verse 3]
Yes, I’m the great pretender (Ooh, ooh)
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown (Ooh, ooh)
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around (Ooh, ooh)
[Bridge]
Too real is this feeling of make-believe (Ooh, ooh)
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
[Verse 3]
Yes, I’m the great pretender (Ooh, ooh)
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown (Ooh, ooh)
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
(Still around)
Meet Me In Montauk 
Probably accurate. I’ve heard many songwriters say they wrote songs in less than 30 minutes.