Introduction:
The year is 1958. Rock and roll is just beginning to take hold, yet a different kind of revolution is brewing in the world of country music. Conway Twitty, a rising star with a smooth baritone and a penchant for emotional storytelling, releases a single that will define his early career and propel him onto the national stage: “It’s Only Make Believe”.
While Twitty would later become synonymous with the iconic duo he formed with Loretta Lynn, “It’s Only Make Believe” stands as a powerful testament to his solo artistry. The song, co-written by Twitty himself alongside Jack Nance, falls squarely within the genre of honky-tonk – a subgenre of country known for its driving rhythms, simple instrumentation, and lyrics that often explore themes of heartbreak and loneliness.
“It’s Only Make Believe” perfectly exemplifies these characteristics. A steady backbeat lays the foundation, punctuated by the twang of a steel guitar. The melody itself is deceptively simple, mirroring the protagonist’s straightforward declaration of love. Yet, beneath this surface simplicity lies a profound emotional depth.
The lyrics paint a picture of a man hopelessly in love with a woman who doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. He acknowledges that their public displays of affection are a charade, a mere performance for the benefit of others (“People see us everywhere, they think you really care/But myself, I can’t deceive, I know it’s only make-believe”). Despite this painful reality, he clings to the hope that someday her heart will change (“My one and only prayer is that someday you’ll care”).
Produced by Owen Bradley, a legendary figure in country music history known for his polished “Nashville Sound,” “It’s Only Make Believe” strikes a balance between the raw emotion of traditional honky-tonk and the smoother sensibilities of the emerging Nashville style. The song’s impact was undeniable. It soared to the top of the Billboard pop charts, becoming Twitty’s only number-one single on the pop charts in either the US or UK. This crossover success cemented his position as a major force in American music, bridging the gap between country and mainstream audiences.
“It’s Only Make Believe” is more than just a chart-topping hit; it’s a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today. It captures the universal experience of unrequited love, the bittersweet sting of yearning for someone who may never feel the same. With its simple yet profound lyrics and Twitty’s powerful vocals, the song remains an enduring classic, a testament to the enduring power of country music at its most emotionally raw and vulnerable.