About The Song

Conway Twitty’s iconic ballad, “It’s Only Make Believe”. This 1958 single transcends genre, holding a special place in the hearts of both rock and roll and country music enthusiasts. For those unfamiliar, Twitty wasn’t always the rhinestone-suited king of country duets. He began his career with a rockabilly swagger, and “It’s Only Make Believe” stands as a prime example of this electrifying era.

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The song itself is a masterclass in capturing the bittersweet pangs of unrequited love. Twitty’s smooth, expressive vocals narrate the tale of a man helplessly smitten with a woman who seems oblivious to his affections.

The lyrics paint a picture of stolen glances and whispered dreams, all tinged with the melancholic awareness that these feelings are, as the title suggests, just a fantasy. Lines like “People see us everywhere / They think you really care” showcase the protagonist’s yearning for a deeper connection, a connection that remains frustratingly out of reach.

However, “It’s Only Make Believe” isn’t simply a wallowing lament. There’s a spark of hope that flickers beneath the surface. The repeated refrain “My one and only prayer / Is that someday you’ll care” reveals the man’s unwavering devotion. He clings to the possibility that his love might one day be reciprocated, a testament to the enduring power of optimism in the face of heartbreak.

Musically, the song is a delightful blend of rock and roll energy and country heartache. The driving rhythm section, courtesy of a prominent bass line and crisp drumming, keeps your toes tapping.

Meanwhile, the melancholic twang of the electric guitar adds a touch of country sorrow to the mix. Twitty’s vocals seamlessly navigate these contrasting elements, conveying both the desperation and the underlying resilience of the lovelorn narrator.

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“It’s Only Make Believe” proved to be a turning point in Twitty’s career. The song became a massive crossover hit, topping both the pop and country charts in the UK and reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

It established Twitty as a rising star and demonstrated his remarkable versatility as a performer. While he would later become synonymous with country music, “It’s Only Make Believe” serves as a potent reminder of his rock and roll roots and his undeniable ability to capture the universal language of love and longing.

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