“It’s Only Make Believe” by Conway Twitty is a classic ballad that captures the intense longing and unrequited love experienced by someone whose romantic dreams are never fully realized. Released in 1958, this song became Twitty’s breakthrough hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving international success. The song marked the beginning of Twitty’s illustrious career, which would later see him become one of the most iconic figures in country music. However, “It’s Only Make Believe” is a pop-rock ballad that showcased Twitty’s versatility and his ability to convey deep emotion through his powerful voice.
Written by Conway Twitty and Jack Nance, the song was originally recorded in a single take, reflecting the raw emotion and urgency that permeates the track. At the time of its release, Twitty was still relatively unknown, but the song’s universal theme of unfulfilled love resonated with a wide audience, propelling him to stardom almost overnight. Despite being only 24 years old at the time, Twitty’s vocal performance in “It’s Only Make Believe” displayed a maturity and depth that belied his years, earning him comparisons to Elvis Presley.
Lyrically, “It’s Only Make Believe” is a heartfelt lament about a man who is hopelessly in love with someone who does not return his affections. The opening lines set the tone for the entire song: “People see us everywhere, they think you really care, but myself, I can’t deceive, I know it’s only make believe.” These words capture the pain of pretending that a relationship is real when, in fact, it exists only in the protagonist’s mind. The song is filled with this sense of longing and the realization that his love is unreciprocated, making the listener feel the deep emotional conflict of hoping against hope.
The chorus of “It’s Only Make Believe” is where the emotional intensity reaches its peak. Twitty sings, “My one and only prayer is that some day you’ll care, my hopes, my dreams come true, my one and only you.” Here, the protagonist’s desperation is palpable—his entire existence seems to revolve around the impossible dream of being loved by the person he adores. The repeated phrase “It’s only make believe” serves as a painful reminder that all his hopes are built on a foundation of fantasy, not reality.
Musically, “It’s Only Make Believe” is a perfect blend of rock and roll and pop balladry, characterized by its dramatic orchestration and Twitty’s passionate vocals. The arrangement features a lush string section that enhances the song’s emotional impact, while the steady rhythm and haunting melody provide a solid foundation for Twitty’s voice to soar. The production style, with its echoing reverb and dynamic crescendos, was typical of late 1950s pop music, yet “It’s Only Make Believe” stands out for its sincerity and the sheer power of Twitty’s performance.
Conway Twitty’s voice is the true star of this song. His rich, baritone voice carries the weight of the lyrics, infusing them with a sense of yearning and vulnerability that is both compelling and relatable. Twitty’s ability to express such deep emotion through his singing was one of the reasons the song connected so strongly with listeners. His vocal delivery, with its subtle nuances and dynamic range, conveys the inner turmoil of someone caught between hope and despair. It’s a performance that leaves a lasting impression, demonstrating Twitty’s exceptional talent as a vocalist.
The success of “It’s Only Make Believe” was a pivotal moment in Conway Twitty’s career. The song not only topped the charts in the United States but also reached number one in 22 other countries, making Twitty an international sensation. This achievement was particularly significant given that Twitty was a relative newcomer at the time. The song’s popularity helped to establish him as a major artist in both the pop and country music scenes, paving the way for his later success in country music, where he would become one of the genre’s most beloved figures.
“It’s Only Make Believe” also had a lasting impact on popular music. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Glen Campbell and Ronnie McDowell, each bringing their own interpretation to the song’s poignant lyrics and memorable melody. The song’s themes of unrequited love and the pain of unattainable dreams continue to resonate with listeners, ensuring its place as a timeless classic.
In the broader context of Conway Twitty’s career, “It’s Only Make Believe” represents a key turning point. While Twitty would go on to achieve even greater success in the country music world, this song remains one of his most iconic recordings. It’s a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions through music, and it set the stage for the many hits that would follow.
In conclusion, “It’s Only Make Believe” by Conway Twitty is a powerful ballad that captures the heartache of unrequited love with a depth and sincerity that continues to resonate with listeners. Twitty’s passionate vocal performance, combined with the song’s memorable melody and evocative lyrics, make it a standout track in his extensive catalog and a true classic of the pop-rock genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Conway Twitty or discovering this song for the first time, “It’s Only Make Believe” is a poignant reminder of the power of music to express the deepest emotions of the human experience.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
People see us everywhere
They think you really care
But myself, I can’t deceive
I know it’s only make believe
My one and only prayer
Is that some day you’ll care
My hopes, my dreams come true
My one and only you
No one will ever know
How much I love you so
My only prayer will be
Some day you’ll care for me
But it’s only make believe
My hopes, my dreams come true
My life, I’d give for you
My heart, a wedding ring
My all, my everything
My heart I can’t control
You rule my very soul
My only prayer will be
Some day you’ll care for me
But it’s only make believe
My one and only prayer
Is that some day you’ll care
My hopes, my dreams come true
My one and only you
No one will ever know
How much I love you so
My prayer, my hopes, my schemes
You are my every thing
But it’s only make believe (make believe)