About the song
Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” is a classic that remains a cornerstone of both his remarkable career and the broader landscape of pop and country music. Released in 1958, this song stands as a testament to Twitty’s early impact on the music industry and his ability to blend different genres with remarkable ease.
Born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, Conway Twitty was initially known for his work in rock and roll before making a legendary transition to country music. “It’s Only Make Believe” marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his smooth baritone voice and innate ability to convey deep emotion. Written by Twitty himself, along with Jack Nance and Johnny Williams, the song was a departure from his earlier rock and roll work and helped to establish him as a versatile artist.
The single was released as part of Twitty’s debut album, also titled *It’s Only Make Believe*. The album was a commercial success, with the title track becoming a standout hit. The song’s success was immediate and widespread; it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it held its position for a remarkable seven weeks. Additionally, it topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, reflecting its broad appeal across multiple musical genres.
The lyrics of “It’s Only Make Believe” capture a poignant tale of longing and heartache, with Twitty’s tender vocal performance bringing a sense of authenticity to the narrative. The song’s melodic structure, coupled with its emotionally charged lyrics, resonated deeply with listeners and contributed to its enduring popularity.
In addition to its commercial success, “It’s Only Make Believe” remains a significant piece in Twitty’s discography and is often credited with bridging the gap between rock and roll and country music. Its influence can be seen in the way it paved the way for Twitty’s successful career transition into country music, where he would go on to become one of the genre’s most celebrated figures.
In summary, Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” is more than just a song; it is a pivotal moment in music history that highlights Twitty’s versatility and emotional depth as an artist. The track’s success on the charts and its lasting impact on listeners are testaments to Twitty’s exceptional talent and the song’s timeless appeal. This classic hit continues to be cherished by fans and stands as a prominent example of Twitty’s contribution to both pop and country music.
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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)