Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe”: A Timeless Ballad of Unrequited Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll History
The year was 1958, and the landscape of popular music was undergoing a seismic shift. Amidst the rise of rock and roll, a young artist named Conway Twitty, then known for his energetic rockabilly sound, released a song that would not only define his career but also etch itself into the very fabric of music history: “It’s Only Make Believe“. This wasn’t just another catchy tune; it was a raw, emotional ballad that captured the universal pangs of unrequited love, wrapped in a deceptively simple melody that appealed to a broad audience.
Conway Twitty, born Harold Jenkins, had been honing his musical craft for years, transitioning from gospel to country and eventually finding his niche in the burgeoning rock and roll scene. However, it was “It’s Only Make Believe” that catapulted him to international stardom. The song, co-written by Twitty and drummer Jack Nance while they were on tour in Canada, tells the story of a man deeply in love with a woman who doesn’t seem to reciprocate his feelings. He puts on a brave face, pretending that their connection is real, but beneath the surface lies a yearning for genuine affection. The lyrics, simple yet poignant, resonated with listeners who had experienced the bittersweet reality of loving someone from afar. Lines like “People see us everywhere, they think you really care, but myself I can’t deceive, I know it’s only make believe” speak to the heart of the matter – the internal struggle between outward appearances and inner turmoil.
The song’s arrangement is deceptively simple, built around a memorable melody and Twitty’s emotive vocal delivery. There’s a raw vulnerability in his voice that perfectly conveys the song’s emotional core. The backing vocals and instrumentation further enhance the song’s melancholic atmosphere, creating a sonic landscape that draws the listener into the narrator’s world of longing. It’s this combination of heartfelt lyrics, a catchy melody, and Twitty’s compelling performance that gave the song its enduring appeal.
Upon its release, “It’s Only Make Believe” became a massive hit, topping both the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK Singles Chart. This achievement solidified Twitty’s position as a major force in popular music and marked a significant moment in the crossover between rock and roll and the emerging sounds of what would eventually become known as “teen idol” music. The song’s success wasn’t just confined to its initial release; it has continued to resonate with generations of listeners, becoming a staple of oldies radio and a timeless classic. Even decades later, as evidenced by his later performances of the song (like the one featuring musicians such as Hiram Bullock, Don Alias, and Omar Hakim), Twitty could still deliver the song with the same emotional intensity that made it a hit in the first place.
This wasn’t just a fleeting pop sensation; “It’s Only Make Believe” is a testament to the power of a well-crafted song to capture universal emotions. It remains a cornerstone of Conway Twitty‘s legacy, a reminder of his talent as a singer and songwriter, and a timeless exploration of the complexities of love and longing.
Music Legend