About The Song
Before he became a country music icon, before the string of number one hits and legendary duets with Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty began his career as a rock and roll singer. While this early period is often overshadowed by his later country success, it produced a song that would not only become his first major hit but also hint at the ballad-singing prowess that would define his later career. An older, educated audience, familiar with the full arc of Twitty’s career and the evolution of his musical style, can appreciate the significance of “It’s Only Make Believe,” a song that stands as a bridge between his rock and roll roots and his future reign as a king of country heartbreak.
“It’s Only Make Believe,” released in 1958, is a ballad that showcases a young Conway Twitty (then still performing under his real name, Harold Jenkins) grappling with unrequited love. The song’s narrator pours his heart out, revealing his deep affection for someone who views him only as a friend. The “make believe” of the title refers to the fantasy world he creates in his mind, where his love is reciprocated. It’s a theme that would resonate throughout Twitty’s later country ballads, albeit with a different musical backdrop.
Musically, “It’s Only Make Believe” is a product of its time, a late 1950s ballad with a distinct rock and roll influence. While the instrumentation is relatively simple, featuring guitar, bass, and drums, it’s Twitty’s vocals that truly stand out. Even at this early stage, his voice possesses a remarkable emotional depth. The way his voice breaks on the high notes, the raw vulnerability he conveys, foreshadows the signature vocal style that would later make him a country music legend. The doo-wop style backing vocals also add to the song’s charm.
The lyrics of “It’s Only Make Believe” are straightforward yet poignant, expressing the narrator’s deep longing and his awareness that his love is unreturned. He confesses his feelings, describing how he sees his beloved in his dreams, only to awaken to the painful reality that she doesn’t feel the same way. The song’s power lies in its universality – the experience of unrequited love is something that transcends time and genre.
For an older, educated audience, “It’s Only Make Believe” offers a fascinating glimpse into the early career of a country music icon. It’s a reminder that even legends start somewhere, and that artistic journeys often involve detours and transformations. While the song may sound dated to some, its emotional core remains timeless. “It’s Only Make Believe” is a testament to Twitty’s innate talent as a vocalist and a storyteller, a talent that would eventually find its fullest expression in the realm of country music. It serves as a historical marker, a song that captures a pivotal moment in the career of one of country music’s most beloved and enduring figures. It is a must-listen for any fan of Conway Twitty.