Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, wasn’t always a country crooner. Before captivating hearts with ballads of love and loss, he flirted with rock and roll, a genre that initially propelled him to fame. “It’s Only Make Believe,” released in 1958, marked his breakout hit, showcasing his powerful vocals and theatrical delivery. While he would later solidify his legacy in country music, this song remains a significant chapter in his early career, a testament to his versatility and ability to connect with a wide audience.
“It’s Only Make Believe” stormed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Twitty’s place in the pop music landscape. The song’s success earned him widespread recognition and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Though he would later transition genres, the impact of “It’s Only Make Believe” on his career cannot be overstated.
The song’s lyrics tell a poignant tale of unrequited love, where the protagonist masks his true feelings behind a facade of pretense. He pretends to be indifferent, engaging in a charade of indifference, all the while harboring a deep and unspoken affection for the object of his desire. The internal conflict between his genuine emotions and his fabricated persona resonates deeply with listeners.
Upon its release, “It’s Only Make Believe” generated a frenzy of excitement, particularly among young audiences. Its catchy melody and relatable theme of hidden emotions propelled it to the top of the charts. Listeners were drawn to the song’s raw emotionality and the vulnerability expressed in Twitty’s voice. Even decades later, the song continues to evoke feelings of nostalgia and remains a popular choice for those seeking a classic tune that captures the universal experience of yearning for someone you can’t have.