Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, was a seminal figure in both rock and roll and country music. Before fully embracing his country persona, Twitty enjoyed significant success in the late 1950s with rockabilly hits. It’s during this early period that he gifted the world with “It’s Only Make Believe,” a song that cemented his initial stardom. Released in 1958, the song swiftly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Twitty’s position as a major player in the burgeoning rock and roll scene. He also had success on the Cashbox charts, and the song became a global hit, charting in countries like the UK.
“It’s Only Make Believe” is a powerful ballad that delves into the painful chasm between appearance and reality in matters of the heart. The lyrics paint a picture of a man deeply in love who must conceal his true feelings. He presents a facade of indifference, pretending his affection is merely play-acting, masking the raw yearning and vulnerability he feels for his beloved. The song captures the universal struggle of unrequited love and the agonizing choice between revealing one’s true emotions and maintaining a protective emotional distance.
The song resonated deeply with audiences upon its release, appealing to teenagers navigating the complexities of love and heartbreak. Its simple yet relatable lyrics, coupled with Twitty’s passionate delivery, struck a chord with listeners who identified with the song’s themes of hidden feelings and unspoken desires. The raw emotion conveyed in Twitty’s voice, especially during the soaring chorus, contributed to the song’s enduring appeal and cemented its place as a classic of the era. To this day, “It’s Only Make Believe” is remembered as a defining song of early rock and roll and a testament to Conway Twitty’s versatility as an artist.
