“It’s Only Make Believe” is a signature song for the late Conway Twitty, a country music icon known for his smooth vocals and often suggestive lyrics. Born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, he adopted the stage name Conway Twitty in the 1950s, initially venturing into rock and roll before finding his true calling in country music. Twitty achieved immense success, racking up a staggering 55 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, a feat rivaled by few others in the genre. He also earned multiple awards, including CMA Male Vocalist of the Year and Grammy Awards for his duets.
“It’s Only Make Believe,” released in 1958, marked a turning point in Twitty’s career, propelling him to international stardom. Although considered more rock and roll, it features elements common in early rockabilly which helped Conway secure air time on both Country and Rock stations. The song explores the complexities of a relationship built on pretense. The lyrics narrate a love story where the outward display of affection is merely a façade, masking the pain and unrequited feelings simmering beneath the surface. The singer laments that their “love” is a performance, a charade they both play for the world, leaving him heartbroken and yearning for genuine connection.
The song resonated deeply with audiences upon its release and continues to do so today. Listeners were captivated by the raw emotion in Twitty’s voice and the relatable theme of hidden emotions within a relationship. The song’s popularity quickly soared, topping charts worldwide and becoming a jukebox staple. “It’s Only Make Believe” remains a timeless classic, demonstrating the power of music to capture the complexities of human emotion and relationships, and solidifying Conway Twitty’s place as a music legend.
