Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was a country music legend known for his smooth vocals and ability to infuse emotion into every song. While he initially dabbled in rock and roll, even charting with his self-penned hit “It’s Only Make Believe” in 1958, he transitioned to country in the late 1960s and became one of the genre’s most successful artists. He boasts an impressive collection of accolades, including multiple CMA and ACM Awards, and a remarkable string of number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying his place in country music history. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, shortly after his death.
“It’s Only Make Believe,” despite its early rock and roll roots, is a significant song in understanding Twitty’s vocal prowess and his ability to connect with audiences. The song explores the complex emotions of hidden love, depicting a scenario where the singer and his beloved are forced to conceal their true feelings from the world. They pretend to be just friends, masking the deep affection they hold for each other. The lyrics are filled with yearning and frustration, highlighting the pain of living a lie and the desperate desire for their love to be openly acknowledged.
Upon its release, “It’s Only Make Believe” resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a massive hit and launching Twitty into the spotlight. Listeners connected with the relatable theme of unrequited or forbidden love, finding solace in the song’s melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the universal experience of longing and the bittersweet reality of suppressed emotions. Even decades later, the song continues to be a favorite, covered by numerous artists and appreciated for its raw emotionality and Twitty’s captivating performance.
