Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was a titan of country and rock and roll music, leaving an indelible mark on American popular culture. While he initially pursued a rock and roll career, achieving success with hits like “Lonely Blue Boy,” he ultimately found his true calling in country music, becoming one of the genre’s most enduring and influential figures. Over his decades-long career, Twitty amassed a staggering 55 number-one country singles, earning him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Country Music Association Awards and Grammy nominations. He’s also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
One of his most iconic and enduring songs is “It’s Only Make Believe,” a song that transcends genre boundaries and continues to resonate with listeners today. Released in 1958, the track features a fusion of rock and roll energy with heartfelt, relatable lyrics. It catapulted Twitty to international stardom, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number one in several other countries.
“It’s Only Make Believe” explores the poignant theme of unrequited love and the internal conflict of pretending to be indifferent to someone you deeply care for. The song narrates the struggle of a person who hides their true feelings behind a facade, afraid of vulnerability and rejection. The lyrics, “People see us together, thinkin’ we’re two of a kind, let me tell you ’bout my baby, she’s the love I can’t hide,” capture the agony of yearning for someone while being forced to maintain a detached persona.
The song’s raw emotion and relatable narrative resonated deeply with audiences upon its release and continues to do so. Its catchy melody and Twitty’s passionate vocal delivery contributed to its immense popularity. Critics and fans alike have praised the song’s timeless appeal, its ability to evoke strong emotions, and its reflection of universal themes of love and longing, making “It’s Only Make Believe” a classic that continues to captivate listeners across generations.