About the Song

Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” is a classic country ballad that has stood the test of time. Released in 1958, the song quickly became a number-one hit on both the U.S. and British charts, solidifying Twitty’s status as a rising star.

The song’s poignant lyrics explore the heart-wrenching experience of unrequited love. Twitty’s soulful vocals convey the deep longing and vulnerability of the narrator, a man who yearns for the affection of a woman who seems indifferent to his feelings. The chorus, “It’s only make believe, I’m fooling myself,” captures the bittersweet realization that his dreams of a romantic future with her may never come true.

Despite the melancholy theme, “It’s Only Make Believe” is a beautifully crafted song that showcases Twitty’s vocal talent and songwriting ability. The melody is both haunting and memorable, and the arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing Twitty’s voice to take center stage.

Over the years, “It’s Only Make Believe” has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and The Everly Brothers. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.  

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Conway Twitty or simply appreciate great country music, “It’s Only Make Believe” is a song that deserves a place in your collection.

Video

Lyrics: It’s Only Make Believe

People see us everywhere
They think you really care
But myself, I can’t deceive
I know it’s only make believeMy one and only prayer
Is that someday you’ll care
My hopes, my dreams come true
My one and only youNo one will ever know
How much I love you so
My only prayer will be
Someday you’ll care for me
But it’s only make believeMy hopes, my dreams come true
My life I’d give for you
My heart, a wedding ring
My all, my everythingMy heart I can’t control
You rule my very soul
My only prayer will be
Someday you’ll care for me
But it’s only make believe

My one and only prayer
Is that some day you’ll care
My hopes, my dreams come true
My one and only you

No one will ever know
How much I love you so
My prayers, my hopes, my schemes
You are my every dream
But it’s only make believe (make believe)

 

You Missed

SOME FRIENDSHIPS ARE WRITTEN IN SONGS… BUT ONLY A FEW BECOME FOREVER. There was something truly magical about the friendship between Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton — a bond that went far beyond the stage, the spotlight, and the music. In country music history, few duos ever captured the beauty of genuine connection the way they did. Their voices blended perfectly, but it was their friendship, respect, and love for each other that made every performance unforgettable. In 2013, they gave the world one final reminder of that special bond with “You Can’t Make Old Friends.” Nearly three decades after “Islands in the Stream” became a timeless classic, Kenny and Dolly returned together to create a song that felt less like a performance and more like a heartfelt conversation between two lifelong friends. Now, that song carries an even deeper meaning. Kenny Rogers left us in 2020… and today, the world says goodbye to Dolly Parton — two extraordinary souls who brought warmth, comfort, and joy to millions through their music. They were more than country music legends. They were storytellers, dreamers, and reminders that the greatest treasures in life are the friendships we build along the way. You can create many songs. You can create many memories. But **you can’t make old friends.** Some friendships are too special to disappear. They live forever in the melodies, the memories, and the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to witness them. Rest peacefully, Kenny. Rest peacefully, Dolly. Thank you for giving us a lifetime of music, love, and unforgettable moments. The harmony you created together will continue to play forever.

Before he ever stepped up to center stage under his own name, Cal Smith spent years standing quietly in the shadows as a sideman, playing guitar behind country legend Ernest Tubb. Born Calvin Shofner in Oklahoma and raised in California, he paid his dues in clubs and on radio before joining the Texas Troubadours in the early 1960s, watching other stars soak up the applause while his own solo ambitions moved at a crawl. By 1972, Smith was well into his late thirties with little more than modest chart placings to show for his efforts. Everything flipped when fellow songwriter Bill Anderson handed him “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking,” a sharp track about a man taking heat from a churchgoer whose own hands weren’t exactly clean. The single struck a nerve, shooting straight to No. 1. The true lightning strike arrived soon after. In December 1973, Smith walked into Bradley’s Barn to lay down Don Wayne’s “Country Bumpkin.” Tracing an ordinary man’s journey through marriage, children, and the devastating loss of his wife, the song packed an entire lifetime into a few poignant verses and climbed to the top of the charts in 1974. The accolades poured in, sweeping Single Record and Song of the Year at the ACM Awards, alongside a CMA Song of the Year honor for the writing. Smith quickly proved he wasn’t a one-hit wonder by following up with another chart-topper, “It’s Time to Pay the Fiddler.” After more than a decade of holding down the rhythm section for everyone else, Cal Smith’s long-delayed moment in the sun finally arrived—forever stamping his voice onto one of the defining country anthems of the 1970s.