About the Song
“Making Believe” by Kitty Wells is a classic country song from 1955 that tells the story of a heartbroken woman. Here’s a breakdown of the song’s themes:
Heartbreak and Denial: The lyrics paint a picture of a woman clinging to the memory of a love that’s gone. She “makes believe” that her lover still loves her, even though she knows it’s not true. This denial is a common coping mechanism for dealing with heartbreak.
Lost Dreams and Unfulfilled Plans: The song talks about “plans for the future” that will never come true. This highlights the sense of loss and disappointment that accompanies a broken relationship.
Yearning and Longing: Despite the heartbreak, the woman can’t stop loving her ex. The lyrics “Spending my lifetime loving you, making believe” express a deep longing and a wish for things to be different.
The Power of Imagination: “Making Believe” shows how imagination can be a double-edged sword. While it offers solace by creating a fantasy world, it can also hinder the healing process by delaying acceptance of reality.
Here are some additional details that might pique your interest:
- Kitty Wells: Often referred to as the “Queen of Country Music,” Wells was a pioneer for female artists in the genre. “Making Believe” was one of her biggest hits.
- Musical Style: The song is a classic country ballad with a simple melody and a focus on storytelling. The steel guitar adds a melancholic touch.
- Cultural Impact: “Making Believe” resonated with many listeners who had experienced heartbreak. It helped solidify country music’s ability to express emotional vulnerability.
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Lyrics: Making Believe
Making believe that you still love me
It’s leavin’ me alone and so blue
But I’ll always dream still I’ll never own you
Making believe it’s all I can doCan’t hold you close when you’re not with me
You’re somebody’s love you’ll never be mine
Making believe I’ll spend my lifetime
Loving you and making believeMaking believe that I never lost you
But my happy hours I find are so few
My plans for the future will never come true
Making believe what else can I doCan’t hold you close when you’re not with me
You’re somebody’s love you’ll never be mine
Making believe I’ll spend my lifetime
Loving you and making believe