Mark Loren Designs Blog

Mark Loren Designs Blog
October 4th, 2013
Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you great tunes with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today we put the spotlight on music legend Glen Campbell as he delivers a powerful rendition of Conway Twitty’s hit, “It’s Only Make Believe.”

glencampbell

In this song about unrequited love, Campbell pours out his heart in a soaring vocal performance: “My hopes, my dreams come true / My life, I'd give for you / My heart, a wedding ring / My all, my everything.” Sadly, the object of his affection is not in love with him, so for now, the prospect of them being together “is only make believe.”

Twitty's version of “It’s Only Make Believe” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1958. The song was rumored to have been written in only seven minutes during a concert intermission. Campbell’s arrangement, which featured a rich orchestral accompaniment, hit #10 on the Billboard chart when it was released 12 years later.

One of 12 children and the son of a sharecropper, Campbell was born in Delight, Ark. A gifted guitarist, Campbell earned the reputation of being one of the best session musicians in the business, playing on records by Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, Frank Sinatra and The Monkees.

He got his big break in 1964 when he toured with the Beach Boys, filling in for Brian Wilson after the founding band member became ill. Campbell credited his gig with the Beach Boys (and the high harmonies that were the hallmark of their distinctive sound) with expanding his vocal range by one and a half octaves.

Campbell would go on to become a successful Country and Pop recording star, host his own variety television show and earn a Golden Globe nomination. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. During his 50 years in show business, Campbell has released more than 70 albums and sold 45 million records.

We hope you enjoy the video of Campbell’s inspiring version of “It’s Only Make Believe.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along.

"It's Only Make Believe"
Written by Conway Twitty and Jack Nance. Performed by Glen Campbell.

People see us everywhere
They think you really care
But myself I can't deceive
I know 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 only prayer will be
Someday you'll care for me
But it's only make believe

My hopes, my dreams come true
My life, I'd give for you
My heart, a wedding ring
My all, my everything

My heart, I can't control
You rule my very soul
My plans, my hopes, my schemes
Girl, you are my every dream
But it's only make believe

My one and only prayer
Girl, is that some day you'll care
My hopes, my dreams come true
You're my one and only you

And no one will ever know
Just how much I love you so
And my only prayer will be
That someday you'll care for me
But it's only make believe
It's make believe