About the song
“Making Believe” is a timeless country classic recorded by the legendary Kitty Wells in 1955. Written by Jim Reeves and composed by a trio of songwriters—Mickey Newbury, Redd Stewart, and Eddy Arnold—the song is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the pain of heartache. Kitty Wells, often hailed as the “Queen of Country Music,” brought a unique depth and emotional resonance to the song, which became one of her most memorable hits.
Kitty Wells, born Ellen Muriel Deason in 1919, was a pioneering female artist in the male-dominated world of country music. Her career took off in the early 1950s, and “Making Believe” played a crucial role in cementing her place in the annals of country music history. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Wells’ soulful delivery captured the essence of a woman’s longing and the bittersweet nature of dreams and illusions in the context of a broken relationship.
Released by Decca Records, “Making Believe” quickly gained popularity and became a hit on the Billboard country charts. It reached number two on the country singles chart and received widespread acclaim for its emotional impact and Wells’ powerful performance. The song’s success was a testament to Wells’ ability to convey deep emotions through her music, a skill that endeared her to fans across the country.
“Making Believe” tells the story of someone who is trying to cope with the pain of lost love by clinging to the fantasy that their former partner might still care. The song’s poignant lyrics, combined with Wells’ expressive voice, create a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of heartbreak and longing.
The song also holds a special place in the history of country music as it reflects the genre’s capacity to address personal and emotional themes with sincerity and depth. Kitty Wells’ version of “Making Believe” is often cited as a classic example of the emotional storytelling that characterizes much of her work and has influenced countless artists in the years since.
For an older and educated audience, “Making Believe” is more than just a song; it is a window into the emotional landscape of mid-20th century country music. Kitty Wells’ performance of this song continues to be celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth, making it a cherished piece of musical history. As listeners revisit this classic track, they are reminded of the profound impact that well-crafted music and heartfelt performance can have on the human experience.
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Lyrics
Make-believe that we’re happy
Make-believe that we’re happy
Just pretend that it’s true
Just pretend that it’s true
Make-believe you have me
I’ll make believe I have you
We’ll make-believe ’til we can make it come true
You belong to another
You belong to another
I belong to someone too
I belong to someone too
But they can’t seem to see
That our love just has to be
We’ll make-believe ’til we can make it come true
Maybe someday up above
Maybe someday up above
We’ll understand our kind of love
We’ll understand our kind of love
We know a love like ours is real
I know just the way you feel
We’ll make-believe ’til we can make it come true
Make-believe that we’re happy
Make-believe that we’re happy
Just pretend that it’s true
Just pretend that it’s true
Make-believe you have me
I’ll make believe I have you
We’ll make-believe ’til we can make it come tru