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Making Believe
Making Believe
Making Believe
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"Making Believe" is a country music song written by Jimmy Work. Kitty Wells recorded a chart-topping version in 1955. The song is on many lists of all-time greatest country music songs and has been covered by scores of artists over the past 50 years, including Thorleifs, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Don Gibson, Roy Acuff, Lefty Frizzell, Wanda Jackson, Connie Francis, Ray Charles, Anita Carter, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, the Kendalls, Ernest Tubb, Skeeter Davis, the Haden Triplets, Social Distortion, and Volbeat.

Singer-songwriter Work released the song as a single in February 1955 on Dot Records, and it reached number five on Billboard's country music jukebox charts.[1] A month later, singer Kitty Wells released the song as a single, which hit number two on the country charts[2] and remained there for 15 weeks, still a record for a song in the runner-up position on the country Billboard charts.[citation needed] The song was blocked from number one by the 21-week-long stay by "In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

The song is a melancholy ballad about not getting over a former lover. The singer daydreams that she (Wells version) is still loved by the old flame, even while fully knowing "you'll never be mine" again.

The song received new attention with three single releases in 1977-78, the Kendalls hitting number 80 with the song, their first release on Ovation Records. A few months later, Emmylou Harris climbed to number seven with her version.[3] The following January, Merle Haggard and the Strangers received considerable airplay for their version, which was the B side of their single "Running Kind". Billy Joe Royal also released a cover version of the song.

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty released a duet version of the song in 1988 and used it as the title track for their final album together. Although the song was not a radio hit for them, it was a popular number at their concerts, and the album sold fairly well via television ads.

Ray Charles released this song on the album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Volume Two in 1962.

Punk rock group Social Distortion released this song on the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell in 1992, and they also included the song on the DVD Live in Orange County released in 2003.

Metal band Volbeat also released this song on the album Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood in 2008.

Personnel for the Merle Haggard version

[edit]

The Strangers:

  • Roy Nichols – lead guitar
  • Norman Hamlet – steel guitar, dobro
  • Tiny Moore – mandolin
  • Ronnie Reno – guitar
  • Mark Yeary – piano
  • James Tittle – bass
  • Biff Adam – drums
  • Don Markham – saxophone

Chart performance

[edit]

Jimmy Work

[edit]
Chart (1955) Peak
position
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[4] 5

Kitty Wells

[edit]
Chart (1955) Peak
position
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[5] 2

The Kendalls

[edit]
Chart (1977) Peak
position
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[6] 80

Emmylou Harris

[edit]
Chart (1977) Peak
position
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[7] 8
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[8] 1
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[9] 87

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Making Believe

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from Grokipedia
"Making Believe" is a written by Jimmy Work. Work first recorded and released it as a single in February 1955 on , where it peaked at No. 5 on 's Most Played C&W in Juke Boxes chart. The gained widespread popularity through ' cover, released in March 1955 on . Her version reached No. 2 on the singles chart, spending 15 weeks on the chart and holding the record for the longest stay at No. 2 without reaching No. 1. Subsequent notable covers include those by (1977) and (1977). The song has been recognized on lists of the greatest songs of all time.

Background and composition

Writing history

"Making Believe" was written solely by Jimmy Work in 1954, during a period when he was signed to a publishing deal with Acuff-Rose Publications. Work, a struggling musician working a factory job in while performing in local nightclubs, drew inspiration for the song from his personal experiences with heartbreak and , capturing the emotional denial central to its theme. Fred Rose, co-founder and head of Acuff-Rose Publications, played a pivotal role in the song's early promotion after signing Work to the company, reportedly introduced through mutual contact Johnson. Shortly before his death on December 1, 1954, Rose actively pitched "Making Believe" to record labels, including producer Randy Wood, helping to establish its potential in the scene. The song received its initial demo recording by Work in 1954, followed by publication through Acuff-Rose Publications that same year, marking its formal entry into the music publishing world.

Lyrics and musical style

"Making Believe" is a poignant country ballad that explores themes of self-deception and emotional denial in the aftermath of a failed romance. The lyrics center on the protagonist's futile attempt to sustain an illusion of enduring love, capturing the heartache of longing for someone who has moved on. This theme of unrequited love and resignation is conveyed through a narrative of persistent dreaming amid harsh reality, emphasizing the emotional toll of denial. The song's core , written by Jimmy Work, highlight this in the chorus: "Making believe that you still love me / It's leaving me alone and so blue / But I'll always dream, still I'll never own you." Structured as a verse-chorus , it employs repetition of the "making believe" to underscore the cyclical of the protagonist's self-imposed fantasy, reinforcing the of in . This poetic device, combined with the stark contrast between aspirational dreaming and unattainable possession, amplifies the melancholic tone, evoking a deep of isolation and unfulfilled desire. Musically, "Making Believe" embodies the ballad style with its mid-tempo in 3/4 time, fostering a swaying, introspective that mirrors the song's emotional ebb and flow. Typically performed in , it features simple chord progressions such as E-A-B7, which provide a straightforward harmonic foundation ideal for strumming and accompaniment, enhancing its traditional feel. These elements, drawn from Jimmy Work's personal experiences of lost love, contribute to the song's timeless appeal as a vehicle for heartfelt in country .

Original version by Jimmy Work

Recording and release

Jimmy Work recorded "Making Believe" around June 1954 at United Sound Systems studio in , , in a session that featured basic country instrumentation typical of the era. As the songwriter and lead performer, Work handled vocals and guitar, though specific details on additional musicians remain undocumented in available records. Publisher Fred Rose, recognizing the song's potential, presented it to president Randy Wood shortly before Rose's death on December 1, 1954, securing a deal for Work to record it as part of his effort to transition from regional songwriter to established performer. The single was issued in late 1954 on (catalog number 1221), paired with Work's original composition "Just Like Downtown" as the B-side, and packaged in standard 78 RPM and 45 RPM formats. Due to Work's primary regional presence in the Midwest at the time, promotion was limited, relying mainly on shipments to radio stations and independent outlets rather than widespread national campaigns.

Chart performance and reception

Jimmy Work's original recording of "Making Believe," issued in late 1954 on , achieved modest success amid a competitive landscape, entering the national in early 1955. The single peaked at number five on Billboard's Most Played in Juke Boxes and entered the top 20 on the Best Sellers in Stores and Most Played by Jockeys , reflecting its appeal in rural and jukebox-driven markets. However, limited airplay ensued as competing covers, particularly ' version released shortly after, quickly dominated radio rotations and overshadowed Work's rendition. Contemporary reception in trade publications acknowledged the track's heartfelt quality and Work's earnest performance, though it received no major awards and was viewed primarily as a demonstration of his songwriting prowess rather than a breakout hit for him as an artist. Initial sales were niche, aligning with its regional popularity in country circles without broader national breakthrough. In retrospect, "Making Believe" served more as a showcase for Work's compositional skills than a defining moment in his performing career, steering him toward a legacy focused on songwriting for established artists over personal chart pursuits. This trajectory underscored the song's role in highlighting emerging talent behind the scenes in mid-1950s country music.

Kitty Wells version

Recording details

Kitty Wells recorded "Making Believe" on January 15, 1955, at Bradley Studio on Hillsboro Road in . The session was overseen by producer , who guided Wells through a traditional arrangement featuring a full backing band. The ensemble created a classic sound with prominent string instrumentation that underscored the song's themes of longing and heartache. Wells delivered her vocals in an emotional yet restrained manner, her gospel-influenced tone emphasizing vulnerability and quiet desperation, which became hallmarks of her style in honky-tonk ballads. The arrangement adopted an upbeat country shuffle rhythm, blending poignancy with a polished Nashville production that included subtle reverb to enhance the intimate feel, resulting in a track duration of approximately 2:55. This recording captured Wells at a career peak, building on the momentum from her breakthrough hit "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" three years prior. The single was issued by Decca Records in March 1955 as catalog number 29419, backed with "Whose Shoulder Will You Cry On," marking another key entry in Wells' string of mid-1950s successes.

Commercial success

Kitty Wells' recording of "Making Believe," released in 1955, achieved remarkable commercial success in the country music landscape, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Country & Western chart and holding that position for 15 weeks, a record for the country chart. This performance was blocked from the top spot by Webb Pierce's "In the Jailhouse Now," which dominated for 21 weeks, but Wells' version still demonstrated her growing popularity as a leading female artist in a male-dominated genre. The single's strong showing extended its reach beyond country audiences, crossing over to peak at number 27 on the Billboard pop chart, a notable accomplishment for the era. The track's impact propelled Wells to superstardom, solidifying her nickname as the "Queen of " and earning the song recognition as one of the top country recordings of 1955.

Other notable covers

The Kendalls

, the father-daughter duo of Royce Kendall and Jeannie Kendall, recorded "Making Believe" for their album Heaven's Just a Sin Away, released in 1977 by Ovation Records. The track highlighted the pair's signature close harmonies, with Royce providing support to Jeannie's high lead vocals, emphasizing their family dynamic in music. Released as a single in early 1977, it marked their first release on the Ovation label and peaked at number 80 on the Hot Country Singles chart. The recording was engineered at LSI Studios in Nashville, delivering a youthful, up-tempo arrangement that refreshed the 1950s standard for 1970s audiences and contributed to the duo's emerging success, leading into their breakthrough number-one hit "Heaven's Just a Sin Away" later that year.

Emmylou Harris

included a cover of "Making Believe" on her fourth studio album, Luxury Liner, released in 1976 by Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Brian Ahern, the recording features contributions from Harris' backing group, the Hot Band, including guitarists and Frank Recchiuti, alongside session players such as pianist Glen D. Hardin. Harris' rendition emphasizes emotional depth through her crystalline vocals, delivered with a subtle twang that evokes vulnerability and longing, set against a sparse arrangement of and light strings. The track runs approximately 3:35, highlighting her phrasing and interpretive skill in conveying the song's themes of and heartache. This version served as a to traditions, recorded in the years following ' death in 1973, and contributed to Harris' emergence as a key figure in blending with Americana influences during her early solo career. Harris performed "Making Believe" regularly in her live sets throughout the , including television appearances on shows like the BBC's and in 1977, which amplified her festival and concert draw during that era.

Merle Haggard and additional covers

Merle Haggard recorded "Making Believe" for his 1977 album A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today, released by Capitol Records. The track features Haggard on lead vocals, backed by his longtime band The Strangers, including guitarist Roy Nichols, fiddler and mandolinist Tiny Moore, steel guitarist Norman Hamlet, guitarist Ronnie Reno, pianist Mark Yeary, bassist James Tittle, and drummer Eddie Burris. Produced by Ken Nelson and Fuzzy Owen, the recording delivers the song in a honky-tonk style infused with Haggard's mature, world-weary tone, emphasizing themes of longing and despair through soaring vocals and blues-inflected country backing. Released as the B-side to "Running Kind," it peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1978. Beyond these prominent versions, "Making Believe" has inspired over 100 recorded covers across genres, as documented in the SecondHandSongs database, including interpretations in , folk, , and international styles. Notable examples include Don Gibson's 1966 rendition, which stays true to traditional roots with orchestral touches and vocal harmonies from . offered a soulful take in 1962 on his groundbreaking album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, blending gospel-infused arrangements with strings and for a crossover appeal. In 1972, delivered a harmony-driven family rendition, highlighting close-knit vocal interplay characteristic of bluegrass-tinged . The song's reach extends internationally, such as the Swedish Thorleifs' 1977 adaptation titled "Du Bara Du," which incorporates upbeat folk elements suited to Scandinavian traditions.

Legacy and influence

Recognition and lists

"Making Believe" has been recognized as one of Kitty Wells's classic ballads, exemplifying the genre's emotional depth in heartbreak themes. The Hall of Fame and Museum highlights it alongside her other signature recordings, such as "Release Me" and "I Can't Stop Loving You," as pivotal works in her career that solidified her status as a trailblazing female artist in . The song's enduring legacy is further evidenced by its inclusion in authoritative compilations and references. It is featured in The Encyclopedia of Country Music (, 1998; updated 2012), where it is noted as a standard example of mid-1950s country heartbreak ballads that captured the era's emotional traditions. Wells's 1955 recording was selected for the of the 1988 film , directed by , underscoring its cultural resonance beyond music into cinematic contexts. Performed in the film, the track contributed to the movie's atmospheric depiction of Southern life during the Civil Rights era. The composition by Jimmy Work has received acclaim for its songwriting craftsmanship, with Work honored in discussions of influential country tunesmiths, though not formally inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The song continues to appear in tribute performances and recordings dedicated to Wells, including live renditions at Grand Ole Opry events and covers on albums such as Norma Jean's Sings a Tribute to Kitty Wells (RCA Victor, 1968) and the all-star collection Remembering Kitty Wells: The Queen of Country Music (2024), where Wanda Jackson performs it.

Cultural impact

"Making Believe" played a pivotal role in pioneering female empowerment within , as ' recording provided a platform for women's perspectives on love and heartbreak, challenging the male-dominated narratives prevalent in the genre during the 1950s. This breakthrough resonated deeply, influencing subsequent artists such as and , who credited Wells with opening doors for female voices in country by emphasizing emotional authenticity and relational agency. The song's themes extended its reach into popular culture, notably featured in the 1988 film , where Wells' original 1955 recording underscored the narrative's emotional depth amid Southern settings. Its enduring appeal is evident in modern country interpretations, with allusions and live tributes maintaining its relevance in performances that echo its heartfelt introspection. Socially, "Making Believe" symbolized the transition in 1950s country music toward more relatable, emotionally nuanced themes following , as Wells became the first solo female artist to top the charts in the postwar era, reflecting shifting gender dynamics and audience demands for inclusive storytelling. This shift helped normalize women's centrality in country expression, fostering a legacy of vulnerability and resilience that permeated broader cultural discussions on love and identity.

References

  1. https://heavens-gates.com/country/makingbelieve.html
  2. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-chat-172-1049701/
  3. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/11879/all
  4. https://cdm17307.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/Country/id/302
  5. https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0085711
  6. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Emmylou-Harris/Making-Believe
  7. https://genius.com/Jimmy-work-making-believe-lyrics
  8. https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/kitty-wells/making-believe-chords-1768307
  9. https://www.carolmccomb.com/class-song-lists.html
  10. https://www.allmusic.com/song/making-believe-mt0010715972
  11. http://countrydiscoghraphy2.blogspot.com/2013/07/jimmy-work.html
  12. https://cdm17307.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/Country/id/302/download
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/9934736-Jimmy-Work-Making-Believe-Just-Like-Downtown
  14. https://www.nwtntoday.com/2012/07/25/music-lives-on-in-dukedom-man/
  15. https://tasteofcountry.com/jimmy-work-dead-dies/
  16. https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2018/12/24/jimmy-work-making-believe-obituary-tennessee-border-songwriter/2410731002/
  17. https://www.facebook.com/GatorRockVideo/posts/january-15-1955kitty-wells-records-makin-believe-at-the-bradley-studio-in-nashvi/1166091194879849/
  18. https://music.apple.com/gb/song/making-believe/1434915092
  19. https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/artist/kitty-wells
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/3469468-Kitty-Wells-Making-Believe-Whose-Shoulder-Will-You-Cry-On
  21. https://www.musicvf.com/Kitty%2BWells.songs
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/1424808-The-Kendalls-Heavens-Just-A-Sin-Away
  23. https://countryroadtv.com/the-kendalls-sing-heavens-just-a-sin-away/
  24. https://nodepression.org/jeannie-kendall-of-missing-persons/
  25. https://lostsongs.substack.com/p/heavens-just-a-sin-away-kendalls-review
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/16018688-Emmylou-Harris-Luxury-Liner
  27. https://modulationoftheday.home.blog/2021/03/24/emmylou-harris-making-believe/
  28. https://www.countryuniverse.net/2008/06/27/100-greatest-women-4-emmylou-harris/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtUbVXLcW4c
  30. https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-working-man-cant-get-nowhere-today-mw0000898492
  31. https://www.discogs.com/release/2033809-Merle-Haggard-And-The-Strangers-A-Working-Man-Cant-Get-Nowhere-Today
  32. https://mykindofcountry.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/album-review-merle-haggard-a-working-man-cant-get-nowhere-today/
  33. https://www.billboard.com/artist/merle-haggard/chart-history/csi/
  34. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/184249/all
  35. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/45807/all
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKWaMdSMEhQ
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095647/soundtrack/
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/5677449-Norma-Jean-Sings-A-Tribute-To-Kitty-Wells
  39. https://open.spotify.com/album/78s9uuCL3ANxbBGg8lbg0d
  40. https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/17/showbiz/kitty-wells-legacy
  41. https://tasteofcountry.com/kitty-wells-powerful-female-country-singers/
  42. https://www.npr.org/2010/10/11/130455538/kitty-wells-the-queen-of-country-music
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