“Making Believe”: Emmylou Harris’s Pure-Hearted Echo of Country Classicism
For those of us who have long admired Emmylou Harris as the quintessential interpreter of country music’s timeless heartaches and enduring melodies, her rendition of “Making Believe” stands as a luminous example of her artistry. With a voice that possesses both angelic purity and a profound depth of sorrow, Harris has consistently brought new life and poignant understanding to the genre’s most hallowed compositions. Her take on “Making Believe” isn’t merely a cover; it’s a tender, respectful homage that beautifully amplifies the song’s core message of yearning and self-deception in the face of unrequited love.
“Making Believe” was featured on Emmylou Harris’s seminal 1977 album, “Luxury Liner.” Released in December 1976, this album was a critical darling and a significant commercial success for Harris, further cementing her status as a leading figure in country and folk music. “Luxury Liner” soared to number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart and reached number 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in the United States, earning a Gold certification. It also charted internationally, reaching number 17 in the UK Albums Chart. While “Making Believe” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart independently, its prominent inclusion on such a beloved and influential album ensured its widespread recognition among Harris’s devoted fanbase. It quickly became a cherished album track, often highlighted for its exquisite harmonies and Harris’s heartfelt vocal performance.
The story behind “Making Believe” is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of classic country music. The song was originally written by Jimmy Work and first released by him in 1955. However, it was Kitty Wells’ iconic 1955 version that truly popularized it, reaching number 2 on the Billboard country charts and becoming one of her signature songs. Over the years, countless country artists, including Ray Price and Connie Francis, have covered this enduring ballad. For Emmylou Harris, who has always demonstrated an immense respect for the traditions and foundational artists of country music, choosing to cover “Making Believe” was a natural fit. Her ability to deliver traditional country with both authenticity and a contemporary sensibility was one of her greatest strengths. Backed by her formidable Hot Band, which included the late, great Gram Parsons’ influence still strongly felt in her arrangements, Harris infused the song with her signature blend of pristine vocals and understated melancholy, honoring its legacy while making it distinctly her own.
The meaning of “Making Believe” is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the painful act of self-deception. The lyrics depict a narrator who is clinging to a false hope, pretending that the love they desire is reciprocated, even when reality clearly states otherwise. Lines like “Making believe that you still love me / Is breaking my heart” perfectly capture the bittersweet agony of holding onto a dream that is constantly contradicted by the truth. It speaks to the universal experience of yearning for someone who doesn’t feel the same, and the internal struggle between hope and despair. The song beautifully conveys the sadness of this one-sided affection, the quiet heartbreak of knowing the truth but desperately wishing it were different. Emmylou Harris’s pure, clear voice, often layered with harmonies, brings a profound sense of vulnerability and sincerity to this tale of quiet sorrow, making the listener feel the ache of a love that exists only in one’s imagination.
For those of us who appreciate the timeless beauty of country music delivered with unparalleled grace, “Making Believe” by Emmylou Harris evokes a powerful sense of empathy and nostalgic tenderness. It brings to mind quiet moments of reflection, the enduring pain of unfulfilled desires, and the solace found in music that truly understands the human heart. It’s a reminder of Harris’s extraordinary gift for interpreting songs, transforming them into deeply personal confessions that resonate with universal truths. Even now, decades later, the pristine vocals and heartfelt sincerity of “Making Believe” continue to resonate, pulling us back to a time when Emmylou Harris reminded us that even in the quiet sorrow of “making believe,” there is a profound, enduring beauty.