About the song
Ah, the world of country music – a tapestry woven with tales of heartache, resilience, and the simple joys of rural life. Today, we delve into a song that perfectly embodies this spirit: “Act Naturally,” a gem that first graced the airwaves in 1963. While the title might conjure images of nonchalant cowboys, the song’s heart lies in a more complex place – the raw vulnerability of a jilted lover.
Composed by Johnny Russell, a Mississippi transplant navigating the Californian music scene, “Act Naturally” boasts an interesting backstory. A broken date, a quick witted excuse (“They are going to put me in the movies!”), and voila – the seed for a future chart-topper was sown. Interestingly, the song’s path to success wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Russell’s initial producer dismissed the “movie song” concept, and it took a full two years for someone to see the potential in this melancholic yet playful offering.
That someone turned out to be Buck Owens, a country music giant known for his Bakersfield sound – a blend of traditional country and a touch of honky-tonk swagger. Owens’s version, recorded with his band The Buckaroos, not only secured the song’s first place on the Billboard Country Singles chart, but also catapulted it to the status of a modern classic. The catchy melody, Owens’s characteristic vocals, and the relatable lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying its place in the country hall of fame.
However, “Act Naturally” didn’t confine itself to the dusty plains. The Beatles, ever the musical chameleons, surprised everyone with their own rendition in 1965. Featuring Ringo Starr on lead vocals, their version injected a youthful energy while preserving the song’s core theme of heartbreak masquerading as indifference. This cover further cemented “Act Naturally” in music history, showcasing its versatility and timeless appeal.
So, as we embark on a deeper exploration of “Act Naturally,” we’ll not only dissect its musical nuances and insightful lyrics, but also delve into the fascinating journeys of its two most famous versions: Owens’s definitive country rendition and the unexpected yet captivating take by the Fab Four. Let’s see how a song born out of a broken date went on to become a beloved staple across genres, reminding us that heartbreak, with all its sting, can also serve as a potent muse for artistic expression.
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Lyrics
They’re gonna put me in the movies
They’re gonna make a big star out of me
We’ll make a film about a man that’s sad and lonely
And all I gotta do is act naturally
Well, I’ll bet you I’ma gonna be a big star
Might win an Oscar you can’t never tell
The movie’s gonna make me a big star
‘Cause I can play the part so well
Well, I hope you come to see me in the movie
Then I know that you will plainly see
The biggest fool that’s ever hit the big time
And all I gotta do is act naturally
We’ll make a scene about a man that’s sad and lonely
And begging down upon his bended knee
I’ll play the part but I won’t need rehearsin’
All I’ll have to do is act naturally
Well, I’ll bet you I’ma gonna be a big star
Might win an Oscar you can’t never tell
The movie’s gonna make me a big star
‘Cause I can play the part so well
Well, I hope you come to see me in the movie
Then I’ll know that you will plainly see
The biggest fool that’s ever hit the big time
And all I gotta do is act naturally