About The Song
Origin and Release:
- Written by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison.
- Originally released in 1963 by Johnny Russell, but it gained wider recognition when Buck Owens & His Buckaroos covered it in 1965 on their album “The Buck Owens Christmas Album.”
- Owens’ version became a major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Genre: Country
Lyrics and Theme:
- The song is told from the perspective of a man down on his luck who sees a casting call for a movie role.
- The lyrics describe him practicing being a sad and lonely character for the audition (“Gonna put on my saddest clothes, Hang my head and drag my toes”).
- There’s a twist, though! The supposedly “sad” character the man is practicing for is actually himself (“They’re lookin’ for a fella with a worried mind, Someone to portray a heart that’s left behind”).
- It’s a humorous and relatable song about self-deprecation and finding opportunity in unexpected places.
Legacy and Impact:
- “Act Naturally” is considered one of Buck Owens’ signature songs and a classic country tune.
- The song’s popularity was boosted further when The Beatles covered it in 1965, showcasing its appeal beyond the country genre.
- It’s known for its catchy melody, Owens’ signature Bakersfield sound, and the humorous lyrics.
Want to hear the song?
You can find “Act Naturally” by Buck Owens & His Buckaroos on most streaming platforms. There are also videos available on YouTube: you can search for “Buck Owens & His Buckaroos – Act Naturally.”
Here are some additional tidbits:
- The song’s title became a catchphrase used to encourage someone to be themselves and not try to act differently in a situation.
- The story behind the song’s creation is said to be inspired by Johnny Russell breaking off a date and telling his girlfriend he was going to Hollywood for a movie role.
I hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you’d like to know anything else about “Act Naturally” or Buck Owens.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
They’re gonna put me in the moviesThey’re gonna make a big star out of meWe’ll make a film about a man that’s sad and lonelyAnd all I gotta do is act naturally
Well, I’ll bet you I’ma gonna be a big starMight win an Oscar you can’t never tellThe 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 movieThen I know that you will plainly seeThe biggest fool that’s ever hit the big timeAnd all I gotta do is act naturally
We’ll make a scene about a man that’s sad and lonelyAnd begging down upon his bended kneeI’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 starMight win an Oscar you can’t never tellThe 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 movieThen I’ll know that you will plainly seeThe biggest fool that’s ever hit the big timeAnd all I gotta do is act naturally