The Beatles – Act Naturally: A Country Gem Amongst Pop Jewels
The Beatles. A name synonymous with revolutionary rock and roll, groundbreaking songwriting, and cultural impact that continues to reverberate today. However, nestled amongst their iconic catalogue of self-penned masterpieces lies a charming anomaly: “Act Naturally,” a delightful foray into the world of country music.
Background
Released in 1965 on the album Help!, “Act Naturally” stands as a testament to The Beatles’ versatility and willingness to experiment.
While the band was at the forefront of the British Invasion, dominating charts with their signature sound, they possessed a genuine appreciation for other genres.
This appreciation shines through in “Act Naturally,” a cover song originally written by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison and popularized by Buck Owens and his Buckaroos in 1963.
The song’s narrative follows a young man offering advice to a friend on how to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Starr’s vocals, characteristically lower-pitched compared to his bandmates, perfectly embody the down-home charm of the song. He delivers the lyrics with a playful wink, capturing the lighthearted spirit of the country genre.
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 naturallyWell, I’ll bet you I’m gonna be a big starMight win an Oscar, you can never tellThe movies gonna make me a big star‘Cause I can play the part so wellWell, I hope you come and see me in the moviesThen I know that you will plainly seeThe biggest fool that ever hit the big timeAnd all I gotta do is act naturallyWe’ll make the scene about a man that’s sad and lonelyAnd beggin’ down upon his bended kneeI’ll play the part but I won’t need rehearsingAll I have to do is act naturallyWell, I’ll bet you I’m gonna be a big starMight win an Oscar, you can never tellThe movies gonna make me a big star‘Cause I can play the part so wellWell, I hope you come and see me in the moviesThen I know that you will plainly seeThe biggest fool that ever hit the big timeAnd all I gotta do is act naturally