Act Naturally

Buck Owens, Ringo Starr

About Act Naturally

"Act Naturally" is a song written by Johnny Russell, with a writing credit given to Voni Morrison and publishing rights transferred to Buck Owens. It was originally recorded by Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, whose version reached number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart in 1963, his first chart-topper. In 2002, Shelly Fabian of About.com ranked the song number 169 on her list of the Top 500 Country Music Songs. The song tells the tale of someone who has been jilted and because of that, can play a film part of someone sad and lonely without knowing anything about acting. It has been recorded by many other artists, including Loretta Lynn, Dwight Yoakam, Mrs. Miller, and Kidsongs. The best-known other version is from the Beatles in 1965. Featuring Ringo Starr taking the lead vocal, it became a featured performance number of his in concert, both with the Beatles and later with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. The song was also covered by Betty Willis in 1978. 


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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'm gonna be a big star
Might win an Oscar you can never tell
The movies gonna make me a big star
'Cause I can play the part so well

Well, I hope you come and see me in the movies
Then I'd know that you will plainly see
The biggest fool that ever hit the big time
And all I gotta do is act naturally

We'll make the scene about a man that's sad and lonely
And beggin' down upon his bended knee
I'll play the part but I won't need rehearsing
All I have to do is act naturally

Well, I'll bet you I'm gonna be a big star
Might win an Oscar you can never tell
The movies gonna make me a big star
'Cause I can play the part so well

Well, I hope you come and see me in the movies
Then I know that you're gonna plainly see
The biggest fool that ever hit the big time
And all I gotta do is act naturally

We'll make a film about a man that's sad and lonely
All I have to do is act naturally
Two, three, four
All we have to do is act naturally
Woo

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Buck Owens

Alvis Edgar Owens, Jr. (August 12, 1929 – March 25, 2006), better known as Buck Owens, was an American singer and guitarist who had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music charts with his band, the Buckaroos. They pioneered what came to be called the Bakersfield sound—a reference to Bakersfield, California, the city Owens called home and from which he drew inspiration for what he preferred to call American music. more »

7 fans

Written by: Vonie Morrison, Johnny Russell

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Information
"Act Naturally" is a song originally recorded by Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. They released it as a single in 1963.
Songwriter details
The song was written by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison. Morrison was a member of The Buckaroos.
Top charts
"Act Naturally" was a significant hit for Buck Owens. The song reached number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart in 1963, where it stayed for 28 weeks.
Cover by The Beatles
In 1965, "Act Naturally" was covered by The Beatles and featured as a B-side to their single "Yesterday". This version of the song had the band's drummer, Ringo Starr, on lead vocals.
Ringo Starr Solo Version
Ringo Starr also recorded a solo version of the song for his 1978 album "Bad Boy". Years later, in 1989, Starr re-recorded the song as a duet with Buck Owens. The video for this duet version included a cameo by actor and director Fred Savage.
Dwight Yoakam Version
Country singer Dwight Yoakam released a cover of "Act Naturally" on his 1988 album "Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room". It peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Mrs. Miller's Cover
Singer Mrs. Miller notably included a cover of "Act Naturally" on her 1966 debut album "Mrs. Miller's Greatest Hits". Her unique singing style made it a standout version.
Loretta Lynn's Version
Country music legend, Loretta Lynn, also covered the song in 1972 for her album "Here I Am Again." However, it was not released as a single.
Grammy Hall of Fame
Buck Owens' original recording of "Act Naturally" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017, demonstrating its enduring impact on the music industry.
Pop Culture Reference
The song has permeated pop culture and has been included in various films and TV series, such as the 1978 film The End and the television series The Beverly Hillbillies and Hee Haw.
Popularity
Despite its country roots, the song's catchy chorus and relatable theme of daydreaming about fame and success helped it reach a wider audience, allowing it to cross over to pop charts.

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