Act Naturally
Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens Lyrics


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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'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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens's song "Act Naturally" speak to the idea of someone being given a chance to become a star in the movies. The singer expresses excitement and anticipation at the opportunity to be in a film and to have a major role that will showcase their talent. They believe that the movie will make them a big star, even potentially earning them an Oscar.


The lyrics also touch on the theme of loneliness and sadness. The singer mentions that the film will be about a man who is sad and lonely. This suggests that the singer may relate to these feelings in real life and sees acting as a means to escape or express those emotions. By playing the part, they are able to channel their own experiences into their performance, requiring little rehearsal as they naturally embody the character.


Despite the anticipation and aspirations of fame, the singer recognizes that they may ultimately be seen as a fool once their performance hits the big screen. They acknowledge that the character they are portraying may be depicted as a foolish figure. However, they are willing to embrace this characterization and showcase their natural acting abilities to convey the authenticity of the role.


Overall, "Act Naturally" delves into the dreams of a person who sees acting as an opportunity to escape their loneliness and express their emotions. It explores the contrast between aspiration and self-awareness, as the singer hopes for success while recognizing that their character may be portrayed as a fool. The lyrics celebrate the beauty of natural talent and the power of embodying a character without the need for excessive rehearsals.


Line by Line Meaning

They're gonna put me in the movies
I will be selected to appear in films


They're gonna make a big star out of me
I will become a highly successful and famous actor


We'll make a film about a man that's sad and lonely
We will produce a movie centered around a depressed and solitary character


And all I gotta do is act naturally
To fulfill my role, I just need to be myself without any pretense


Well, I'll bet you I'ma gonna be a big star
I am confident that I will achieve great stardom


Might win an Oscar you can't never tell
I may even receive the prestigious Oscar award, as one can never predict such outcomes


The movie's gonna make me a big star
The film itself will catapult me into the realm of immense fame


'Cause I can play the part so well
Because I possess the ability to accurately portray the character


Well, I hope you come to see me in the movie
I desire for you to watch the film and witness my performance


Then I know that you will plainly see
Upon doing so, you will clearly perceive


The biggest fool that's ever hit the big time
That I am the most foolish individual to have achieved such massive success


And all I gotta do is act naturally
Regardless, my success relies solely on my ability to be genuine


We'll make a scene about a man that's sad and lonely
We will develop a sequence depicting a desolate and isolated man


And begging down upon his bended knee
Who pleads on his knees


I'll play the part but I won't need rehearsin'
I will assume the role effortlessly without requiring practice


All I'll have to do is act naturally
My task solely entails portraying the character in an authentic manner


Well, I hope you come to see me in the movie
It is my wish for you to attend the screening of the film


Then I'll know that you will plainly see
At that moment, I will understand that you will clearly perceive


The biggest fool that's ever hit the big time
That I am the most foolish individual to have achieved such massive success


And all I gotta do is act naturally
Nevertheless, my accomplishment is simply a result of being true to myself




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Vonie Morrison, Johnny Russell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

New Hillbilly

Get the best of Buck Owens' Music right here👉🎵 https://amzn.to/3aHWAgf

Donald Watson

Buck Owens was an absolute genius in the music industry and one of the cornerstones of REAL Country Music!

Jeff65

Life is peaks and valleys and old Buck witnessed the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Losing Don devastated Buck and hearing him acknowledge Don was very heart warming for me as a fan and knowing Dons wife and sons heard him say it was a very special moment. R.I.P. Don and Buck, definitely two of a kind.🎶

Carol Lindberg

Maria Callahan

So sad these wonderful talents get old and leave us. Thank goodness Buck got the recognition he deserved while he was still alive.

Michael Colgrave

Yes Maria, once they're gone we will never get to see this type of music again , the crapp they dish up to us today is just that , crapp, I'm in my seventies and over the years I have been fortunate enough to have accumulated a great collection of this wonderful music that I can listen to whenever I need to relax , it's been very comforting during the last year and a half during this terrible pandemic , best wishes and stay safe

Vince Sarmento

Buck Owens - thank you for reading that letter l sent you and the pictures of the shirt l got as a gift saying It Takes People Like You, To Make People Like Me! You let me share with you how much I loved your music and knew how much you and Don Rich did for music. Thanks for writing me back and letting me know how much my letter meant to you and thanks for the guitar pick, l framed that two page hand written letter from 1994 it's still on the wall and I wouldn't take a million dollars for it. Thanks Buck!

rtazman2004

Buck Owens is one the all time great Country Western Artists. Dwight Yoakam definitely one of the all-time great artists R.I.P. Buck Owens and Don Rich

Tony Mitchell

I love this video. Used to be my favorite part of the CMA awards show. Love Dwight Yoakam inducting him into the Hall of Fame.

Ken hughes

Loved this. True country

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