About The Song
(Watch the video below)
"Act Naturally" stands out as a notable song in The Beatles' discography, showcasing the band's ability to effortlessly blend genres and experiment with their sound. Originally written by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison, the song was first recorded by Buck Owens in 1963, and The Beatles later released their version in 1965. Featuring Ringo Starr on lead vocals, "Act Naturally" offered a departure from the band's typical rock and pop stylings, embracing a country music flavor.
Ringo Starr's vocal delivery in "Act Naturally" is characterized by its distinctive twang and laid-back charm. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is asked to play a role and act naturally after a romantic relationship has ended. Ringo's engaging and relatable interpretation adds a touch of humor to the song, creating a unique dynamic within The Beatles' catalog. The decision to have Ringo take the lead on this track was a testament to the band's camaraderie and their willingness to showcase each member's individual talents.
Musically, "Act Naturally" captures the essence of country music with its acoustic guitar-driven arrangement and the incorporation of pedal steel guitar, a hallmark of the genre. The Beatles maintained a balance between honoring the country roots of the original and infusing their own musical identity into the rendition. The result is a seamless fusion of country and rock elements, highlighting The Beatles' versatility as musicians. The song's success, reaching the top of the charts, emphasized the band's ability to captivate audiences across diverse musical landscapes.
As the B-side to the iconic "Yesterday," "Act Naturally" played a significant role in the overall appeal of the single. Its inclusion showcased The Beatles' willingness to experiment with different genres, providing fans with a glimpse of their musical range. The song's enduring popularity and recognition speak to The Beatles' lasting influence, demonstrating that their experimentation and innovation not only resonated with their contemporaries but also continue to captivate new generations of music enthusiasts. "Act Naturally" remains a charming and enjoyable testament to The Beatles' ability to seamlessly incorporate various styles into their musical repertoire.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the 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'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'll come and see me in the movies
Then I'll 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 begging down upon his bended knee
I'll play the part and 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'll come and see me in the movies
Then I'll know that you will plainly see
The biggest fool that ever hit the big time
And all I gotta do is act naturally