The song "Making Believe" by Ernest Tubb tells a story of unrequited love and longing. The narrator is desperately trying to convince themselves that their loved one still cares for them, even though deep down they know it's not true. They are living in a world of make-believe, where they continue to dream and hope that one day their love will be reciprocated. The lyrics express the pain of not being able to hold their loved one close, knowing that they belong to someone else. Despite this, the narrator spends their lifetime loving the person and continues to make believe, finding solace in their imagination. The song also touches upon the disappointment and heartache of lost opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. The narrator acknowledges that their plans for the future with their loved one will never come to fruition. Overall, "Making Believe" portrays a bittersweet and melancholic sentiment of unrequited love, where the narrator finds solace in the act of pretending and hoping for a love that may never be.