"Beautiful Lies" is a song written by Jack Rhodes and recorded by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released in September 1955 by Capitol Records as a single. It became Shepard's fifth top ten single on the US country chart in her career and was given positive reception by critics.
Background, recording and content
Jean Shepard recorded a pair of duets with Ferlin Husky in 1953 ("A Dear John Letter" and "Forgive Me, John") that both became commercial successes. As a solo artist, she had her first commercial success with 1955's "A Satisfied Mind". This would be followed the same year by "Beautiful Lies".[2] The song was composed by Jack Rhodes.[3] The song's main character insists he tells her words she wants to hear even if he does not believe them himself.[4] Shepard recorded the track at Hollywood's Capitol Studios in April 1955. The session was produced by Ken Nelson.[3]
Release, critical reception and chart performance
"Beautiful Lies" was released by Capitol Records as a seven-inch vinyl record single in September 1955. On the A side was the track "I Thought of You".[3] The song received a positive reception following its release. Cash Box magazine described the track as "feelingful".[5] When reviewing Shepard's box set The Melody Ranch Girl (which featured "Beautiful Lies"), AllMusic's Thom Owens wrote that Shepard's performance on the track was full of "fiery, passionate honky tonk".[6] Shepard herself said of the track, "I like the song but I had a lot that I liked better."[7] "Beautiful Lies" made a higher position on the US Billboardcountry chart than its A-side "I Thought of You".[5][7] Entering the chart in October 1955,[4] "Beautiful Lies" reached the number four position later that year. It became her fifth top ten Billboard country single and third as a solo artist.[8][9]
