About the song
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone. Recorded by the legendary Elvis Presley in 1961 for the soundtrack of his film “Blue Hawaii,” the song has transcended generations and musical styles to become a universal declaration of devotion.
The origins of the melody itself stretch back centuries. Composed in 1784 by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini, the French love song “Plaisir d’amour” provided the foundation upon which songwriters Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss built their timeless masterpiece. Interestingly, the song’s original perspective was from a woman (“Can’t Help Falling in Love with Him”), explaining the unique rhyme scheme of the first and third lines.
Elvis’s rendition, however, transformed the song into a powerful ballad. Featured in “Blue Hawaii,” it perfectly captured the romantic island atmosphere of the film. But the song’s impact wasn’t confined to the silver screen. It quickly climbed the charts in the UK, reaching number one in 1962 and staying there for a remarkable four weeks. In the US, it reached the coveted number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100, just shy of the top position. Despite this, its enduring popularity is undeniable, as evidenced by its Platinum certification by the RIAA for exceeding one million copies sold.
The song’s influence extends far beyond Elvis’s original recording. Countless artists have covered it, from the Swedish pop group A-Teens to the reggae stylings of UB40. The latter’s 1993 version achieved even greater commercial success, topping both the US and UK charts. Further solidifying its place in musical history, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” earned a spot on Rolling Stone magazine’s 2012 list of the greatest songs of all time, ranking at number 403.
But the song’s legacy transcends mere chart success. For Elvis, it became a signature closer for his live performances throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. Notably, it graced the finale of his 1968 NBC television special and his iconic 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” concert. This tradition continued even in his final days. A faster-paced version served as the closing number for his last TV special, “Elvis in Concert,” and it holds a poignant significance as the very last song he ever performed live at his Indianapolis concert in 1977.
Elvis’s recording continues to find new life in the decades following his passing. It has been included on numerous compilation albums, with some featuring unique reinterpretations. A 2010 remix featured Canadian singer Sherry St-Germain, while a 2015 version for the “If I Can Dream” album utilized Elvis’s original vocals alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Perhaps the most heartwarming testament to the song’s enduring power lies in its presence at life’s most significant moments. According to a survey, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” remains the most popular choice for couples’ first dance at their wedding, a fitting symbol for the timeless emotions it evokes. From its historical roots to its enduring popularity, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a testament to the power of music to connect hearts across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can’t help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can’t help falling in love with you?
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can’t help falling in love with you
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can’t help falling in love with you
For I can’t help falling in love with you
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