“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a captivating song that captured the hearts of listeners when American singer Elvis Presley recorded it for the album Blue Hawaii in 1961. Penned by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss, and published by Gladys Music, Inc., this timeless melody finds its roots in the 18th-century French love song “Plaisir d’amour” composed by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini. Initially written from the perspective of a woman, the song’s unique structure revolves around the poignant phrases “in” and “sin” instead of conventional rhymes.
Did You Know?
Elvis Presley’s moving rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is not only a melody that evokes eternal emotions but also holds the distinction of being his last performed song during his 1977 concert in Indianapolis.
The Song’s Journey:
Featured prominently in Presley’s 1961 film Blue Hawaii, the song’s allure has transcended time and been embraced by various artists. Notable among them are the Swedish pop group A-Teens and the British reggae sensation UB40, whose rendition of the song soared to the top of charts in both the US and UK. Its significance is further underscored by its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s esteemed list of the greatest songs of all time, securing the 403rd position in the 2012 edition.
From Stage to Screen:
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” made history by claiming the No. 1 spot on the British charts in 1962, maintaining its reign for four weeks. The single achieved Platinum certification from the RIAA, testament to its sales exceeding a million copies in the US. The song also resonated with American audiences, reaching the No. 2 position on the Billboard Hot 100, only trailing behind “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee and the Starliters. Additionally, it dominated the Adult Contemporary chart for a remarkable six weeks.
Musical Legacy:
This emotional masterpiece found its place as the grand finale in Presley’s live performances throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. Notably, it was featured in his 1968 NBC television special and served as the closing piece for his 1973 worldwide telecast, “Aloha from Hawaii.” In his final TV special, “Elvis in Concert,” the song’s accelerated arrangement brought the curtain down. Remarkably, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” marked Elvis Presley’s final live performance on June 26, 1977, in Indianapolis at the Market Square Arena.
Echoes Through Time:
The song’s enduring charm was celebrated in subsequent releases, appearing as a bonus track in the 1997 CD re-issue of Elvis’ Golden Records Volume 3 and as a part of the 2002 career retrospective collection, ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits. In 2015, the poignant ballad found new life in the album If I Can Dream, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Presley’s birth. This version artfully combined archival voice recordings of the legendary artist with fresh orchestral arrangements performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Beyond Music:
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” resonates beyond music, serving as an anthem for numerous English football clubs since the 1960s, including Huddersfield Town, Hull City, Swindon Town, and Sunderland. Moreover, it holds a special place in the hearts of couples, emerging as the most popular choice for a first dance at weddings, as affirmed by a 2020 survey conducted by OnBuy.
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Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Wise men say
“Only fools rush in”
But I can’t help
Falling in love with you
[Verse 2]
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can’t help
Falling in love with you?
[Chorus]
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
[Verse 3]
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can’t help
Falling in love with you
[Chorus]
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
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[Outro]
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