Elvis Presley is arguably the most iconic figure of modern music. Known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, Elvis’ impact on the music industry and pop culture is immense. One of his most beloved songs is the beautiful “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, which has become an iconic love song. In this article, I will explore the story and meaning behind the song!
The Story Behind the Song
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. The three had previously worked with Elvis Presley on his single Wild in the Country. The songwriters are also known for their English adaptation of the South African song Mbube, titled The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Together they wrote “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the 1961 film Blue Hawaii, starring Elvis himself.
The inspiration behind the melody of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” comes from a French love song titled Plaisir d’amour, which was written in 1784 by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini. Plaisir d’amour translates to Pleasure of Love.
The recording of the song took place in March 1961 at the Radio Recorders Studio B in Hollywood, California. Peculiarly enough, the producers of Blue Hawaii disliked the song, requiring Elvis to persist for the song’s inclusion in the movie.
The Meaning of the Song
The meaning of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is simple but powerful, and discusses the feelings that come along with falling in love.
The opening lines, “Wise men say / only fools rush in”, suggests that the singer is aware of the risks involved in falling in love impulsively. In the following lines, however, the singer admits that he simply cannot help giving in to his emotions. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a declaration of love and commitment.
The chorus of the song brings in a metaphor of a river flowing to the sea, with the singer comparing his love to the flow of the river. The lines suggest a sense of inevitability and certainty, as if the singer’s love was always meant to be.
The third verse continues to be a declaration of love, with the singer expressing the desire to be with his love forever. The lines, “Take my hand / take my whole life too” suggest the willingness to commit entirely to another person.
Overall, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a powerful expression of love. It perfectly captures the emotions of falling in love, from the initial infatuation to the deep-rooted devotion.
The Legacy of Can’t Help Falling in Love
The song was eventually released as the first single of Elvis Presley’s studio album Blue Hawaii (1961). It became, contrary to Blue Hawaii’s producers opinion, a massive hit. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, with each rendition putting its own unique spin on the classic tune.
One of the most well-known covers is by the British reggae group UB40, who recorded their version of the song in 1993. It became a huge hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the UK and the US. Other notable covers are from Andrea Bocelli, The Stylistics, U2, and A-Teens.
Over the years, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” evolved into a love ballad standard. Its long-lasting popularity and influence have helped to seal the song as a timeless classic. The song’s impact on Elvis Presley’s legacy is also significant, as it has become one of his most beloved songs.
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