How Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love Became a Timeless Classic: Lyrics, History, and Facts

In the annals of music history, few artists command the reverence Elvis Presley does. The King of Rock and Roll etched his name into the hearts of millions worldwide, not just with his mesmerizing voice but with the depth and sincerity of his lyrics. One song that perfectly encapsulates this is the timeless classic, Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.

Can’t Help Falling in Love is a song that expresses the feeling of being irresistibly drawn to someone, even if it defies logic or reason.

It is a song that has touched the hearts of generations of listeners and has become a staple of weddings, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day celebrations.

It has inspired countless covers and adaptations, from rock to reggae, from pop to punk, transcending time and culture, and has become a timeless classic.

But how did this song come to be? What is the story behind its creation, lyrics, impact, and appeal?

This article explores the fascinating history and facts of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.

The Creation of Can’t Help Falling in Love

Can’t Help Falling in Love was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss for Elvis Presley’s 1961 film Blue Hawaii. 

The melody was based on a popular French love song from 1784 called Plaisir d’amour, composed by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini.

The songwriters and movie producers lacked confidence in the song, and so did Elvis’ associates. 

According to Weiss, who died in 2010 at age 89, they thought it was too slow and soft for Elvis’ image. However, Elvis loved the song and insisted on recording it for the film.

Elvis recorded the song on March 23, 1961, at the Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, accompanied by his regular band members, Scotty Moore on guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums, Bob Moore on bass, Floyd Cramer on piano, and The Jordanaires on backing vocals. 

The session was produced by Steve Sholes and engineered by Thorne Nogar.

Elvis’ rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love was a departure from his usual rock and roll style.

He sang with a gentle and tender voice, conveying the vulnerability and sincerity of the lyrics. 

He also added subtle changes to the melody, such as lowering the last note of the chorus to create a more dramatic effect.

The song was first released as part of the soundtrack for Blue Hawaii on October 20, 1961. 

It was also released as a single on November 21, 1961, with Rock-A-Hula Baby as the B-side. 

The single was a huge success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the UK Singles Chart. 

It also sold over a million copies in the US and was certified gold by the RIAA.

Can’t Help Falling in Love Lyrics Analysis

The lyrics of Can’t Help Falling in Love are simple but profound. They convey the feeling of being hopelessly in love with someone, even if it goes against common sense or wisdom. 

The lyrics come in three verses and three choruses, with slight variations in each repetition. 

The first verse sets up the theme of the song:

Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you.

The lyrics acknowledge falling in love so quickly as foolish. He knows that wise men would advise him to be more cautious and rational. But he can’t help himself from being drawn to his lover.

The first chorus reveals the depth of his feelings:

Shall I stay? Would it be a sin if I can’t help falling in love with you?

The narrator wonders if he should stay with his lover or leave. He questions if his love is wrong or sinful. He implies that he has no choice but to fall in love; it is beyond his control.

The second verse adds more details to his situation:

Like a river flows surely to the sea, Darling, so it goes some things are meant to be

Elvis compares his love to a natural force that cannot be stopped or changed. He believes that his love is destiny, meant to be.

The second chorus repeats the words as the first chorus:

Shall I stay? Would it be a sin if I can’t help falling in love with you?

The narrator repeats his dilemma and his question. He still does not have an answer.

The third verse expresses his commitment to his lover:

Take my hand. Take my whole life too, for I can’t help falling in love with you.

The narrator offers his hand and his life to his lover. He is willing to give everything he has for his love, reaffirming that falling in love with her is his fate.

The third chorus changes slightly from the previous ones:

Shall I stay? Would it be a sin if I can’t help falling in love with you?

The narrator changes I to we, implying the feeling is mutual. He hopes that his lover feels the same way about him. He also changes if to for, indicating that he’s decided to stay with his lover, regardless of the consequences.

Historical Impact

Upon its release, Can’t Help Falling in Love captured hearts instantly. It soared up the charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, cementing Elvis Presley’s star power.

One of Elvis’ most memorable performances of Can’t Help Falling in Love was during his 1968 NBC television special, commonly known as the “’68 Comeback Special”.

The special marked Elvis’ return to live music after years of focusing on movies. 

The finale of the special featured Elvis wearing a black leather suit and singing Can’t Help Falling in Love while surrounded by adoring fans.

The performance was intimate and emotional, capturing Elvis’ charm and sincerity. It also reestablished Elvis as a musical force to be reckoned with.

Another notable performance of Can’t Help Falling in Love was during Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii concert in 1973. 

The concert was broadcast live via satellite to over 40 countries and an estimated one billion viewers.

It was also recorded for an album and a TV special. The concert showcased Elvis’ talent and popularity at the peak of his career.

The finale of the concert featured Elvis wearing a white jumpsuit adorned with jewels and an American Eagle design.

He sang Can’t Help Falling in Love as he thanked his fans for their support and love. 

The performance was heartfelt and graceful, reflecting Elvis’ gratitude and humility.

Can’t Help Falling in Love also had a significant cultural impact beyond Elvis’ own career.

The song became an anthem for lovers everywhere, expressing their feelings of devotion and passion. The song also inspired many other artists to cover or sample it in their own works.

Some of the most famous covers include:

• UB40’s reggae version in 1993, reached number one on both sides of the Atlantic
• A-Teens’ pop version in 2002 featured on the soundtrack for Disney’s Lilo & Stitch
• Twenty One Pilots’ alternative version in 2012, which they performed live at various concerts
• Haley Reinhart’s jazz version in 2015 was used for an Extra Gum commercial that went viral
• Kina Grannis’ acoustic version in 2018 featured on the soundtrack for Crazy Rich Asians

Some of the artists who sampled or interpolated parts of Can’t Help Falling in Love include:

• Bob Dylan’s folk-rock version of I Shall Be Released in 1967
• UB40’s reggae version of Kingston Town in 1990
• Fugees’ hip-hop version of Killing Me Softly with His Song in 1996
• Pearl Jam’s rock version of Can’t Help Falling In Love (Live) in 2000
• Ingrid Michaelson’s indie-pop version of Can’t Help Falling In Love (Live) in 2008

The Song’s Timeless Appeal

There are many possible reasons why Can’t Help Falling in Love has remained popular over the years.

It has a universal and timeless theme of love that anyone can relate to, as it expresses the feeling of falling in love.

Even when risky or irrational. It also captures the joy and wonder of finding someone who makes you feel that way.

The song has a simple but beautiful melody that is easy to sing along to. 

The song has transcended time and genre. Countless artists from various music styles have tried their hands at this timeless classic.

Notably, a Can’t Help Falling in Love ukulele cover by twenty one pilots garnered immense appreciation, revealing universal appeal and adaptability.

Facts about ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love

Here are some interesting facts and trivia about Can’t Help Falling in Love:

• The song was originally written from the perspective of a woman with the title “Can’t Help Falling in Love with Him”, which explains why the lines of the chorus ends with “in” and “sin” instead of words that rhyme with “you.”
• The song was not sung to Elvis’ love interest in Blue Hawaii. It was sung to the grandmother of his love interest on the occasion of her birthday. In the scene, Elvis presents her with a music box. When she opens it, the song plays, and Elvis sings along.
• The song was one of Elvis’ personal favourites. He once said, “I like songs that go straight to people’s hearts.”
• The song was also one of Priscilla Presley’s favourites. She said, “It’s probably one of the most beautiful songs he’s ever done.”
• The song was played at Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding in 1967 and at Elvis’ funeral in 1977.
• The song was one of the first to be broadcast from outer space. In 1962, astronaut John Glenn played a tape recording of the song while orbiting the Earth in his spacecraft Friendship 7.
• The song was one of the first to be sampled by hip-hop artists. In 1996, the Fugees used a sample of Elvis’ voice singing “Wise Men Say” for their hit “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”
• The song holds the record for being on the UK Singles Chart for 75 weeks in total, including 28 weeks in 1962, 16 weeks in 1977 after Elvis’ death, and 31 weeks in 1993 after UB40’s cover version.

Conclusion

Can’t Help Falling in Love is more than just a song; it is a cultural phenomenon that has transcended time and boundaries and touched millions with its message of love and destiny.

It showcases Elvis Presley’s talent and legacy as one of the greatest singers, inspiring countless other artists to express their own feelings and interpretations.

Can’t Help Falling in Love is truly a timeless classic that will never fade away.

Elvis Presley Can’t Help Falling in Love 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

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