Introduction
Can’t Help Falling In Love: A Timeless Classic with a Surprising Origin
Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is a song that transcends generations. Its sweet melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a wedding staple and a romantic favorite for over six decades. But the song’s history is more intriguing than you might think.
While Elvis’s smooth vocals and charismatic delivery undeniably shaped the song’s success, the melody itself has a much older origin story. Believe it or not, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is based on a 1784 French love song called “Plaisir d’amour” by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini. Centuries later, songwriters Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss completely revamped the melody, adding new lyrics with a more contemporary feel.
The song found its home in 1961 with the release of Elvis’s movie “Blue Hawaii”. Despite some initial skepticism from Presley’s associates, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” was featured in a scene where his character presents a music box to his girlfriend’s grandmother. As the music box plays, Elvis serenades her with the now-iconic song.
Though not the intended A-side, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” became a breakout success. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and secured the top spot in the UK. Elvis’s charm and the song’s inherent romanticism resonated with audiences, solidifying its place as a classic.
“Can’t Help Falling In Love” transcended its movie origins. It has been covered by countless artists across genres, from UB40’s reggae rendition to the Swedish pop group A-Teens’ version. But Elvis Presley’s soulful delivery remains the definitive version for many, a testament to the enduring power of this beautiful song.