“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley is a timeless classic that has been loved for over 60 years. It was first released in 1961 and became a hit in both the UK and the US, earning platinum certification.
The song has also become a popular anthem for English football clubs and is the top choice for first dances at weddings, according to a 2020 survey by OnBuy.
The song’s appeal lies in its simple yet heartfelt lyrics, which capture the feeling of falling in love. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the lyrics and discuss the themes of love, fate, and surrender.
Table of Contents
Lyrics Interpretation
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1
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?
The song begins with a common saying: “Wise men say, only fools rush in.” This phrase suggests that falling in love hastily is unwise and can lead to heartbreak.
However, the singer admits to being unable to resist the allure of falling in love with the subject of the song. This inner conflict is expressed through the questions “Shall I stay?” and “Would it be a sin?”, highlighting the singer’s uncertainty and vulnerability in the face of love.
Chorus
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
The chorus introduces the metaphor of a river flowing to the sea, symbolizing the natural and inevitable progression of falling in love. The phrase “Darling, so it goes” and “Some things are meant to be” emphasize the idea of fate and destiny in the realm of love.
The singer then offers their hand and their whole life to the loved one, showcasing the depth of their feelings and their willingness to fully commit to the relationship. This selfless surrender is summed up in the line “For I can’t help falling in love with you.”
Verse 2
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
The second verse reiterates the chorus, reinforcing the themes of fate, surrender, and the irresistible force of love. The repetition of these lines serves to emphasize their significance and underscores the singer’s unwavering devotion.
Outro
For I can’t help falling in love with you
The song concludes with a final declaration of the singer’s inability to resist falling in love. This simple yet powerful line encapsulates the overarching theme of the song – the overwhelming, transformative power of love that transcends reason and caution.
True Meaning Behind “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a timeless classic that celebrates the power of love. Originally a French love song from the 18th century, the song has evolved over time to become an enchanting ode to the irresistible force of love that captures the hearts of all who listen to it.
The song’s lyrics express the singer’s hesitations and concerns about falling in love too quickly, acknowledging the age-old wisdom that “only fools rush in.” Yet, the singer finds himself unable to resist the allure of love and questions if it would indeed “be a sin” to succumb to his feelings. This sentiment resonates with the listener, as we have all experienced moments when our hearts have overruled our minds in matters of love.
The essence of the song is beautifully depicted through the metaphor of a river flowing towards the sea, mirroring the pull of love. The singer finds himself helplessly caught in the current, swept away by emotions beyond his control, ultimately concluding that it is simply “meant to be.” This imagery captures the powerful, inevitable nature of love that draws us in and transforms us.
As the song progresses, the singer shifts from expressing his feelings to making promises of lifelong commitment. By offering his hand and his entire life, he demonstrates his dedication and willingness to love unconditionally. This transition showcases the transformative power of love that can conquer even the most cautious hearts.
The song relies on the repetition of a single line – “I can’t help falling in love with you” – emphasizing the strength of emotion without being overshadowed by other distractions. It is the heartbeat of the song, pulsating with the rhythm of love that sweeps us off our feet and carries us away.
Elvis Presley, the king of rock and roll, performed a memorable rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” that cemented the song’s legacy as an enduring anthem of love and devotion. His ability to encapsulate this universal emotion in such a captivating manner reflects his own experiences of being swept away by love.
UB40 Version
In 1993, the British reggae-pop band UB40 released a cover of Elvis Presley’s classic song “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. The song was the first single from their album “Promises and Lies”, and it quickly became a huge success, reaching No.1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and holding the position for seven weeks. This was UB40’s fourth and final top 10 hit.
The cover version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” has a slightly different melody and backing rhythm compared to the original, giving it a unique sound that appealed to audiences worldwide. The song topped the charts in 11 other countries, including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, where it was the most successful single of 1993.
The song’s success was further amplified by its appearance on the soundtrack of the movie “Sliver” and in the trailers for “Fools Rush In” and the 1997 film “Speed 2: Cruise Control.” This exposure helped to cement the song’s popularity with audiences and contributed to its lasting success.
While critics had mixed opinions on the cover, with some noting the band’s shift towards a more adult-contemporary sound, audiences loved it, and the music video produced to promote the single has amassed over 61 million views on YouTube as of September 2021.
A-Teens Version
If you’re a fan of early 2000s pop music, then you’ve probably heard of A-Teens’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” This track was a huge hit for the Swedish pop group, and was even featured in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” movie soundtrack.
The song was released as the first single from their third studio album, “Pop ’til You Drop!” and was later included in the “Disney Girlz Rock” teen pop compilation album. In fact, it was such a popular track that it was also featured as a bonus track on the A-Teens’ “New Arrival” album in the European market.
The music video for “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was directed by Gregory Dark and was shot in Los Angeles, California. The band released two different versions of the video. The first, known as the “Disney Version,” featured scenes from the “Lilo & Stitch” movie as well as new footage of the A-Teens in beach costumes.
The second version, called the “A-Teens Version,” showed the band members performing on a white background with various close-ups and choreography, as well as some scenes with puppies and different costumes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, “Just the Way You Are” taps into the timeless truth that the heart wants what it wants. It reminds us that, amidst the routines and sensibilities of daily life, there are moments when love takes over, leading us to trust our hearts and take the leap. It is in these moments that we find ourselves truly alive, as we embrace the magic and wonder of love that transcends time and reason.