It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and you know what that means: countless people spending money on expensive chocolates, flowers, and jewelry to show their significant other how much they love them.
With that in mind, today I want to spread some love through the classic Elvis Presley song Can’t Help Falling in Love.
About the Song
Lyrics
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?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
Melody
The melody is based on Plaisir d’amour (“Pleasure of Love”), a French song composed by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini (1741–1816) in 1784. Martini’s song was a hit during his time as well:
The words to Plaisir d’amour were taken from a poem written by Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian (1755–1794):
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Plaisir d’amour ne dure qu’un moment, J’ai tout quitté pour l’ingrate Sylvie, “Tant que cette eau coulera doucement Plaisir d’amour ne dure qu’un moment, |
The pleasure of love lasts only a moment, I gave up everything for ungrateful Sylvia, “As long as this water will run gently The pleasure of love lasts only a moment, |
Favorite Covers
Can’t Help Falling in Love has seen its share of success; Presley’s version has been sold over one million times in the United States alone, and the song has been covered many times since its release in 1961. Here are some of my favorite covers of Can’t Help Falling in Love:
Haley Reinhart
Her silky, effortless voice adds another dimension of vulnerability to the song.
Pentatonix
Tight harmonies. Enough said.
The Piano Guys
Their take is so much more upbeat than other covers I’ve heard, and I love it!
Why is Can’t Help Falling in Love so timeless?
The melody is simple and memorable. The tender lyrics are raw and relatable. Combined, the song is unforgettable.
Thank you for sharing this 😘. And how awesomely perfect that you’ve picked Pentatonix and the Piano Guys!
I’m a big fan of both groups!
Elvis Friday. Should be a thing like Wordless Wednesday….. though I’d struggle to get many pics of my blogging companion Dudley the Labrador into it I suspect.
I think that would be a fun challenge! 😊
So, does it make me a musical derelict if I admit that I really like the UB40 version of this song? Something about the horns just does it for me.
Haha! I think their version is really interesting (in a good way); the brass parts are really cool.
Love, love, love Pentatonix and their cover of this song. Their rendition reminds me of some of the harmonic intervals utilized in Imogen Heap’s “Hide & Seek.” Also a great song.
Yes, I agree with that! Have you heard the Pentatonix song “Run to You”? Their harmonies in this remind me of that as well.
Just took another listen. Yes, that’s in the same vein for sure. I know they’re fans of Imogen’s too because they did one of her lesser-known tracks, “Aha!” on their PTX, Vol. 1 album.
I’ll have to go listen to “Aha!” I don’t think I”ve heard that cover yet.
This is my favorite song right now, and it was really interesting reading these facts about the historic parts of it!!
I’m glad you liked the post! It’s so fun to learn about the history of our favorite songs 🙂
I never heard “Plaisir D’amour” before. What a fascinating connection to the rest of the versions that followed. Love is grand.
I agree, it’s amazing to hear the connection!
Wow – you gave us a lot of versions of the song. Incredible! I’ve never been a fan of Elvis Presley, but he does have some good songs.
He does indeed. Do you have a favorite version?
The Piano Guys – they make a slow somber song, sound really cheerful and beautiful. I also enjoyed the Melody, the French version.
Hey, you see, I enjoyed the piano version! YOU DID IT, I’m enjoying the piano now. I still love the flute and violins too. 🙂
One of my favourite songs 😊 a great post and I love the covers you chose too!
Thank you! Do you have a favorite version?
I am a lover aof piano concerto…I took voices lessons and piano but my instructor fell ill. We sang opera together in her living room. I really wish I had learned. Your talented!😁
Thank you, it’s never too late to start again! 😊
Maybe your right. Thanks!☺
Love this music juke box 🙂
I’m so glad, thank you 😊
What a delight to hear these different versions of one of my favourite sings… had no idea Elvis had sung it, and I love his rich voice and interpretation of it… the other singer’s versions were somewhat marred by their sloppy diction I felt… I chose Joan Baez
version for a radio program I did on my favourite music….. which included Paul Robeson, and Elina Garanca
I love this version by Arlo Guthrie
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sSF89swJ9IU
You’re covers are great choices. Check out this one by Diana Ankudinova. A very different, powerful version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY3OZVmfGVw