“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a song that resonates deeply with lovers worldwide, often gracing wedding first dances and romantic moments. Made globally famous by Elvis Presley in his 1961 movie Blue Hawaii, the question often arises: who exactly wrote this iconic ballad? While many associate it solely with Elvis, the songwriting credits actually go to Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. This talented trio crafted the English lyrics and arrangement that transformed a French melody into a worldwide sensation.
The Officially Credited Songwriters of “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss were established songwriters with impressive careers. They collaborated on numerous projects, contributing significantly to the music landscape of the mid-20th century. For “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” they took inspiration from a much older melody, breathing new life into it with English lyrics that perfectly captured the intoxicating feeling of love. While the melody wasn’t original to them, their skill in adapting and writing lyrics tailored for Elvis Presley’s voice and style was instrumental in the song’s phenomenal success. They understood how to create a song that was both contemporary for the 1960s and timeless in its romantic appeal.
“Plaisir d’Amour”: The French Melody’s Origin
The enchanting melody of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” has roots stretching back to 1784. It was composed by Jean-Paul-Egide Martini, not for a pop song, but as a classical French art song titled “Plaisir d’Amour” (The Pleasure of Love). Interestingly, the original French lyrics offer a somewhat bittersweet perspective on love, emphasizing its fleeting pleasure and enduring pain. This contrasts sharply with the unwavering optimism and tender devotion expressed in the English lyrics of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Despite the difference in lyrical themes, the beauty of Martini’s melody provided the perfect foundation for Peretti, Creatore, and Weiss to build upon.
Elvis Presley’s Version and the Song’s Ascent to Fame
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” catapulted the song to international stardom. Featured in Blue Hawaii, the song quickly became synonymous with Elvis and his romantic image. Released in 1961, it topped charts globally, including reaching number one in the UK in 1962 and peaking at number two in the U.S. For many, Elvis’s velvety voice and sincere delivery are inseparable from the song itself. He continued to showcase his affection for the song throughout his career, often using it as a powerful closing number in his concerts, including his iconic ’68 Comeback Special and his final concert in 1977.
Enduring Popularity and Diverse Interpretations
The magic of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” extends beyond Elvis’s iconic version. Its timeless melody has inspired countless artists across genres. UB40’s reggae-infused version in 1993 brought the song back to the top of the U.S. Billboard charts, demonstrating its cross-generational appeal. Even A-Teens, with their pop rendition for the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch in 2002, introduced the song to a new generation, proving its adaptability and lasting charm.
In conclusion, while the melody of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” originated from Jean-Paul-Egide Martini’s “Plaisir d’Amour,” the globally recognized song we cherish today, particularly Elvis Presley’s version, was skillfully written and adapted by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. They are the songwriters who crafted the lyrics and arrangement that made “Can’t Help Falling in Love” a timeless declaration of love, continuing to capture hearts for generations.
