I wrote a few days ago that I’ve been on a UB40 listening binge and, of course, how can one listen to UB40 and not include one of their biggest hits? So I’ve listened to many songs but keep coming back to “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” first made famous by Elvis Presley, just some guy.
The song has been covered by professional artists and karaoke kings and queens for decades, UB40 released their version in the early 1990s which is when I had first heard it. I could take this post in a number of directions now– are there any covers better than the originals– was the 90s the best decade of music– which is UB40s best song– is Elvis still alive– is this the best version of the song in a movie– you see? So many directions. But it’s the lyrics of the song I want to focus in on… and one phrase in particular.
Take my hand, take my whole life, too.
I’m not sure I can even communicate what this sentiment means to me. How deep it goes. The expression of full commitment. Total and utter abandonment of anything that was me and me alone. Nothing from this point forward will exclude you from my life. Of course, there are plenty of love songs. Millions of different ways to say I love you. Singer after singer has made an attempt to convey what they feel in their heart towards whoever they’re swooning over. But, and this is just my humble opinion, there is no line in any song more all-encompassing (as a friend put it) as this sentence in this song. Take my hand but don’t just take my hand… take every part of my entire being.
I guess wise men say only fools rush in. But if you can’t help falling in love with someone and you can give your hand and your whole life to them, don’t walk towards that future, rush in.
-Out of the Wilderness
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Out of the Wilderness 