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Introduction:
Can’t Help Falling in Love… All Over Again: The History of Elvis Presley’s “Surrender”
Elvis Presley’s “Surrender” isn’t just a love song, it’s a transatlantic musical journey. Released in 1961, the song that would become a number one hit in both the US and UK actually began life over 60 years earlier, in Italy.
In 1902, Neapolitan songwriters Giambattista de Curtis and Ernesto de Curtis penned a ballad titled “Torna a Surriento” (“Come Back to Sorrento”). This melancholic song about longing for a lost love in a beautiful seaside town captured the hearts of Italians.
Fast forward to the 1950s, and “Torna a Surriento” found its way across the Atlantic. Songwriters Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, known for crafting hits for Elvis, saw the potential in the Italian ballad. They completely transformed the song, keeping the original melody but crafting new, energetic lyrics in English. This new version, titled “Surrender,” took the yearning of the original and turned it into a passionate plea. The lyrics, urging a lover to “surrender” completely, were a perfect fit for Elvis’s charismatic persona.
Elvis recorded “Surrender” in 1961, and it was immediately met with acclaim. The song topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Elvis’s reign as the King of Rock and Roll. “Surrender” also became a major turning point in Elvis’s career. Up until then, he was primarily known for his rockabilly hits. “Surrender” showcased his incredible vocal range and ability to deliver a powerful ballad. This success opened the door for Elvis to explore a more diverse sound in the years to come.
“Surrender” remains a beloved Elvis Presley song. Its catchy melody, passionate lyrics, and electrifying performance cemented its place in music history. So, the next time you hear “Surrender,” remember its surprising origins and how it helped solidify Elvis Presley as a legend.