About the song
Nat King Cole’s rendition of “When I Fall in Love” stands as a timeless testament to the enduring appeal of this classic song. Originally composed by Victor Young with lyrics by Edward Heyman, the melody first graced the silver screen in Howard Hughes’ 1952 film “One Minute to Zero” as an instrumental piece titled “Theme from One Minute to Zero”. It wasn’t long before Jeri Southern’s vocal interpretation, arranged and conducted by Victor Young himself, marked the song’s debut on record in April 1952.
However, it was Doris Day’s rendition, recorded on June 5, 1952, and released by Columbia Records, that catapulted “When I Fall in Love” into popular consciousness. Paired with the B-side “Take Me in Your Arms”, Day’s version climbed to number 20 on the Billboard chart, solidifying the song’s place as a cherished standard in American music.
Decades later, “When I Fall in Love” continued to captivate audiences across generations. In 1996, Natalie Cole paid a heartfelt tribute to her father, Nat King Cole, by releasing a duet version that seamlessly combined her voice with recordings of her father’s 1956 performance of the song. This poignant collaboration not only honored the original rendition but also garnered critical acclaim, earning the Cole duo Grammy Awards for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals and Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocal(s).
Through its rich history and diverse interpretations, “When I Fall in Love” remains a poignant expression of timeless romance, embraced by listeners worldwide. Nat King Cole’s contribution to its legacy, alongside other notable artists, ensures that the song’s melodic beauty and lyrical sentiment continue to resonate with audiences, transcending generations and musical genres alike.
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Lyrics
When I fall in love it will be forever
Or I’ll never fall in love
In a restless world like this is
Love is ended before it’s begun
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sunWhen I give my heart it will be completely
Or I’ll never give my heart
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love with you.[Instrumental]
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I’ll fall in love with you