Formed at the University of San Francisco in early 1965, We Five had a hit … Read Full Bio ↴Formed at the University of San Francisco in early 1965, We Five had a hit months later with their version of Ian & Sylvia's "You Were On My Mind," which eventually reached #3 on the Billboard charts. The hit record helped popularize folk-rock. Unfortunately, with only one other hit ("Let's Get Together" before the Youngbloods' version hit big), We Five eventually broke up in 1967.

Can't Help Falling In Love
We Five Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wise men say
"Only fools rush in"
But I can't help falling in love with you

Should I stay?
Would it be so wrong?
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

So take my hand
Take my whole life, too
But I can't help falling in love with you

Wise men say

"Only fools rush in"
But I can't help falling in love with you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Can't Help Falling In Love" by We Five are a portrayal of the internal conflict of someone who is deeply in love with another person, but is hesitant to surrender to their emotions. The song starts with an axiom that seems to be common wisdom: "wise men say only fools rush in". The ambiguity of the statement creates a contrast between the fearful, prudent, and cautious mindset that is assigned to wisdom and the apparent recklessness and impulsivity of love, which is often considered foolish. Despite that, the singer admits to not being able to help themselves from falling in love with their significant other.

The second verse of the song introduces a dilemma. The singer asks themselves whether it would be wrong to stay in love with their partner. It is unclear whether this doubt is self-imposed or whether they are subject to external pressures. In any case, the singer seeks a resolution to this inner conflict by reminding themselves that some things are meant to be, and that love may be one of those things that are inescapable.

The final verse of "Can't Help Falling In Love" brings the song to a resolution. The singer pleads for their loved one to take their hand and their whole life, acknowledging their feeling that they can't help falling in love with them. The song ends on a repeating chorus, burrowing the idea of the apparent contradiction between the wisdom of caution and the madness of love, and how the latter can overcome the former.

Line by Line Meaning

Wise men say
Experts suggest

"Only fools rush in"
"Acting impulsively is not wise"

But I can't help falling in love with you
However, I am irresistibly drawn towards you and experiencing great affection towards you.

Should I stay?
Is it appropriate for me to remain?

Would it be so wrong?
Is it morally incorrect?

If I can't help falling in love with you
If I am unable to resist developing romantic feelings for you

Like a river flows
Like the steady, constant flow of a river

Surely to the sea
Heading undoubtedly towards the ocean

Darling so it goes
This is the way it always is, my beloved

Some things are meant to be
Certain things are destined to happen

So take my hand
Please hold my hand