Engelbert Humperdinck – Love Me With All Of Your Heart (1967)

About the song

Ah, yes, Engelbert Humperdinck’s Love Me With All Of Your Heart. A truly delightful song, isn’t it? Released in 1967, it encapsulates the essence of romantic ballads from that era, a time when crooners like Humperdinck reigned supreme. But this particular track holds a deeper intrigue – its origins lie far beyond the swanky studios of London or New York.

For the astute music lover, the melody carries a hint of something more exotic. It’s a testament to the unifying power of music that a song born in Latin America could find such a powerful voice across the Atlantic. The original composition, titled Cuando Calienta El Sol (When the Sun Heats Up), is credited to Nicaraguan songwriter Rafael Gastón Pérez. Some sources credit Argentine composer Carlos Albert Martinoli as well.

The song first found fame in Spanish, with lyrics penned by the Los Hermanos Rigual brothers. Interestingly, the English version, though titled Love Me With All Of Your Heart, doesn’t directly translate the original meaning. The Spanish title evokes a more carefree, sun-drenched atmosphere, a stark contrast to the passionate plea of Humperdinck’s rendition. This is where Michael Vaughn (or Maurice Vaughn, depending on the source) and sometimes Sunny Skylar, the credited lyricists for the English version, come in.

Vaughn and Skylar masterfully captured the yearning of a heart desiring complete and unwavering devotion. Lines like “Love me with all of your heart, that’s all I want” and “Don’t give me your love for a moment or an hour, love me always” paint a vivid picture of a love that transcends fleeting moments. It’s a love that demands all-encompassing commitment, a sentiment that resonated deeply with audiences in the mid-1960s.

Humperdinck’s delivery is key to the song’s enduring appeal. His rich baritone, with its hint of vulnerability, perfectly conveys the longing in the lyrics. He caresses each note, building to a powerful crescendo in the bridge before descending back into a tender plea. It’s a masterclass in vocal control and emotional expression.

Love Me With All Of Your Heart wasn’t Humperdinck’s first foray into covering international hits. In fact, his career was launched with a similar approach. His debut single, “Release Me (And Let Me Love Again),” was an English adaptation of a Italian song. However, Love Me With All Of Your Heart cemented his status as a crooning heartthrob. The song reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and became a signature tune for Humperdinck, a testament to the universal language of love and the captivating power of a well-crafted song that transcends cultural boundaries.

Video

Lyrics

“Love Me With All Your Heart “