About the song
“She” by Engelbert Humperdinck is one of the most iconic love songs of the 1960s, capturing the heart and soul of a generation with its sweeping melody and heartfelt lyrics. Released in 1967, “She” became a major international hit, reaching number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. This classic ballad was featured on the album “Release Me”, which became a massive commercial success, further establishing Humperdinck as a leading figure in the world of adult contemporary and easy listening music.
The song was written by the renowned songwriter Charles Aznavour, a French-Armenian artist known for his deeply emotional and poetic approach to songwriting. Aznavour originally wrote “She” in French, under the title “Tous les visages de l’amour”, but the English version of the song, as performed by Engelbert Humperdinck, became its most famous rendition. The song’s poignant lyrics tell the story of a man deeply in love with a woman who captivates him entirely. The simplicity and purity of the lyrics combined with the depth of emotion in the music create a timeless anthem of romantic yearning.
“She” is a perfect showcase of Engelbert Humperdinck’s vocal prowess. His rich, baritone voice, filled with warmth and sincerity, carries the listener through a story of love and devotion. The orchestral arrangement, with its lush strings and sweeping crescendos, adds a sense of grandeur to the song, enhancing its emotional impact. The result is a song that has endured through the decades, beloved by fans around the world for its heartfelt expression of love.
The song’s social impact cannot be overstated. In the late 1960s, the world was in the midst of significant social change, with the rise of counterculture movements and a shift in the way love and relationships were viewed. Yet “She” remained a classic, a symbol of timeless love and admiration. Humperdinck’s performance of the song resonated with audiences who appreciated the sincerity and depth of the lyrics, offering an emotional reprieve from the rapid cultural transformations taking place at the time.
Moreover, “She” became an essential part of Engelbert Humperdinck’s musical legacy. The success of the song helped cement his status as a top-tier performer in the adult contemporary genre, and it remains one of his signature songs. Over the years, “She” has been covered by numerous artists, including the likes of Elvis Costello and Charles Aznavour himself, attesting to its lasting appeal.
The song’s influence extends far beyond its chart success. It became a staple of romantic playlists, wedding receptions, and intimate moments, continuing to find a place in the hearts of listeners across generations. Humperdinck’s ability to convey deep emotion through his voice and the song’s orchestral arrangement made “She” a universal anthem of love and longing.
In conclusion, “She” by Engelbert Humperdinck is a masterpiece of romantic songwriting and performance. With its timeless melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the powerful voice of Humperdinck, the song captures the essence of love in a way that resonates with listeners even today. Whether in its original form or through its many covers, “She” remains a beloved classic, a song that continues to evoke deep emotions and memories, making it one of the most enduring songs of the 20th century.
Video
Lyrics
She may be the face I can’t forgetA trace of pleasure or regretMaybe my treasure or the price I have to payShe maybe the song that Salome singsMaybe the chill that autumn bringsMaybe a hundred different thingsWithin the measure of a dayShe may be the beauty or the beastMay be the famine or the feast,May turn each day into a heaven or a hellShe may be the mirror of my dreamA smile reflected in a streamShe may not be what she may seemInside her shellShe who always seems so happy in a crowdWhose eyes can be so private and proudNo one’s allowed to see them when they cryShe may be the love that cannot hope to lastMay come to me from shadows of the pastThat I remember ’till the day I dieShe may be the reason I surviveThe why and wherefore I’m aliveThe one I’ll care for through the rough and ready yearsMe I’ll take her laughter and her tearsAnd make them all my souvenirsFor where she goes I’ve got to beThe meaning of my life is she