Skeeter Davis, a prominent figure in country music during the 1950s and 60s, delivered a timeless ballad of forbidden love with her 1960 hit “(I Can’t Help You) I’m Falling Too.” The song serves as an answer to Hank Locklin’s country pop crossover success, “Please Help Me, I’m Falling,” creating a captivating narrative through a duet-like format.
A Tale of Two Hearts in Conflict:
- The song portrays the emotional turmoil of a woman torn between her feelings and moral obligations.
- The lyrics, penned by Hal Blair and Don Robertson, reveal her desire to help the man pleading for her love, but she acknowledges their situation’s wrongfulness.
- Despite her attraction, she recognizes their love is forbidden due to his existing commitment (“You belong to another whose arms have grown cold”).
The Power of the Answer Song:
- “(I Can’t Help You) I’m Falling Too” stands out as an answer song, a response to a previously released hit.
- It adds a new dimension to the original story, offering the perspective of the other person involved.
- This format creates a more complete narrative and evokes empathy for both characters.