Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s song “This Is My Heaven” was originally recorded for the soundtrack of his 1965 film Paradise, Hawaiian Style. While it’s not one of Presley’s most widely recognized hits, the song captures a significant period in his career when he was focusing heavily on movie projects. The film, set in the lush backdrop of Hawaii, was part of Presley’s many light-hearted musical comedies that dominated his work throughout the 1960s.
Released as part of the Paradise, Hawaiian Style soundtrack album on June 10, 1966, the song falls within the pop and easy-listening genres, reflecting the tropical, breezy atmosphere of the movie. The song’s melody is gentle and romantic, in line with the themes of the film, which centered around Presley’s character, Rick Richards, an airline pilot who starts a helicopter charter service in Hawaii. The soundtrack includes other island-themed songs and was recorded during Presley’s ongoing contract with RCA Records.
Despite being part of one of his lesser-known films, “This Is My Heaven” stands out for its smooth, serene sound. The song didn’t chart as a standalone hit, but the album itself reached number 15 on the Billboard 200 charts in the United States. This was typical for many of Presley’s soundtrack albums during this era, where the focus was more on his film career than producing singles for the charts.
The music from Paradise, Hawaiian Style is significant because it represents Elvis’ transition in the mid-60s, a time when his film work was more commercially successful than his music, even though it was sometimes met with mixed critical reviews. Nevertheless, songs like “This Is My Heaven” showcase Presley’s versatility as a performer, and the track remains a part of the extensive catalog that underscores his deep connection with the cinematic world of the 1960s
Video:
Lyrics:
“This Is My Heaven”
(from “Paradise, Hawaiian Style” soundtrack)This is my heaven
Being here with you
Make it last forever
This is my heaven
It’s a dream come true
Make it last forever
Come to me now
And take my hand
This is the paradise I plan
You’re like an angel
Sent from up above
Let’s stay close together
You brought me heaven
When I shared your love
Make it last forever
Here ‘neath the sky beside the sea
This is my heaven
When you come to me