Introduction:
“This Is My Heaven” is a song performed by Elvis Presley for his 1966 movie Paradise, Hawaiian Style, a musical film that captures Elvis in a Hawaiian adventure filled with vibrant scenery and classic musical numbers. The song was recorded during sessions in Hollywood’s Radio Recorders studio in mid-1965, specifically on July 27. Its lyrics reflect the romantic and idyllic atmosphere of the Hawaiian setting, fitting well within the film’s themes of escapism and love. Paradise, Hawaiian Style was one of several films that paired Presley with Hawaiian locations, following the popular success of Blue Hawaii in 1961.
In Paradise, Hawaiian Style, Presley plays Rick Richards, a former airline pilot who returns to Hawaii to start a charter helicopter service. The character’s light-hearted journey through Hawaiian culture includes a soundtrack filled with tropical flair, with “This Is My Heaven” highlighting a particularly dreamy scene that encapsulates his love for the islands. This song and others from the film showcase Elvis’s versatility and his ability to integrate the Hawaiian musical feel, which added to his appeal and cultural influence during the 1960s.
Though Paradise, Hawaiian Style did not achieve the same level of acclaim as some of Elvis’s earlier films, its soundtrack has become a nostalgic reflection of his mid-career Hollywood years. The song “This Is My Heaven” is celebrated for its smooth melodies and easy-going charm, capturing both the allure of Hawaii and Elvis’s unique charisma as a performer.
Video:
Lyrics:
“This Is My Heaven”
(from “Paradise, Hawaiian Style” soundtrack)
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