Fallin'

About this song

"Fallin'" is the lead single from Alicia Keys' debut studio album Songs in A Minor. The song was a worldwide success, earning three Grammy Awards from four nominations and reaching number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It samples the early James Brown hit "It's a Man's Man's Man's World."

What it's about

Keys has said the song is about the ups and downs of a relationship, when you can be head over heels in love with someone one moment and unable to stand them the next. She wrote it with a young listener in mind, comparing the audience to a young Michael Jackson, who she noted sang deep material even as a child.

Fun facts

• Samples “It's a Man's Man's Man's World by James Brown & The Famous Flames”.
• Sampled in 8 other songs, like “Alfie by The Manor”.
• Covered 5 times, including “Fallin’ by Smooth Jazz All Stars”.
• Written and produced by Alicia Keys.
• Recorded at KrucialKeys Studios (New York City).