“Catch a Falling Star,” penned by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss, stands as a timeless classic in the realm of popular music, immortalized by the velvety voice of Perry Como in late 1957. This enchanting melody draws its inspiration from Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, weaving a symphonic elegance into its soothing refrain.
Perry Como’s rendition of the song features the harmonious backdrop of the Ray Charles Singers, who lend their voices to create a resonant round, enhancing the celestial allure of the composition. Upon its release, “Catch a Falling Star” ascended swiftly to the zenith of the charts, marking Como’s final number one hit in the United States. Although it secured the top spot on the Billboard “Most Played by Jockeys” chart, its peak position on the overall Hot 100 was number 3, reflecting its broad appeal and enduring popularity.
Notably, “Catch a Falling Star” holds the distinction of being the first single to achieve a gold record certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, underscoring its monumental impact on the music industry of its time. Across the border in Canada, the song made its mark by reaching number 12 on the CHUM Charts, concurrently charting with its equally beloved B-side, “Magic Moments.”
Internationally, the song continued its meteoric rise, capturing hearts and topping charts in Australia, while in the UK, it achieved a commendable position at number nine on the Singles Chart. Interestingly, its flip side “Magic Moments” soared to the pinnacle of the UK charts, solidifying Como’s dual dominance in the realm of romantic balladry.
“Catch a Falling Star” endures not merely as a chart-topping hit but as a cherished melody that evokes nostalgia and romance. Its timeless lyrics and Como’s incomparable vocal delivery ensure its place in the pantheon of musical classics, reminding listeners of an era defined by its elegance and emotional resonance. As listeners continue to discover its magic, “Catch a Falling Star” remains a luminous testament to the enduring power of melody and sentiment in popular music history.
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Lyrics
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day
For love may come and tap you on the shoulder
Some starless night
Just in case you feel you wanna hold her
You’ll have a pocketful of starlight
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away (never let it fade away)
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day (save it for a rainy day)
For love may come and tap you on the shoulder
Some starless night
And just in case you feel you wanna hold her
You’ll have a pocketful of starlight
(Pocketful of starlight)
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away (never let it fade away)
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day (save it for a rainy day)
(Save it for a rainy, rainy, rainy day)
For when your troubles start multiplyin’
And they just might
It’s easy to forget them without tryin’
With just a pocketful of starlight
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away (never let it fade away)
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day
Save it for a rainy day
