Introduction
“No More” is a song performed by Elvis Presley, featured in his 1961 film “Blue Hawaii.” The song is an adaptation of the classic Spanish composition “La Paloma,” written by Sebastián Iradier in 1863. Iradier composed “La Paloma” after a visit to Cuba, and the song quickly gained popularity in Mexico and worldwide, becoming a quasi-folk song in many cultures.
In 1961, songwriters Don Robertson and Hal Blair crafted new English lyrics for “La Paloma,” resulting in “No More.” Robertson recalled that after the success of “It’s Now or Never,” an adaptation of “O Sole Mio,” there was interest in adapting another classic song for Elvis. He chose “La Paloma,” a childhood favorite, and collaborated with Blair to create a version suited to Elvis’s style.
Elvis recorded “No More” on March 21, 1961, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California. The session featured notable musicians, including guitarists Hank Garland and Scotty Moore, bassist Bob Moore, drummers D.J. Fontana and Hal Blaine, pianist Floyd Cramer, saxophonist Boots Randolph, and backing vocals by The Jordanaires and The Surfers.
“No More” showcases Elvis’s ability to blend traditional melodies with contemporary arrangements, reflecting his versatility as an artist. The song’s inclusion in “Blue Hawaii” contributed to the soundtrack’s success, with the album topping the Billboard charts for 20 weeks and remaining on the chart for 79 weeks.
The lyrics of “No More” express a longing for a lost love, with lines like “No more do I see the starlight caress your hair” and “Please come back to my arms, we belong together.” This theme of yearning and regret resonates with listeners, adding emotional depth to the song.
Overall, “No More” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s talent for reinterpreting classic compositions, blending cultural influences, and delivering heartfelt performances that continue to resonate with audiences today.