In the ever-evolving landscape of popular music, only a handful of songs manage to transcend the moment they were born in. Trends change, production styles shift, and audiences move on—but some melodies remain, glowing softly through the decades like an old streetlamp on a familiar corner. Perry Como’s 1970 hit “It’s Impossible” is one of those rare treasures: a song that not only captured the mood of its time but also proved that tenderness, sincerity, and melody never go out of style.
A Gentle Voice in a Changing World
By the time “It’s Impossible” arrived, the music world was transforming rapidly. Rock was louder, youth culture was louder still, and traditional crooners were often seen as relics of a quieter age. Yet Perry Como didn’t chase trends. He didn’t need to. His voice—warm, unforced, and reassuring—had been a constant presence in American homes for decades. While others shouted to be heard, Como simply sang… and people leaned in to listen.
“It’s Impossible” became a turning point in his later career. The song was originally written in Spanish by the legendary Mexican composer Armando Manzanero, under the title “Somos Novios” (“We Are Lovers”). English lyrics were later crafted by Sid Wayne, preserving the song’s romantic heart while making it accessible to a broader audience. What emerged was a cross-cultural love ballad that felt both intimate and universal.
Romance, Reimagined for a New Decade
At first listen, “It’s Impossible” feels like a classic love song—but there’s something deeper beneath its graceful melody. The lyrics speak of a love so essential, so intertwined with existence itself, that life without it simply cannot be imagined. It’s not dramatic or theatrical; instead, it’s quietly certain. This is love as a steady presence, not a passing storm.
Lines like “It’s impossible, tell the sun to leave the sky” express devotion in a way that’s grand yet sincere, poetic yet grounded. The imagery is timeless. Anyone who has ever loved deeply understands that feeling—the sense that separation would feel unnatural, almost unthinkable.
And that’s where Perry Como shines. His performance isn’t showy. There are no vocal acrobatics, no overwrought emotion. Instead, he delivers each line with calm conviction, as if he’s sharing a truth he’s known all his life. That restraint gives the song its emotional power. You believe him.
The Sound of Sophisticated Optimism
Musically, “It’s Impossible” blends lush orchestration with a gentle Latin undercurrent, a nod to its origins. The arrangement swells and recedes like a slow dance, wrapping around Como’s voice without ever overwhelming it. Strings glide, horns shimmer softly, and the rhythm flows with relaxed confidence.
This polished, easy-listening style might have seemed old-fashioned next to the rock anthems of the era, but it offered something many listeners still craved: comfort. In a time marked by social upheaval, political tension, and generational divides, “It’s Impossible” felt like a musical exhale. It reminded audiences that love, beauty, and emotional connection still mattered.
The song’s success proved that sophistication and sincerity still had a place on the charts. It didn’t just perform well—it became Como’s biggest hit in over ten years, introducing his voice to a younger audience while delighting longtime fans.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Recognition
“It’s Impossible” wasn’t just a commercial triumph; it was also an artistic validation. Perry Como earned a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for the song, a testament to how deeply it resonated within the music industry. The recognition highlighted something many already knew: Como’s understated style required immense control and emotional intelligence.
Rather than bending his identity to fit the new decade, he proved that authenticity never expires. “It’s Impossible” showed that elegance could coexist with modernity—and that a great melody, sung with heart, will always find its audience.
A Song That Crossed Borders
One of the most beautiful aspects of “It’s Impossible” is its international spirit. Born in Mexico, adapted in America, and embraced worldwide, the song became a bridge between cultures. It demonstrated how music can travel across languages and still carry the same emotional truth.
Listeners didn’t need to know the song’s origins to feel its sincerity—but knowing its journey adds another layer of appreciation. It’s a reminder that love songs, at their core, speak a language everyone understands.
Why It Still Matters Today
More than fifty years later, “It’s Impossible” continues to find new listeners. It appears on romantic playlists, oldies compilations, and classic easy-listening collections. Its appeal hasn’t faded because its message hasn’t aged. In a world that often moves too fast, the song invites us to slow down and feel something real.
Modern love songs sometimes lean into heartbreak, drama, or fleeting passion. “It’s Impossible,” by contrast, celebrates enduring devotion. It’s about love that lasts, love that steadies, love that feels as natural as breathing. That kind of sentiment never goes out of style.
For longtime fans, hearing the opening notes is like stepping into a cherished memory. For new listeners, it’s a discovery—proof that music from another era can still feel deeply personal.
Perry Como’s Enduring Legacy
Perry Como built his career not on spectacle, but on trust. Audiences trusted his voice, his taste, and the gentle emotional space he created in every performance. “It’s Impossible” stands as one of the finest examples of that legacy.
He didn’t just sing love songs—he made listeners feel safe inside them.
In the end, the title says it all. Some songs are tied to a year, a chart position, or a passing trend. But forgetting “It’s Impossible”? That really would be impossible. Its melody still floats through living rooms, radio waves, and quiet evenings, carrying with it a message that remains as powerful today as it was in 1970:
Love, when it’s true, makes everything else possible.