Santa Lucia was written by Italian songwriter Theodoro Cottrau in 1850. English lyrics were by Thomas Oliphant.

Elvis sang Santa Lucia in his 1964 movie Viva Las Vegas. He recorded the song in July 1963 at Radio Recorders. In the film version, Ann-Margret hummed along with Elvis at the beginning of Santa Lucia and then talked with Cesare Danova during the rest of the song.