About the song
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a poignant folk ballad that originated in 1957, penned by British singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl for his future wife, Peggy Seeger. At its core, the song reflects the intense emotions of love and longing, immortalized through various interpretations over the decades.
Initially crafted as a personal gesture from MacColl to Seeger, the song gained popularity among folk circles in the early 1960s through performances by Seeger herself and other artists like Bonnie Dobson and the Kingston Trio. Despite its growing acclaim, MacColl notoriously disapproved of most cover versions, believing they lacked the subtlety and depth of the original sentiment.
However, it was Roberta Flack’s rendition that catapulted the song to mainstream success in 1972. Initially recorded in 1969, Flack’s version remained relatively obscure until it featured in Clint Eastwood’s film “Play Misty for Me.” The decision to use Flack’s soulful interpretation during a pivotal love scene between Eastwood and Donna Mills transformed the song into a chart-topping hit in the United States, where it reigned on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks.
Flack’s rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” stands out for its slow tempo and profound emotional delivery, contrasting with earlier renditions. Its success marked a rare instance of a “sleeper hit” achieving commercial dominance years after its initial recording, thanks largely to its inclusion in a critically acclaimed film.
Beyond its commercial achievements, the song holds cultural significance. It was famously played to wake up the astronauts of Apollo 17 during their last day in lunar orbit, a symbolic nod to its theme of first encounters and new beginnings.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” endures as a testament to the power of music to evoke deep-seated emotions and memories. From its humble beginnings in the folk clubs of Britain to becoming an iconic love ballad, the song continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, each interpretation adding layers to its timeless narrative of love and longing.
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Lyrics
The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the endless skies, my love
To the dark and the endless skies
And the first time ever I kissed your mouth
I felt the earth move in my hand
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there at my command, my love
And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine
And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last ’til the end of time my love
And it would last ’til the end of time
The first time ever I saw your face
Your face, your face, your face