Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly With His Song

About the song

“Killing Me Softly with His Song,” an iconic piece in the annals of contemporary music, traces its origins to a serendipitous moment of inspiration and collaboration. Composed by Charles Fox and lyricist Norman Gimbel, the song’s genesis unfolded in a fascinating sequence of events. The lyrics were born from Lori Lieberman’s profound encounter with a Don McLean performance in late 1971, stirring her to collaborate with Fox and Gimbel on crafting its poignant verses. Despite Lieberman’s initial recording in 1972, the song didn’t achieve chart success until Roberta Flack’s soul-stirring rendition captivated audiences worldwide in 1973.

Roberta Flack’s rendition of “Killing Me Softly” soared to the top of charts in the United States, Australia, and Canada, earning critical acclaim and prestigious accolades, including the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1974. Flack’s interpretation, infused with her distinctive musicality and the emotive power of her vocals, resonated deeply with listeners, cementing its place as a timeless classic.

Decades later, the song experienced a resurgence when Fugees, led by the talented Lauryn Hill, reimagined it in 1996. Their rendition became a global phenomenon, topping charts in over twenty countries and receiving the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1997. This revival not only reintroduced “Killing Me Softly” to a new generation but also underscored its enduring relevance and emotional impact across diverse musical landscapes.

Beyond its commercial success, the song’s evolution and reinterpretations underscore its cultural significance and lasting influence. Both Flack’s and Fugees’ versions were honored on Rolling Stone’s prestigious list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, reaffirming their place in the pantheon of musical achievements.

However, the song’s journey has not been without controversy. Lori Lieberman, initially denied credit for her lyrical contribution, faced challenges in asserting her role in its creation. Over time, acknowledgments and disputes have shaped the narrative surrounding the song’s origins, reflecting the complexities of artistic collaboration and recognition in the music industry.

“Killing Me Softly with His Song” remains a poignant testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions and transcend generations. Its melodic allure and evocative lyrics continue to resonate, ensuring its enduring legacy as a masterpiece that speaks directly to the soul of its listeners.

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Lyrics

Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song

I heard he sang a good song
I heard he had a style
And so I came to see him
To listen for a while
And there he was this young boy
A stranger to my eyes

Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song

I felt all flushed with fever
Embarrassed by the crowd
I felt he found my letters
And read each one out loud
I prayed that he would finish
But he just kept right on

Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song

He sang as if he knew me
In all my dark despair
And then he looked right through me
As if I wasn’t there
And he just kept on singing
Singing clear and strong

Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song

Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me (softly)

He was strumming my pain
Yeah, he was singing my life
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly
With his song