About the song
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” stands as an enduring masterpiece in the realm of folk and popular music, its journey intertwined with the lives of its creators and the artists who brought it to global acclaim. Penned by Ewan MacColl in 1957 for his lover Peggy Seeger, the song was born from a poignant request: to compose a love ballad amidst MacColl’s predominantly political repertoire. This marked a departure for MacColl, whose commitment to folk music had previously centered on social commentary rather than personal sentiment.
The song’s genesis reflects a tender intimacy; MacColl reportedly taught it to Seeger over the telephone, an early testament to its emotional resonance. Initially recorded by Bonnie Dobson in 1960, it gradually found its way into the mainstream through interpretations by notable groups like the Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary, each rendition imbuing the song with its own flavor while retaining its essence of heartfelt adoration.
However, it was Roberta Flack’s rendition in 1972 that propelled the song to unparalleled heights. Her soulful interpretation, characterized by its deliberate pace and emotive depth, captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. The song’s newfound popularity owed much to its inclusion in Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut, “Play Misty for Me,” underscoring a pivotal love scene that underscored the film’s emotional core.
Flack’s version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” not only topped the charts but also earned prestigious accolades, including Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1973. Its success was a testament to Flack’s vocal prowess and the song’s timeless appeal, resonating with audiences across generations.
Beyond its musical achievements, the song achieved a cultural milestone when it was played aboard Apollo 17 as the astronauts prepared to depart the Moon, a poignant choice perhaps alluding to the lunar surface’s enigmatic visage.
In essence, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” transcends its origins as a simple love ballad. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke deep emotions and capture moments of profound human connection, cementing its place as a classic in the annals of popular music history.
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Lyrics
The first time ever I saw your faceI thought the sun rose in your eyesAnd the moon and the stars were the gifts you gaveTo the dark and the endless skies, my loveTo the dark and the endless skiesAnd the first time ever I kissed your mouthI felt the earth move in my handLike the trembling heart of a captive birdThat was there at my command, my loveThat was there at my command, my loveAnd the first time ever I lay with youI felt your heart so close to mineAnd I knew our joy would fill the earthAnd last ’til the end of time my loveAnd it would last ’til the end of timeThe first time ever I saw your faceYour face, your face, your face