About the song
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a timeless folk song that first captivated audiences in 1957 when British political singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl penned it for Peggy Seeger, his partner and later wife. At the time, their relationship was blossoming despite MacColl being married to someone else. Seeger performed the song during their folk club appearances across England, marking its humble beginnings in the folk music scene.
Over the 1960s, the song gained popularity through various folk artists’ recordings, but it wasn’t until 1972 that it achieved global acclaim with Roberta Flack’s rendition. Flack’s interpretation, featured on her debut album “First Take” from 1969, transformed the song into a soulful ballad that resonated deeply with listeners. Her version, notably slower and more emotive than Seeger’s original recording, caught the attention of Atlantic Records and film director Clint Eastwood.
Eastwood famously used Flack’s rendition in his directorial debut “Play Misty for Me,” amplifying the song’s exposure and cementing its status as a romantic classic. Atlantic Records released a shortened version of Flack’s recording as a single, which soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the easy listening charts in the US, holding the top position for six consecutive weeks. In Canada, it also claimed the number one spot for three weeks on the RPM magazine charts.
Despite its commercial success, the song’s journey wasn’t without controversy. MacColl, known for his staunch opinions, openly criticized many covers of the song, considering them overly dramatic or lacking the song’s original grace. His daughter-in-law famously remarked on MacColl’s disdain for these versions, even labeling a section of his record collection as “The Chamber of Horrors” due to his disapproval.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” remains a poignant example of how a simple folk tune can transcend time and genres, touching hearts across generations with its sincere expression of love and longing. From its modest folk beginnings to becoming an international sensation, the song’s journey reflects both the power of its lyrics and the emotive depth of its melodies, ensuring its place in musical history as a true classic.
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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 stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the empty skies, my love
To the dark and the empty skies
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
The first time ever I held you near
And felt your heart beat close to mine
I thought our joy would fill the world
And would last ’til the end of time, my love
And would last ’til the end of time