About the song
**Perry Como**, the crooner king of the mid-20th century, delivered a timeless rendition of “Killing Me Softly With Her Song” that continues to captivate audiences today. This iconic ballad, penned by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox, explores the profound emotional impact of music, particularly when it resonates deeply with personal experiences.
Originally written in 1971, the song was inspired by Gimbel’s observation of singer-songwriter Lori Lieberman performing at the Gaslight Cafe in New York City. Impressed by the raw emotion and vulnerability in her voice, Gimbel penned the lyrics, capturing the feeling of being “killed softly” by the power of music.
When Perry Como recorded the song in 1973, his smooth, velvety vocals added a layer of sophistication and warmth. His interpretation, accompanied by a lush orchestral arrangement, transformed the ballad into a classic. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal theme of emotional connection and the transformative power of music.
The lyrics of “Killing Me Softly With Her Song” paint a vivid picture of a deeply moving musical experience. The narrator describes being captivated by a singer’s performance, feeling as though their innermost thoughts and feelings are being laid bare. The song’s refrain, “Killing me softly with her song,” encapsulates the overwhelming emotional impact of the music.
Beyond its lyrical beauty, the song’s melody is equally memorable. The gentle, flowing tune perfectly complements the emotional intensity of the lyrics. Como’s delivery is both intimate and powerful, conveying the depth of feeling behind the song.
“Killing Me Softly With Her Song” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each offering their own unique interpretation. However, Perry Como’s version remains a benchmark for the song’s emotional impact. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless quality of both the lyrics and the melody, making it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
I heard she sang a good song
I heard she had a style
And so I came to see her
And listen for a while
And there she was this young girl
A stranger to my eyes
Strumming my pain with her fingers
Singing my life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
Killing me softly with her song
Telling my whole life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
I felt all flushed with fever, embarrassed by the crowd
I felt she found my letters and read each one out loud
I prayed that she would finish
But she just kept right on
Strumming my pain with her fingers
Singing my life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
Killing me softly with her song
Telling my whole life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
She sang as if she knew me in all my dark despair
And then she looked right through me as if I wasn’t there
But she was there the stranger
Singing clear and strong
Strumming my pain with her fingers
Singing my life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
Killing me softly with her song
Telling my whole life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
Killing me softly, with her song