Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly With His Song

About the song

Roberta Flack‘s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” is a timeless ballad that beautifully encapsulates the intimate experience of feeling profoundly moved by a piece of music. Released in 1973, the song became an iconic hit and one of Flack’s signature performances, demonstrating her exceptional vocal talent and deep emotional expression.

Roberta Flack, a classically trained pianist and singer, is renowned for her smooth, soulful voice and sophisticated musical style. She rose to prominence in the early 1970s and has since been celebrated for her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. “Killing Me Softly With His Song” is one of her most enduring and beloved songs, showcasing her ability to interpret lyrics with sensitivity and nuance.

The song was written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, inspired by the experiences of Lori Lieberman, who first recorded the song in 1972. Lieberman felt inspired after watching Don McLean perform his song “Empty Chairs,” and the lyrics of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” reflect her feelings of being deeply touched and understood by the performance. The song’s narrative describes the emotional journey of listening to a singer whose music feels intimately personal and resonant, as if the singer is telling the listener’s own life story.

Musically, “Killing Me Softly With His Song” features a gentle, elegant arrangement that perfectly complements the introspective nature of the lyrics. The instrumentation includes soft acoustic guitar, delicate piano, and subtle string arrangements, all of which create a warm, intimate atmosphere. The understated arrangement allows Roberta Flack’s voice to be the focal point, highlighting her ability to convey emotion with subtlety and grace.

Flack’s vocal performance is the centerpiece of the song. Her delivery is marked by a smooth, soothing tone and a controlled, yet deeply expressive phrasing. She brings a quiet intensity to the lyrics, drawing listeners into the story and making them feel the emotional weight of the song. Her interpretation of the lyrics conveys a sense of vulnerability and introspection, making the listener feel as if they are sharing in a deeply personal moment.

“Killing Me Softly With His Song” was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning two Grammy Awards in 1974, including Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s success helped to solidify Roberta Flack’s status as one of the premier vocalists of her time and has remained a significant part of her legacy.

The song’s enduring popularity has led to numerous covers by various artists across different genres, most notably by The Fugees in 1996, who brought a contemporary hip-hop twist to the classic. The timeless quality of the song lies in its universal theme of music’s power to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, as well as in Flack’s masterful interpretation.

In summary, Roberta Flack‘s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” is a beautifully crafted ballad that explores the profound emotional impact of music. With its gentle arrangement, introspective lyrics, and Flack’s exquisite vocal performance, the song remains a cherished classic in the world of pop and soul music.

Video

Lyrics

“Killing Me Softly With His Song”