About the song
Roberta Flack’s rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” stands as a towering monument in the annals of popular music. A song that has resonated through generations, Flack’s interpretation is a masterclass in vocal delivery and emotional depth.
Released in 1972, the song was originally penned by the British folk singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl for his then-partner, Peggy Seeger. However, it was Flack’s soulful, jazz-inflected performance that catapulted the song to unprecedented heights, earning her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal theme of love at first sight. It is a declaration of profound affection, expressed with a simplicity and honesty that is both captivating and compelling. Yet, it is Flack’s interpretation that transforms this simple ballad into a timeless masterpiece. Her voice, rich and velvety, carries the listener on a journey through a spectrum of emotions – from the initial spark of infatuation to the deep, abiding love that endures.
Flack’s vocal phrasing is impeccable, her intonation perfectly calibrated to convey the nuances of the lyrics. She imbues the song with a sense of intimacy, as if sharing a deeply personal confession. The arrangement, too, is masterful, with its understated elegance providing the perfect backdrop for Flack’s vocal prowess.
Beyond its lyrical beauty and Flack’s extraordinary performance, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is also a testament to the enduring power of music to connect with people on a profound level. It is a song that has been covered by countless artists, each bringing their own unique interpretation. However, Flack’s version remains the definitive one, a benchmark against which all others are measured.
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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 the stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the endless skies, my love
To the dark and the endless skies
And 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, my love
And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine
And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last ’til the end of time, my love
And it would last ’til the end of time, my love
The first time ever I saw your face
Your face
Your face
Your face