About the song
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a classic folk ballad written by English singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl in 1957. Originally composed for Peggy Seeger, who would later become his wife, the song emerged from a deeply personal place, reflecting their complex and intimate relationship. At the time, MacColl was married to another person, but his bond with Seeger was strong enough to inspire this poignant piece. While Seeger first recorded the song in 1972, it did not gain significant traction at that time.
The song’s journey into mainstream success began when it was popularized by Roberta Flack in 1972. Flack’s version transformed the song into a major hit, marking a defining moment in her career. Her rendition, featured on her debut album “First Take,” extended the original folk ballad into a more soulful and immersive experience. Flack’s version was notably slower and more sensual compared to Seeger’s original, which was relatively brief. This slower tempo and emotional depth helped it resonate deeply with audiences.
Clint Eastwood famously chose Flack’s interpretation for his directorial debut, “Play Misty for Me,” using it in a key romantic scene. This exposure provided a significant boost to the song’s popularity. Following this, Atlantic Records edited the track to a more radio-friendly length and released it as a single. Flack’s version soared to the top of the charts, holding the No. 1 position on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Easy Listening charts for six consecutive weeks in April 1972. It also achieved No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart and topped the RPM charts in Canada for three weeks.
Despite its commercial success, MacColl was not entirely pleased with the various covers of the song. He reportedly had a “Chamber of Horrors” in his collection where he kept versions he disliked, including those he felt lacked the grace and authenticity of his original vision. His dissatisfaction was particularly pronounced with versions by major artists like Elvis Presley, whom MacColl felt had misinterpreted the song’s essence.
Roberta Flack’s cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” earned critical acclaim and was awarded the 1974 Grammy for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Its success was so profound that it remains a staple in discussions of classic 1970s music. The song’s emotional power and timeless appeal were reaffirmed when it was named one of the greatest songs of all time by various music publications.
Overall, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is celebrated for its emotional depth and has been an enduring piece in the folk and pop music repertoire. Its journey from a personal folk ballad to an iconic hit exemplifies the power of music to transcend its origins and connect deeply with audiences worldwide.
Video
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
The first time ever I saw your face
Your face, your face, your face