First of May

Bee Gees

About First of May

"First of May" is a song by the Bee Gees with lead vocals by Barry Gibb, released as a single from their 1969 double album Odessa. Its B-side was "Lamplight". It also featured as the B-side of "Melody Fair" when that song was released as a single in the Far East in 1971 as well as in 1976 and 1980 on RSO Records. It was the first Bee Gees single to be released after lead guitarist Vince Melouney had left the group.


Year:
1969
2:50
8,694 
#11

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When I was small, and Christmas trees were tall
We used to love while others used to play
Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by
Some one else moved in from far away

Now we are tall, and Christmas trees are small
And you don't ask the time of day
But you and I, our love will never die
But guess we'll cry come first of May

The apple tree that grew for you and me
I watched the apples falling one by one
And I recall the moment of them all
The day I kissed your cheek and you were mine

Now we are tall, and Christmas trees are small
And you don't ask the time of day
But you and I, our love will never die
But guess we'll cry come first of May

When I was small, and Christmas trees were tall
Do do do do do do do do do
Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by
Some one else moved in from far away

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Bee Gees

The Bee Gees were a musical group founded in 1958. The group's line-up consisted of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. The trio were successful for most of their decades of recording music, but they had two distinct periods of exceptional success: as a pop act in the late 1960s/early 1970s, and as prominent performers of the disco music era in the late 1970s. The group sang three-part tight harmonies that were instantly recognisable; Robin's clear vibrato lead was a hallmark of their earlier hits, while Barry's R&B falsetto became their signature sound during the late 1970s and 1980s. The brothers wrote all of their own hits, as well as writing and producing several major hits for other artists. more »

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Written by: BARRY GIBB, MAURICE ERNEST GIBB, ROBIN HUGH GIBB

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Information
"First of May" was a song released by the Bee Gees on their 1969 album "Odessa." It was also released as a single the same year.
Song Meaning
The song is reportedly about the joys of childhood, the thrill of a young boy dressing up and pretending to be a man, and how these feelings often tend to fade away as one grows older.
Lead Vocals
Although most Bee Gees' songs feature Barry Gibb on lead vocals, "First of May" features his brother Robin Gibb as the lead vocalist.
Chart Performance
The song performed well on the charts, reaching #1 in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore, while it peaked at #6 in the United Kingdom.
Contention Over Lead Vocals
The decision to have Robin sing the lead vocals instead of Barry was reportedly a source of contention within the group, and it is said to have played a role in Robin temporarily leaving the Bee Gees.
Background of the Album "Odessa
The album "Odessa" on which "First of May" appears is a concept album. It revolves around a fictional shipwreck in the 19th century, although "First of May" doesn't adhere to the album's concept.
Soundtrack Feature
"First of May" was featured in the 1970 film "Melody", which used Bee Gees songs as the film’s musical accompaniment.
Pop Culture References
The song gained attention when it was featured in an episode of the British sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses.'
Critical Reception
"First of May" is often praised as one of the Bee Gees' best and most heartfelt songs, with critics often singling out Robin's vocal performance for praise.
Covers & Remakes
Over the decades, "First of May" has been covered by numerous artists, including Matt Monro, José Carreras, David Hasselhoff, and many more. The diversity of artists covering the song indicates its broad appeal across genres.
Legacy
Even more than 50 years after the song’s release, "First of May" continues to resonate with audiences and remains a favorite in the Bee Gees' catalog.

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    First of May

    8.1M
    26,558     1,452

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #37


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