The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Peggy Seeger

About The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is a 1957 folk song written by British political singer/songwriter Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger, who later became his wife. At the time, the couple were lovers, although MacColl was still married to Joan Littlewood. Seeger sang the song when the duo performed in folk clubs around Britain. During the 1960s, it was recorded by various folk singers and became a major international hit for Roberta Flack in 1972, winning Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Billboard ranked it as the number one Hot 100 single of the year for 1972. 


Year:
2001
2:35
15 

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The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
The moon and the stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and empty skies, my love
To the dark and empty skies

And the first time ever I kissed your mouth
I felt the earth move in my hands
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there

And the first time ever I lay with you
And felt you heart so close to mine
I thought our joy would fill the earth
It would last till the end of time, my love
It would last till the end of time
The first time ever I saw your face
Your face, your face

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Peggy Seeger

Margaret "Peggy" Seeger (born June 17, 1935, New York City) is an American folksinger. She is also well known in Britain, where she lived for more than 30 years with her husband, the singer and songwriter Ewan MacColl. more »

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Written by: Ewan Maccoll

Lyrics © Royalty Network

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11 facts about this song

Song Origin
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is a folk song written by British political singer/songwriter Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger. It is said he wrote it for her to sing when the two were in a long-distance relationship during the late 1950s.
Love Tribute
The song was reportedly written as a gesture of love by MacColl for Seeger, who later became his third wife. This makes it a very personal and intimate piece of music history.
Variations
Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists across many musical genres but the versions by Ewan MacColl and Roberta Flack are the most popular.
Roberta Flack's Rendition
American singer Roberta Flack's rendition of the song is one of the most famous versions. She reportedly slowed down the tempo of the song, which highlighted its romantic melody and made it a success.
Hit In The U.S
Flack's version of the song became a significant hit in the United States, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1972.
Grammy Awards
The song earned Roberta Flack two Grammy Awards in 1973 for Record of the Year and Song of the Year making it one of the most decorated versions of the song.
Movies and Television
The song has had quite a cinematic history. It was featured in Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut film, “Play Misty for Me” in 1971. This film exposure played a role in its rise in the charts.
Pop Culture Impact
Due to its popularity, the song has been covered by many famous musicians including Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Leona Lewis, and Maroon 5's Adam Levine.
MacColl on Flack's Version
Despite the success of Roberta Flack's version of the song, Ewan MacColl is reported to have disliked the rendition, considering it to be in a style too far removed from folk origins of the song.
Song Duration
The original version of the song performed by Peggy Seeger lasts about two and a half minutes, while Roberta Flack's version is more than double that at almost five minutes long. This extension further lends itself to the lush and languid emotion evoked by the song.
Global Impact
The BBC named "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," in 2003, as Britain's third best song of the 20th century, showcasing its global appeal and timeless impact.

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