First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

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

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

The first time ever I lay with you
And felt your heart beat close to mine
I thought our joy would fill the earth
And last til the end of time, my love,
And last till the end of time.

Notes

“First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was a #1 hit for Roberta Flack and stayed at #1 for 6 weeks. It was released in 1972 and was also used in the Clint Eastwood move that year, Play Misty For Me, which gave it excellent exposure.

"First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was written by Ewan MacColl in 1957 for his wife, Peggy Seeger. She asked him for suggestions for a romantic song to use in a play and MacColl wrote this song for her in less than an hour.

Many artists have recorded their version of the song, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Mel Torme, Isaac Hayes, Gordon Lightfoot, George Michael, and Celine Dion.

Read more about the Roberta Flack CD.

Click below to listen to an excerpt of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."

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