Roberta Flack — The First Time Ever I Saw Your
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Length: 5:19
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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
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
Comments (66)add comment
Man, I gotta be careful when these heavy-hitters come on at work. Sometimes it's best not to stop and read the lyrics while at work. Cutting onions, yeah, that's it.
Still brings tears to my eyes...
TurtleMan wrote:
Uhh, she's retired, and has had some health issues, but she's not dead.
I know, I was referring to more of an existential separation from the present world were in. Being, "in the zone" as some athletes or musicians sometimes say. I edited my initial comment to include, "during this performance", before I even saw your response.
Uhh, she's retired, and has had some health issues, but she's not dead.
I know, I was referring to more of an existential separation from the present world were in. Being, "in the zone" as some athletes or musicians sometimes say. I edited my initial comment to include, "during this performance", before I even saw your response.
coyote620 wrote:
Uhh, she's retired, and has had some health issues, but she's not dead.
Stunning. She left our world and became apart of the mystical musical wonderland of energy and spirit and left us with this sublime, timeless, touching, and lightning bolt of musical perfection.
Uhh, she's retired, and has had some health issues, but she's not dead.
Simply beautiful.
such a quiet, beautiful power
From the awesome Clint Eastwood thriller, Play Misty For Me
Play the Ewan MacColl's version sometime. He hated this cover, as well as every one else's.
My late husband's favorite song, I used to sing it to him. Not so beautifully as her, of course. It is wonderful to hear it again.
Goosebumps.
My gawd!
She, and this sound, is magnificent in any universe...
She, and this sound, is magnificent in any universe...
Simply stunning, never grows old this song!
Just watched the Great Performances episode about her on PBS and it gave me a newfound appreciation for Roberta Flack and her music. It also educated me on her relationship with Donnie Hathaway and his tragic ending...I never knew!
Now please play
"Killing Me Softly with His Song"
Fugees version is all I ever hear and it makes me yearn for the REAL version
"Killing Me Softly with His Song"
Fugees version is all I ever hear and it makes me yearn for the REAL version
So beautiful, gets better with age...
garrettb wrote:
I might have gotten my LP copy from an acquaintance or thrift store not too long ago, but only knew this song. Nice album and lovely to listen to.
I just bought this vinyl album for $3 in my local thrift store :)
I might have gotten my LP copy from an acquaintance or thrift store not too long ago, but only knew this song. Nice album and lovely to listen to.
The most beautiful song ever sung by Roberta Flack.
I was 17 when it came out and in love for the first time.
I was 17 when it came out and in love for the first time.
saamusic wrote:
Ah, just remembered. It was in the movie Play Misty for Me.
Was this song in a movie?
Ah, just remembered. It was in the movie Play Misty for Me.
Was this song in a movie?
Did Ewan write this about Kirstie?
sfyi2001 wrote:
I grew up with 2 sisters & a brother, all younger than me, and was 9 when this song came out in 1969 when my exposure to music was pretty much limited to the radio in our family car.
Mom was 29 and didn't buy many records, as her hands were full raising us while Dad was a Submariner in the Navy, but this was one she took the time to get. She loved this song.
I recall hearing her play it on our rarely used record player and me not thinking much more of it other than, "Oh Jeeeze" or something, and going back outside.
I Love You Mom.
You were absolutely the best.
My Parents are 82 now, and I see most things in a much different light than I did 50+ years ago . . . .
It's December 13th, 2021 now and I would like to wish any and everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Great 2022.
Take Care Friends ~
Sweet memories, and yes, as we're older we have a different perspective of this song. This was one of my Mother's favorites also and it was hard for me to deal with as a child since my parent's were going through a divorce and I knew she might not be thinking about my Father when she heard this. I'd give anything to be able to give her a hug now and tell her that I understand.
I grew up with 2 sisters & a brother, all younger than me, and was 9 when this song came out in 1969 when my exposure to music was pretty much limited to the radio in our family car.
Mom was 29 and didn't buy many records, as her hands were full raising us while Dad was a Submariner in the Navy, but this was one she took the time to get. She loved this song.
I recall hearing her play it on our rarely used record player and me not thinking much more of it other than, "Oh Jeeeze" or something, and going back outside.
I Love You Mom.
You were absolutely the best.
My Parents are 82 now, and I see most things in a much different light than I did 50+ years ago . . . .
It's December 13th, 2021 now and I would like to wish any and everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Great 2022.
Take Care Friends ~
Sweet memories, and yes, as we're older we have a different perspective of this song. This was one of my Mother's favorites also and it was hard for me to deal with as a child since my parent's were going through a divorce and I knew she might not be thinking about my Father when she heard this. I'd give anything to be able to give her a hug now and tell her that I understand.
Typesbad wrote:
Same here! We are older & more sophisticated now! I was 14yrs old when this came out. At the time, I only listened to it in my Mom's car. At home, I listened to Cream, Blind Faith, Beatles, Doors, CS&N, The Band, Stones, Joe Cocker, Sly, etc.(and still do!).
My main problem with this song was that I was nine when it came out and all that 1969 energy coming out of the radio came to a screeching halt when it came on. I'd either have to start twisting the tuner or wait it out. Over 50 years later, the first few notes, still elicit an Ugh!! reaction from me. Then I take a moment and appreciate the beauty of the song.
Same here! We are older & more sophisticated now! I was 14yrs old when this came out. At the time, I only listened to it in my Mom's car. At home, I listened to Cream, Blind Faith, Beatles, Doors, CS&N, The Band, Stones, Joe Cocker, Sly, etc.(and still do!).
nomnol wrote:
We did not choose this song, BUT, for our upcoming 41st anniversary I think I'll suggest to my wife this one as a much better alternative than the one we did select. I think I know her well enough by now, that she will say, "Yes!"
I've been wrong far too many times to count over those 40+ years, though, so I'll have to get back to you on the results.
My wife chose this as our "first song" on the day we were wed. And yes, she still is.
We did not choose this song, BUT, for our upcoming 41st anniversary I think I'll suggest to my wife this one as a much better alternative than the one we did select. I think I know her well enough by now, that she will say, "Yes!"
I've been wrong far too many times to count over those 40+ years, though, so I'll have to get back to you on the results.
If there is a more beautiful song, I haven’t heard it.
Maybe the best love song ever. Get goosebumps every time I hear it.
When this came out, I hated this song. Of course I was only 10 at the time. It was over played back then.. So when this popped up here, my first reaction goes back 53 years,... but after sitting back and listening to it, WOW, what a beautiful record, all the way around.
This song makes me think of my Dad. Back in the day, he played it endlessly. My Mom said it caused their divorce 
He was also a Dionne Warwick fan. I recall him saying "Dionne Warwick – Voice 90, Looks 95. Roberta Flack – Looks 86, Voice 98". A memorable expression of the sexism of the era (or at least his). My mom called him a MCP (Male Chauvinist Pig), but I loved him anyways. And he was right about Roberta's voice. Plus, he did expose me to a lot of great music. RIP Pops.
He was also a Dionne Warwick fan. I recall him saying "Dionne Warwick – Voice 90, Looks 95. Roberta Flack – Looks 86, Voice 98". A memorable expression of the sexism of the era (or at least his). My mom called him a MCP (Male Chauvinist Pig), but I loved him anyways. And he was right about Roberta's voice. Plus, he did expose me to a lot of great music. RIP Pops.I just bought this vinyl album for $3 in my local thrift store :)
Always loved this Roberta song...so powerful!!
14+ years of listening and I've never heard this classic played on here. Cool.
just ... WOW!
chinacat wrote:
That's a great way to differentiate the 9s from the 10s! I'm still at a 9, didn't quite stop everything I was doing ;-)
LLRP!!
I wanted to give this a 9 but then realized I had stopped everything I was doing to just listen and reflect. OK, 10.
That's a great way to differentiate the 9s from the 10s! I'm still at a 9, didn't quite stop everything I was doing ;-)
LLRP!!
Her best song ever. And it came out in the moment I had fallen in love for the first time. 10
Always appreciated each time this one is played✌️
On_The_Beach wrote:
Yes, the original "stalker film".
Will in the Inbetweeners
. "YOUR FACE" has me in stitches
Yes, the original "stalker film".
Will in the Inbetweeners
. "YOUR FACE" has me in stitchesMy main problem with this song was that I was nine when it came out and all that 1969 energy coming out of the radio came to a screeching halt when it came on. I'd either have to start twisting the tuner or wait it out. Over 50 years later, the first few notes, still elicit an Ugh!! reaction from me. Then I take a moment and appreciate the beauty of the song.
Worth listening to with good equipment. Absolutely LOVE the low string instruments you can hear!
Love this song. It was a favorite of my father's. He played it so much in the early '70s that he joked it caused the divorce with my mom. 
Discovered it again 20 years later and was blown away by it's simple elegance. I love how the players make so much room for her magnificent voice.
Discovered it again 20 years later and was blown away by it's simple elegance. I love how the players make so much room for her magnificent voice.
GODLIKE!!!
Fastest 10 Ever.
Goosebumps 10 seconds into the song. LOve the simple arragement.
Goosebumps 10 seconds into the song. LOve the simple arragement.
Astonishing, still after all years. Blessed.
Written by Scots folkie, Ewan MacColl...
I wanted to give this a 9 but then realized I had stopped everything I was doing to just listen and reflect. OK, 10.
This never gets old, perfect, like a well worn leather jacket.
GREAT! ICONIC!
cc_rider wrote:
Not sure of its antecedents, but now as an old man I can remember this song was on a pub juke box near Bedford (UK) in 1963. Loved it then and still do
Wiki:
- "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was played as the wake-up music on flight day 9 to the astronauts aboard Apollo 17, on their last day in Lunar orbit (Friday, December 15, 1972) before returning to earth, thus ending the last human explorations of the Moon. The use of the song was most likely a reference to the "face" of the moon below the spacecraft. -
The history of the song itself is fascinating - I always assumed it was hers.
c.
Not sure of its antecedents, but now as an old man I can remember this song was on a pub juke box near Bedford (UK) in 1963. Loved it then and still do
Emotionally beautiful,thanks Bill and Rebecca.
Have a great Festive season there 😊
Excellent! I used to listen to this on my Mom's car radio, while in high school. ...It is much better in FLAC w/ great phones, amp & DAC!
I grew up with 2 sisters & a brother, all younger than me and was 9 when this song came out in 1969 when my exposure to music was pretty much limited to the radio in our family car.
Mom was 29 and didn't buy many records as her hands were full raising us while Dad was a Submariner in the Navy, but this was one she took the time to get.
I recall hearing her play it on our rarely used record player and me not thinking much more than, "Oh jeeeze", and going back outside to play.
It's December 13th, 2021 now, my parents are alive and well, together, and have many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
I love you Mom.
You were/are the absolute best.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a Great 2022.
Take Care Friends ~
peregrin wrote:
Some songs need an 10++
Godlike. Instant 10 every time.
Some songs need an 10++
Godlike. Instant 10 every time.
the movie totally freaked me out, the song brought tears to my eyes, still does.. I've never and will never watch that movie again!
Aud wrote:
Yes, the original "stalker film".
Takes me back to Play Misty for Me with Clint Eastward, Jessica Walter and Donna Mills
Yes, the original "stalker film".
Absolutely beautiful,thanks Bill and Rebecca 😊
Takes me back to Play Misty for Me with Clint Eastward, Jessica Walter and Donna Mills
Wiki:
- "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was played as the wake-up music on flight day 9 to the astronauts aboard Apollo 17, on their last day in Lunar orbit (Friday, December 15, 1972) before returning to earth, thus ending the last human explorations of the Moon. The use of the song was most likely a reference to the "face" of the moon below the spacecraft. -
The history of the song itself is fascinating - I always assumed it was hers.
c.
- "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was played as the wake-up music on flight day 9 to the astronauts aboard Apollo 17, on their last day in Lunar orbit (Friday, December 15, 1972) before returning to earth, thus ending the last human explorations of the Moon. The use of the song was most likely a reference to the "face" of the moon below the spacecraft. -
The history of the song itself is fascinating - I always assumed it was hers.
c.
simply sublime
Takes me back to high school. Love this so much
My wife chose this as our "first song" on the day we were wed. And yes, she still is.
justin4kick wrote:
August 16th 2021, first time hearing this soul-touching tune. Thanks BillG and Long Live RP!!
"Last Play: Never"
Why's that, Bill?? Don't you believe in love at first sight. It happened to me and after more than 30 years I am still in love with the woman.
August 16th 2021, first time hearing this soul-touching tune. Thanks BillG and Long Live RP!!
Wow! I haven't heard this in ages! Brings me right back to my childhood.
This is a lovely song. I wasn't much of a Roberta Flack fan, but love this simple arrangement.
Roberta Flack The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face '69 —— "I'm just 16. Y am I so obsessed this song ? .... It's on my playlist n I play it everynight before I sleep ... Sometimes I dream that I was in 60's or 70's" by kon chmar
"Last Play: Never"
Why's that, Bill?? Don't you believe in love at first sight. It happened to me and after more than 30 years I am still in love with the woman.
Why's that, Bill?? Don't you believe in love at first sight. It happened to me and after more than 30 years I am still in love with the woman.
Did Ewan write this about Kirstie?
No. He wrote it about Peggy Seeger, whom he left his wife and four kids for.