Introduction:
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a love ballad written by British folk singer Ewan MacColl in 1957. Though originally composed for Peggy Seeger, MacColl’s future wife, the song has been covered by numerous artists over the decades, becoming one of the most recorded love songs of the 20th century. Among its many versions, the one recorded by Elvis Presley stands out for its distinctive interpretation, adding a unique flavor to this timeless classic.
Elvis Presley, often referred to as “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” recorded his version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” during his famous sessions in the early 1970s. Specifically, his rendition appeared on the posthumously released album Elvis (Fool) in July 1973. This album, often referred to simply as Fool due to the title track “Fool,” featured a collection of recordings from various sessions between 1971 and 1972. While the album did not achieve massive commercial success compared to some of Elvis’s earlier works, it showcased his versatility and ability to transcend musical genres.
Elvis’s version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a moving performance that falls within the pop and easy-listening genre, though it carries a hint of his signature gospel influence. His deep, resonant voice adds an emotional weight to the song that gives it a different feel compared to other interpretations, like the famous rendition by Roberta Flack.
While Roberta Flack’s version, released in 1969, went on to become a Grammy Award-winning hit, Elvis’s cover remains a beloved interpretation among his fans. Though it did not chart independently, it is part of his rich legacy of emotional ballads, showing his ability to deliver heartfelt and soul-stirring performances, even late in his career. The song on Elvis (Fool) contributes to the continued appreciation of Elvis’s softer, more introspective musical side.
Video:
Lyrics:
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
(originally by Ewan MacColl)The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the empty skies my love
To the dark and the empty skiesThe first time ever I kissed your mouth
I felt the earth move in my hands
Like a trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command my love
That was there at my commandHoa hoa hoa oh oh oh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh hoa hoa hoa
Oh hoa hoa hoa hoa hoa hoa
That was there at my command my love
That was there at my commandThe first time ever I kissed your mouth
I felt the earth move in my hands
Like a trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command my love
That was there at my commandHoa hoa hoa oh oh oh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh hoa hoa hoa
Oh hoa hoa hoa hoa hoa hoa
That was there at my command my love
That was there at my command