Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. Released in 1972 on his gospel-tinged album “Elvis on Stage”, this song is a fascinating chapter in the King’s storied career. Now, for those of us who followed Elvis from his electrifying Sun Studio days, we knew him for a genre-bending force. From rockabilly to blues, gospel to pop ballads, Elvis could straddle styles with an unmatched charisma. But by the early 70s, the landscape had shifted. The counterculture revolution had redefined rock and roll, and Elvis, ever the showman, was adapting.
“Elvis on Stage” showcased this evolution. It was a live recording, a return to his roots as a captivating performer. Here, amidst the energy of his concerts, Elvis surprised audiences with a hauntingly beautiful rendition of a relatively unknown song. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was originally written by Irish folk singers Roberta Flack and Peggy Seeger in the late 1950s. It was a simple yet evocative ballad, carried by a gentle melody and poetic lyrics that spoke of love at first sight.
The song hadn’t garnered much mainstream attention until Elvis, with his unparalleled vocal prowess, breathed new life into it. Backed by a stripped-down arrangement – just Elvis, his impeccable backing singers, and a subtle acoustic guitar – he delivered a performance that was both powerful and intimate. His voice, seasoned by years of performing, took on a new depth, conveying a vulnerability we hadn’t always heard from him. It was a stark contrast to the high-octane rock and roll that made him a legend, but it resonated with a different kind of power.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” became a sleeper hit. It wasn’t a chart-topper, but it found its way into the hearts of listeners. It resonated with a yearning for connection, a sentiment that transcended generations. Elvis’s cover exposed the song to a wider audience, propelling it to a level of recognition its original writers could only have dreamed of. The song went on to be covered by countless artists, each adding their own interpretation, but Elvis’s version remains a touchstone, a testament to his ability to connect with a song’s emotional core and deliver it with unmatched sincerity.
So, when you listen to “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, remember the context. It’s not just a love song; it’s a window into a pivotal moment in Elvis’s career. It’s a reminder of his versatility, his ability to surprise and redefine himself. And most importantly, it’s a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song, a song that can be transformed and reinterpreted, yet never lose its ability to touch our hearts.
Video:
Lyrics:
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
(originally by Ewan MacColl)
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 command
Hoa 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
The 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 command
Hoa 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