Introduction:
Elvis Presley recorded his rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” on March 15, 1971, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. The song, written by British folk musician Ewan MacColl in 1957, was popularized by Roberta Flack, whose version became a major hit in 1972. Elvis’ version, however, was not released as a single during that period, as RCA chose to release other tracks instead. This decision may have cost Elvis a hit, as Flack’s recording dominated the charts for several weeks.
Musically, Elvis’ version featured his typical lush arrangements from the early ’70s, with contributions from top Nashville session musicians, including James Burton on guitar, Norbert Putnam on bass, and David Briggs on piano. The track was backed by an ensemble of vocalists, which included Millie Kirkham and The Nashville Edition. Though his studio version was not commercially impactful, Elvis occasionally performed the song live, and some fans and critics prefer his more stripped-down live renditions from 1973 to 1976.
The song can be found on the compilation album An American Trilogy, released in 1972. Though less famous than Flack’s version, Elvis’ interpretation remains a notable entry in his extensive catalog of ballads from this period.
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