I know I'm without a car, it's not something that matters, but it does matter as far as this message is concerned. I rediscovered the pleasure of using public transport, which takes me back in time, almost close to my 20s. Oops! if I knew...
That said, I, sometimes, enjoy listening to "Spotify" with my headphones. Today, it was the case, and because I was not connected to the Internet, I went, by chance, to songs that I had transferred our liked. In this case, by George Michael, the album that was unloaded was - "Songs from the Last Century". Despite wanting to hear other songs, I accepted the proposal - who doesn't want to hear "Brother Can you Spare a Dime"? I try to listen and, in the middle of the crowd, the confusion and the noise that we find in the metro, this album resounded in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The songs contrasted with the ambient euphoria. Outside the subway, when I was walking home, I heard a ballad that made my heart stop. The weather, the pain in my legs, and the tiredness had disappeared and something strange happened - my whole being stopped to listen. I felt a sensation of pleasure that rose from my spine to my head. It was a total surrender to the song - "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". And then the street became involved in the next song. The whole album is worth listening to!
That said, I, sometimes, enjoy listening to "Spotify" with my headphones. Today, it was the case, and because I was not connected to the Internet, I went, by chance, to songs that I had transferred our liked. In this case, by George Michael, the album that was unloaded was - "Songs from the Last Century". Despite wanting to hear other songs, I accepted the proposal - who doesn't want to hear "Brother Can you Spare a Dime"? I try to listen and, in the middle of the crowd, the confusion and the noise that we find in the metro, this album resounded in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The songs contrasted with the ambient euphoria. Outside the subway, when I was walking home, I heard a ballad that made my heart stop. The weather, the pain in my legs, and the tiredness had disappeared and something strange happened - my whole being stopped to listen. I felt a sensation of pleasure that rose from my spine to my head. It was a total surrender to the song - "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". And then the street became involved in the next song. The whole album is worth listening to!
I got home and tried to find out who originally wrote this song. Well, it was written by Ewan McColl for his beloved Peggy Seeger. They were the first to interpret it, but there are many interpretations and they are all wonderful. The lyrics are incredibly simple and beautiful.
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
The first time ever I saw your face
Your face, your face, your face
I start my search with Peggy Seeger herself, a folk version and still very beautiful.
In 1962 another very beautiful version of Peter, Paul & Mary
Another version of The Kingston Trio released the song on the "Hit Frontier" album.
Still in 1962 the Brothers Four
A Joe and Eddie version
Another version of The Chad Mitchell Trio
In 1966 it was Gordon Lightfoot to made a version
Even Elvis did a version of the song.
Roberta Flack
In 1969, Roberta Flack recorded the song that was released in 1972. The song lasts more than 5 minutes and was chosen by Clint Eastwood for his first film "Play Misty for Me". In 1972 she change for over 4 minutes to be able to pass on the radio. We feel the emotion when Roberta Flack sings, in a divine way, every word written by Ewan McColl. The rhythm is jazz, soul. The song becomes a universal heritage that speaks of unconditional love. In Roberta Flack's version, the meaning of the song comes to life. Absolutely incredible. I'll share the shorter version here.
The song was helped by the film to reach number one on the music charts in many countries.
In Clint Eastwood's film.
From Roberta Flack, the song gained worldwide recognition, and the versions, after her, are based on her song.
The versions and interpretations
Celine Dion
Leona Lewis
Jennifer Hudson
Aaron Neville and Linda Rondstat
Lauryn Hill
Miley Cyrus
There are more versions, also, very beautiful.
I end up with a "Live" version by Roberta Flack and another by George Michael. Ewan McColl's lyrics are some of the most beautiful ever written. Enjoy the versatility of the voices. It´s very hard to do better than Roberta Flack. George Michael gives the music the same longevity and his performance in concert gives goosebumps.
It was a journey that started on the metro and continued throughout the day. I never get tired of listening to this song, which happens to be the best one to share, to listen to the people you love, whether it's on a special day or not. She is enough to make every moment special.
Well Done!!!
Roberta Flack Live in 1972
George Michael's "Live in London" in 2008
