About the song
Perry Como’s “Killing Me Softly with His Song”
There’s a certain magic that happens when a timeless voice meets a timeless song. Such is the case with Perry Como’s rendition of “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Released in 1973, Como’s version offers a unique perspective on a tune that had already captivated the world through Lori Lieberman’s original and Roberta Flack’s iconic interpretation.
Known for his smooth vocals and relaxed style, Como, often referred to as “Mr. C,” brought his signature warmth and intimacy to this ballad. While Flack’s version soared with soulful intensity, Como’s rendition is a gentle caress, a tender exploration of the song’s emotional core. His voice, seasoned and rich, glides over the melody, painting a picture of a man reflecting on love and loss with a quiet dignity.
The song itself, written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, tells the story of being deeply moved by a singer’s performance, feeling as though their words are speaking directly to one’s soul. Como, with his masterful phrasing and nuanced delivery, embodies this sentiment, making the listener feel as though he’s confiding in them, sharing a personal and poignant experience.
Interestingly, Como chose to alter the lyrics from “his song” to “her song,” a subtle shift that adds another layer of interpretation. This change could be seen as a nod to the universality of the song’s message, acknowledging that anyone, regardless of gender, can have the power to move us with their artistry. It also perhaps reflects Como’s own career, marked by collaborations with many talented female vocalists.
In a musical landscape often characterized by fleeting trends and boisterous production, Como’s “Killing Me Softly with Her Song” stands as a testament to the enduring power of simplicity and sincerity. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a beautiful voice and a heartfelt song to touch the depths of human emotion.
This version may not be the one that first comes to mind when you think of “Killing Me Softly,” but it’s a hidden gem worthy of rediscovery. Allow yourself to be enveloped by Como’s velvety vocals and the song’s timeless message, and you’ll understand why this rendition holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Video
Lyrics
I heard she sang a good song
I heard she had a style
And so I came to see her
And listen for a while
And there she was this young girl
A stranger to my eyes
Strumming my pain with her fingers
Singing my life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
Killing me softly with her song
Telling my whole life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
I felt all flushed with fever, embarrassed by the crowd
I felt she found my letters and read each one out loud
I prayed that she would finish
But she just kept right on
Strumming my pain with her fingers
Singing my life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
Killing me softly with her song
Telling my whole life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
She sang as if she knew me in all my dark despair
And then she looked right through me as if I wasn’t there
But she was there the stranger
Singing clear and strong
Strumming my pain with her fingers
Singing my life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
Killing me softly with her song
Telling my whole life with her words
Killing me softly with her song
Killing me softly, with her song
