About the song
Peter, Paul & Mary – the names alone evoke images of earnest folk trios, acoustic guitars, and voices blending in perfect harmony. This iconic group, with their commitment to social justice and their knack for interpreting both traditional and contemporary folk songs, became synonymous with the 1960s folk revival. And perhaps no song in their vast repertoire is as universally beloved as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
While many associate this song with the gentle, almost ethereal rendition by Peter, Paul & Mary, its origins are actually quite different. The song was written in 1957 by Ewan MacColl, a Scottish folk singer, playwright, and activist, for Peggy Seeger, the woman who would later become his wife. MacColl, known for his politically charged songs, penned this deeply personal love ballad for Seeger, who was performing in a play at the time. The song, in its original form, was a much more raw and traditional folk piece, a far cry from the lush arrangement that would later become a global hit.
Peter, Paul & Mary encountered the song years later and immediately recognized its beauty and power. Their interpretation, released in 1965 on their album “See What Tomorrow Brings,” transformed the song into an anthem of love and longing. Mary Travers’ crystalline vocals, soaring over the delicate guitar work of Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey, brought a new dimension of intimacy and vulnerability to the lyrics.
The song’s arrangement is a masterclass in simplicity and restraint. The gradual build-up, from the hushed opening verses to the soaring climax, mirrors the unfolding of love itself, from the first moments of awe and wonder to the overwhelming passion that follows. The harmonies, so characteristic of Peter, Paul & Mary’s sound, create a sense of warmth and closeness, inviting the listener to share in the intimacy of the moment.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” resonated deeply with audiences at a time of social and political upheaval. In a world grappling with war, civil rights struggles, and generational divides, the song offered a message of hope and connection, a reminder of the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. It became an anthem for lovers, a soundtrack for weddings, and a timeless expression of the human experience.
Even today, decades after its release, the song continues to captivate listeners. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics but also in its ability to evoke a sense of timelessness and universality. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a song that speaks to the deepest yearnings of the human heart, reminding us of the transformative power of love and the enduring beauty of human connection.
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Lyrics
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 skies
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
The first time ever I held you near
And felt your heart beat close to mine
I thought our joy would fill the world
And would last ’til the end of time, my love
And would last ’til the end of time
