The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

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 endless sky, my love.

The first time ever I kissed your mouth,
I felt the earth move in my hand,
Like a trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love.

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 'till the end of time, my love,
And last 'till the end of time.

Lyrics and music © 1962
by
Ewan MacColl

1915 - 1989

Ewan MacColl wrote "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", one of the most beautiful romantic songs ever written, for his wife Peggy Seeger in 1962.

The song was made famous by Roberta Flack in 1972 by taking it to number 1 in the record charts for both her debut album, "First Take", and for the song in the movie "Play Misty For Me" with Clint Eastwood.

Since then, many popular singers also performed it, including Elvis Presley, Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt (duet), Christy Moore Caroline Lavelle, Engelbert Humperdinck, George Michael, Chad Mitchell Trio, Gordon Lightfoot, Céline Dion and more.