from ALL THE WAY…A DECADE OF SONG
Written by Ewan MacCall
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is an evergreen written by the late UK singer/songwriter Ewan MacColl (1915-1989). Born James Henry Miller, MacCall wrote the now-classic love song in 1957 for folk singer Peggy Seeger, his long-time companion who eventually became his wife twenty years later. In 1972, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was recorded by legendary soul singer Roberta Flack.
Ms. Flack brought this beautiful song to the top of the charts. Her rendition was a #1 smash in North America and a solid hit worldwide. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” also won “Record Of The Year” and “Song Of The Year” at the 1972 Grammy Awards. Before and after this hit version, there have been literally dozens of other covers of this song by famous singers like Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Mathis, Luke Evans, Aaron Neville, Elvis Presley (1935-1977) and George Michael (1963-2015).
The charm of this gem also attracted Canadian superstar Celine Dion. Ms. Dion included this song on her 1999 greatest hits album, All The Way…A Decade Of Song. Her gorgeous rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was one of the seven new songs on the project alongside nine of Ms. Dion’s giant hits sung in English. Again, David Foster was Ms. Dion’s main collaborator on the new recordings. As usual, Foster worked his magic on the Ewan MacCall’s classic. The delicate instrumental arrangement consisted of Dean Parks’ acoustic guitar, minimal piano, keyboards and programming with some lush orchestral work courtesy of William Ross. Ms. Dion’s crystal-clear voice shines here without any acrobatics or “money notes.” Her voice dripped with immense emotion with a tender, understated performance.
This cover of “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” was released as a single in the UK reaching the top twenty. All The Way…A Decade Of Songs sold more than twenty-two million copies worldwide and was certified seven-times platinum in the USA.
Listen
- Lead Vocals: Celine Dion
- Keyboards: David Foster
- Guitar: Dean Parks
- Synth Programming: Felipe Elgueta
- Strings Arrangement by William Ross
- Produced & Arranged by David Foster
Lyrics
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
And the first time ever I kissed your mouth
I felt the Earth move through my hand
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
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
The first time ever I saw your face
Your face, your face, your face