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The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

from Freeborn Man by Ewan MacColl & Peggy Seeger

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about

You can sweat blood over a song, writing and re-writing for weeks and even then it may or may not turn out right. On the other hand, you can sit down and write a song in half an hour or even shorter. This song was made in the course of a trans-Atlantic telephone call to Peggy, who was in Los Angeles at the time. It took all of seven or eight minutes to complete and was never re-written. Peggy sang it from a typed text that same evening and has gone on singing it for the last 27 years. Scores of other singers have recorded it, but only Peggy’s singing matches the feelings that gave rise to it. (Ewan MacColl)

Ewan never sang “The First Time Ever” himself after that phone call. It became Peggy Seegers song.

alternative title: “The First Time (Ever)”
words and music: Ewan MacColl

lyrics

The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes -
And the moon and stars were the gift you gave
To the dark and empty skies, my love,
To the dark and 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 lay with you
And felt your heart beat over mine -
I thought our joy would fill the earth
And last till the end of time, my love,
And last till the end of time.

credits

from Freeborn Man, released September 20, 1983
Peggy Seeger - vocals, guitar

Produced by Neill MacColl
Engineered by Nick Godwin
Recorded at Pathway Studios, London

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all rights reserved

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Ewan MacColl London, UK

This site is maintained by the MacColl family, aiming to make Ewan's catalogue available to download.
Ewan MacColl is known to most as a songwriter and singer, but he was also of significant influence in the worlds of theatre and radio broadcasting. His art reached huge numbers through the folk clubs, greater numbers through his recordings and untold millions through the radio. ... more

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