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
To the dark and the endless skies

And 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, my love

And 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 'til the end of time my love
And it would last 'til the end of time

The first time ever I saw your face
Your face, your face, your face


Lyrics submitted by ~earthworm~

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Lyrics as written by Ewan Maccoll

Lyrics © Royalty Network

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The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face song meanings
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12 Comments

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  • +4
    General Comment

    This is the most beautiful song ever. :) Her voice is beautful,the arrangement and the intimate tone. All of it. :)

    Thia007on November 26, 2011   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    Absolutely beautiful.

    Perfect melody, perfect instrumentation and perfect voice.

    Possibly the most romantic song ever.

    ...and the soundtrack to my first threesome!

    MOnkeyleston August 10, 2011   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    Hard to believe that there are so few comments about this song. This has to be one of the greatest love songs of all time. The pace of the song and emotion that Roberta puts into it is not something you will find in today's music.

    DogSuiton April 18, 2013   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    roberta flack = amazing this song = brilliant

    xheartbreakerxon January 14, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Have had the great privilege of seeing the songs subject, Peggy Seeger, singing it live.

    questeron January 05, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    The perfect love song, charting the progress of a love that took over this person. Quite perfect. Although Roberta Flack sings this, it is equally applicable to both men and women.

    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

    This is love at first sight is it not? She is dazzling, stunning as creation itself.

    And the first time, ever I kissed your mouth I felt the earth move in my hands Like the trembling heart Of a captive bird That was there, at my command, my love

    This is what love should be like. Yet so few of us would have experienced what has been conveyed in these lyrics. It's also about a power the singer has in this relationship and how he guards and treasures the most precious life in his hand .

    And 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, til the end of time, my love

    Enough said. Simply perfection.

    The first time, ever I saw Your face, your face Your fa-ace, your face

    Notereaderon January 29, 2014   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Probably one of the greatest love songs ever...

    bearlybooon September 10, 2014   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Timeless

    CMAC1on March 01, 2016   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    My friend can't listen to this song without feeling tearful, and thinking of the special person she's always loved.

    Jackandroseson September 25, 2014   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I remember reading that this song was written about the first time Roberta saw her beloved dog I can so relate

    lisa a.181on December 04, 2014   Link

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