The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Mandolin Tab
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is a beautiful and deeply emotional love song written by Ewan MacColl in 1957. While the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Roberta Flack, whose version in 1969 became a major hit, the lyrics continue to resonate with listeners for their profound sense of romantic love, longing, and devotion.
Meaning of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face":
Meaning of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face":
- Unconditional Love and Awe:
- At its core, the song expresses the intense emotions that arise when one sees their lover for the first time. The narrator describes their lover's face as if it were something that took their breath away, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The lyrics describe love as something transformative—a moment that changed everything.
- The narrator sees more than just a face; they see the entirety of the person, with each detail—like the lover’s eyes, smile, and touch—representing everything they’ve ever wanted in a partner. The beauty of the face is compared to the light of the sun and stars, evoking a sense of divine radiance.
- At its core, the song expresses the intense emotions that arise when one sees their lover for the first time. The narrator describes their lover's face as if it were something that took their breath away, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The lyrics describe love as something transformative—a moment that changed everything.
- The Depth of Emotional Connection:
- The song goes beyond physical attraction to speak about the emotional depth of the relationship. When the narrator says, "The first time ever I saw your face, I thought the sun rose in your eyes," it suggests a feeling of completeness—as if everything in the world was centered around the lover. The face is symbolic of the person's soul and inner essence, not just their outer appearance.
- A Journey of Love:
- The song's lyrics describe the development of the relationship, from the first meeting to the deep bond that grows over time. The narrator expresses how seeing the lover's face for the first time left a lasting impact, and each subsequent encounter only deepens their affection. This transformation is marked by the way the lover's presence seems to illuminate the world, making everything feel more meaningful.
- Romantic and Sacred Imagery:
- The song employs imagery that elevates love to something sacred. The lover's face is described as an almost heavenly vision, a source of comfort and inspiration. The words “the first time ever I held you near” suggest that physical closeness with the lover feels like a blessing or fulfillment of a dream. This deep emotional and physical connection emphasizes the sacredness of love.
- Personal and Intimate Reflections:
- The song’s lyrics also speak to the personal, intimate nature of the experience. It’s not just about the lover’s face but about how the narrator’s life has been changed by them. There is a sense that the first encounter with the lover is a deeply personal revelation, one that stays with the person forever and shapes the way they see the world from then on.
- Universal Theme of First Love:
- While the song speaks to a personal experience, its themes are universal. Many people can relate to the feeling of encountering someone who completely captures their heart and soul, making the moment of seeing them for the first time feel like a life-altering event. The song has a timeless quality because it taps into the pure emotions of love at first sight, the spark of attraction, and the growth of a deep emotional connection.
- "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" has been celebrated for its simple yet powerful lyrics and its evocative melody. The song became widely known in the 1960s, especially after Roberta Flack’s version, which was released as a single in 1969 and became a major hit in 1972. Flack’s soulful rendition added another layer of emotional intensity to the song, making it a classic for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic moments.
The sheet music notes for The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face is in the key of C Major. The letter notes are included. The sang was written by Ewan McColl. It was recorded by several singers including Roberta Flack, the lyrics inside the sheet music were altered in her version and that's the version here. Although several singers altered the words of the song the tune stays the same.
The first time ever I saw your face piano sheet music with chords and mandolin tab
Piano / flute letter notes. If your playing the letter notes below, the f with the = symbol means you play f natural and not the f sharp.
