There are certain songs that, regardless of how many times you hear them or in what context, manage to reach deep into your soul and stir something profound. Roberta Flack’s iconic 1972 rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is undoubtedly one of those. However, for those of us who’ve delved a bit deeper into the tapestry of musical history, it’s fascinating to trace the lineage of this magnificent piece, long before it became a global sensation. Today, I want to shine a light on an earlier, equally moving interpretation by the folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary.
Now, when we talk about Peter, Paul & Mary, we’re often transported back to the heart of the American folk revival of the 1960s. Their harmonies were pure, their messages potent, and their commitment to social justice unwavering. While they’re celebrated for protest anthems and whimsical tales, their quieter, more introspective recordings often get overshadowed. And that’s where their version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” comes in.
Written by the prolific British folk singer Ewan MacColl in 1957 for his future wife, Peggy Seeger, this song is, at its core, a tender, almost sacred ode to the transformative power of love at first sight. It’s not a grand, dramatic declaration, but rather a hushed, reverent acknowledgment of a moment so potent it reshapes one’s entire world. Peter, Paul & Mary’s take on this particular track, found on their 1965 album See What Tomorrow Brings, is a masterclass in understated elegance.
Unlike the lush, almost spiritual production that Roberta Flack would later apply, the Peter, Paul & Mary version is strikingly sparse. It’s just the three voices, often in unison or close harmony, accompanied by the gentle strumming of acoustic guitars. And it’s in this simplicity that its profound beauty lies. The purity of their vocal delivery allows the lyrics to truly breathe, letting MacColl’s exquisite poetry take center stage. There’s a fragility, an earnestness, and a palpable sense of wonder in their performance. You can almost feel the reverence they hold for the song’s subject matter.
This isn’t an interpretation meant for grand pronouncements or charting success; it’s a piece designed for quiet contemplation. It speaks to the intimacy of discovery, the quiet awe that accompanies a truly profound connection. For those of us who appreciate the nuanced layers of folk music and the power of a well-told story, Peter, Paul & Mary’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” serves as a beautiful, essential chapter in the song’s remarkable journey. It reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful expressions are found in the softest whispers.