Possibly the most beautiful love song ever written. The writer, Ewan MacColl, was an English folk singer who also wrote the amazing Dirty Old Town. He had a daughter, Kirsty, who sang on Fairytale of New York. First Time, though, reminds me of meeting my wife. We initially met online. I was in my mid sixties, having recently escaped from a long, toxic relationship which had left me pretty much broken and determined never to get emotionally involved again. So we eventually decided to meet up. I had no idea what she looked like, only that she was black African and fun to talk to. We met by a station and went for a drink. I looked at her smile and thought she was beautiful. Then I looked into her eyes and thought "Oh no!" That was it. I tried to deny it but it was too late. Fortunately the feeling was mutual, and 10 years or so later we are still as much in love as when we first met.
"Killing Me Softly With His Song," by Roberta Flack. So beautiful. It's about singer Don MacLean, who did "American Pie" and "Vincent." Saw Ms. Flack in the Seventies, and she had a killer band.
Great choice. It's a beautiful song. Roberta Flack has one of the purest voices you will ever hear. I own this album and on it she sings a cover of a Leonard Cohen song called "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" which deserves a listen. It's my favorite on the album.
Only Roberta Flack could have done this with such beauty. Remember, you can’t control everything, as frustrating as it can be. Fight hard, and if they take her anyway, let her know you’re solid, and be there for her and the kids. You can control that. They can’t keep her forever, and she needs a loving home to keep her sane while she’s gone and to return to when she’s done. Then you’ve covered the worst possible, and if it’s anything less, you know you can do it. I’m praying for y’all.
I first heard this song at age 18. Five years later my beloved and I made this our song for nearly 46 years, because we fell in love at first sight. Such wonderful memories, so thank you jellybean. Great reaction as always, Lee. Blessings all.
Yes the hypnotic ebb and flow feels like the sea and waves. Guess that’s why it was featured in the Eastwood film with the beautiful Monterrey/Carmel coastline as the backdrop. She’s also playing piano. Next song should be “Killing Me Softly”
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Even though she's talking about a lover, when my son was a baby I ignored some of the lyrics. Because hey, when you first see your child right after they've been born, you will NEVER FORGET the first time ever you saw their face. ❤️
When I was a kid, I wanted nothing to do with this song, Flack, Carpenters, and other 'square' artists. What an idiot I was. This is absolutely beautiful.
One of my Mom's favorite songs. I was too young to appreciate it, but now I know she had better taste in music than I gave her credit for at the time. Thanks for bringing back the memories.
Hang in there Lee! Life is a rollercoaster. Believe. You are doing great. If Life gives you a curve keep on believing you have "help" around you- you just can't see. HANG IN THERE!!
There are times I think Roberta Flack is one of the greatest singers who ever lived. Her timing and timbre are just supernatural, and her control is mind-boggling, especially on such a slow song, with such an exposing arrangement. Regarding the widely circulated story that Ewan MacColl wrote it for Peggy Seeger: Peggy Seeger appeared on Later with Jools Holland a few years ago. She was in her late 70s, still performing and very sprightly and humorous. Jools asked her about that song, and said "Ewan wrote that song for you didn't he?" She paused a moment, gave him a little wry smile, and responded "Well, he said he did..."
You need to listen to a live version of this. It's a little bit faster but it's not so carried out. She has an amazing voice. A good song by her is killing me softly with his song and try the live version she's great live😊
Play Misty For Me - incredible movie with Clint Eastwood, and the first movie he ever directed. He secured the rights for this song to be part of the soundtrack. It definitely helped propel even more so into the spotlight that year the great Roberta Flack. Great song, and the movie is a definite worth the watch .. Will give insight into how incredible Clint Eastwood’s career has been.
To show you the difference between buying records back then and streaming nowadays, I must have walked about 2 miles (forwards and back) to get this album when I first heard this song. It was not even available in most of the stores around where I lived, hence the long walk. It was about a year before it became commercially successful. It was played on a public radio station and I never knew if I would ever hear it again and I just HAD TO HAVE IT. By the way Ms. Flack was a good friend of John Lennon’s. She also lived at the Dakota.
I've loved this song ever since I first heard it when I was a child. I think at the time I just took it for granted that one day I would have a love that would "last till the end of time". I didn't realize that was something so very rare and ultimately impossible.
I bought this album when it first came out. I love it❤. I saw a doc about her life. She said that her family never encouraged her or helped her achieve her goal of becoming a singer. And when she achieved success they still didn’t care about her. For this reason, I think her depth and sadness in her interpretation of her songs is so very sincere.
An absolutely gorgeous song and her voice suits it perfectly. I’ve seen video of her performing this live and it was every bit as wonderful. Great choice. Nice insights. 🌸✌️
My Union Brother, Kelly, was Roberta's Sound Engineer, for many years. He was always in a much better mood when he would come back from gigs with Ms Flack. He was also working with Chaka Khan about the same time. Kelly would carry $20,000+ in specialty recording microphones when he went on gigs. When the Airlines would no longer allow passengers to carry on tools after 9/11 , he was a nervous wreck, having to check his tools in as luggage!
This came out in 1969, but when Clint Eastwood put this in the first movie (Play Misty for Me) he ever directed in 1972, she become world famous because people finally heard what a talent she was. By the way, Clint made love in the wilderness to this song, lol. The movie is very good, its about a DJ who has a fanatical women he dated once, who can't get over him and she stalks him and his new girlfriend.
Awesome song, used in Clint Eastwoods directorial debut " Play Misty For Me " Which should have been named " Hell haveth no fury, like a psychotic b@#*h "😂
I'm glad you reacted to this original hit version. This is the one we grew up with. I consider this song, and particularly this version of this often recorded song, as one of the greatest love songs in the history of popular music.
Laurie Lieberman the song is killing me softly. Was recorded and released this song before Roberta Flack Heard it and had a huge hit with her version. Laurie was 19 and under contract with two music writing partners. When she told the lyricist about her experience of hearing Don McLean play at a club in Los Angeles he wrote the lyrics of her description of how she felt. Then his partner wrote the music. When they were approached by Roberta Flacks people. They didn’t include Miss Lieberman and she got nothing for her contribution to the song. When she found out she was told to not cause any problems or she would not have a career in music because she had a five year contract with them. Her version is very good and I like it. Roberta Flacks version is a masterpiece. Technically, it is a cover toon.
If you like Clint Eastwood, and films which shock... "Play Misty For Me" includes this song by Roberta Flack in its entirety in the middle of the film ...giving a respite from the mystery, and allowing the song's beauty to also shine. ❤🎵♥️🎵♥️🎵♥️
Classics are Classics for a reason. From Homer onwards, in both literature and music, there are experiences that, should you not know them you are forever less. This is a Classic.
When you write lyrics like this you've made it to the top of the mountain. You have experienced true love. I had mine. He died after 18 months. I've never experienced it since. But at least I loved like this.
This song is so beautiful. I loved it so in the past. Now in 2024 it is quite "slow" compared to so much of our current music. It is still lovely. Roberta Flack's voice is exquiste. I don't hear the "folk" (?).
Thanks Lee! This brought me to tears! It is SO incredibly BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for all the great reactions! LOVE your channel! Peace and Blessings to you and your family from Australia.
We keep saying this is from “Play Misty For Me” but y’all need to know: the movie is *not* just a chick flick. It’s a suspense film with twists ala Hitchcock. It has some good shots and tunes from the Monterey Jazz Festival. Great early 70’s vibe- check it out ✌🏻
You could teach folks how to react to songs. To really listen, to feel the music, to be patient with the song, not to cut it, stop in the middle of it, interrupt the flow, talk over a great sequence, etc. You really could teach some folks. Actually, I wish you would. Great job on this one.
It's use was perfect for the scene in which it appeared during Play Misty For Me. Clint 'n his new girlfriend wandered through a redwood forest in Big Sur 'n then made love amongst the ferns with this song as accompaniment.
Gorgeous song, hypnotic indeed. Too bad that in most live versions, she increased the speed of the song, which really took away from it. I always prefer this studio version. Perfection.
Lee, you need to check out Edgar Winters song Dying To Live off his album Edgar Winter's White Trash which is in my top 5 favorite albums list. When you're in one of those moods.
Here is Roberta doing a live version of this tune...the tempo is slightly faster than the original recording and I think the slight speed up works well. All in all I prefer this live version over the original version. th-cam.com/video/bVuktsluhiE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=73-mmsPBCtJR2qvY
Omg, had no idea that was Bucky Pizzarelli on this! Amazing jazz guitarist was Bucky. His son is John Pizzarelli. Time for another rabbit hole! Here's Roberta and Donny Hathaway sigh th-cam.com/video/Ib_VBpyXcwE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=LH71gk9JvwLRpvTc
Happiness is not Promised in this life. It takes a Long time, even though life is very short. True Love wins. This I believe. I am old now and I believe in the power of My love. It's no fine. It's sunshine. Have you heard? Don't take or give Love for granted. You may only get one chance in your life. You may not even get a chance at all in your life.
From a not so distant past where women and men alike, weren’t afraid to share their innermost feelings, and experiences of their love and admiration for each other…WTF happened? 😢
Possibly the most beautiful love song ever written. The writer, Ewan MacColl, was an English folk singer who also wrote the amazing Dirty Old Town. He had a daughter, Kirsty, who sang on Fairytale of New York. First Time, though, reminds me of meeting my wife. We initially met online. I was in my mid sixties, having recently escaped from a long, toxic relationship which had left me pretty much broken and determined never to get emotionally involved again. So we eventually decided to meet up. I had no idea what she looked like, only that she was black African and fun to talk to. We met by a station and went for a drink. I looked at her smile and thought she was beautiful. Then I looked into her eyes and thought "Oh no!" That was it. I tried to deny it but it was too late. Fortunately the feeling was mutual, and 10 years or so later we are still as much in love as when we first met.
Hi Barry! That was a BEAUTIFUL story of your life! SO glad you now have a VERY special lady! Peace and Blessings to you and yours!
The Peggy Seeger for whom Ewan MacColl wrote the song was the half-sister of American folk singer, Pete Seeger.
One of the most beautiful songs, ever❤
Not gonna lie...her voice brings me to tears...sometimes joy other times commiserating in sadness...great selection to review
I heard this song sung by many, but Roberta’s voice is something else.
"Killing Me Softly With His Song," by Roberta Flack. So beautiful. It's about singer Don MacLean, who did "American Pie" and "Vincent." Saw Ms. Flack in the Seventies, and she had a killer band.
Intimate lyrics in that one.
Great choice. It's a beautiful song. Roberta Flack has one of the purest voices you will ever hear. I own this album and on it she sings a cover of a Leonard Cohen song called "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" which deserves a listen. It's my favorite on the album.
One of the most beautiful and captivating love songs ever written! Greetings from Denmark.
Only Roberta Flack could have done this with such beauty. Remember, you can’t control everything, as frustrating as it can be. Fight hard, and if they take her anyway, let her know you’re solid, and be there for her and the kids. You can control that. They can’t keep her forever, and she needs a loving home to keep her sane while she’s gone and to return to when she’s done. Then you’ve covered the worst possible, and if it’s anything less, you know you can do it. I’m praying for y’all.
Thank you I needed to read this today. I appreciate it. I love her so much. I know we will figure it out
What a great movie that was " PLAY MISTY FOR ME" !!!!! Roberta had another hit, " KILLING ME SOFTLY " !!!
And more than that.
The movie was great, but it was kind of disturbing
"Feel like making love"!!!
Just beautiful, she has a style and a voice that are hard to beat. Most beautiful romantic song ever.
Lowkey a lullaby for everyone.....dreamy and takes you away to a peaceful place.
A perfect example of less is more. Gorgeous.
I first heard this song at age 18. Five years later my beloved and I made this our song for nearly 46 years, because we fell in love at first sight. Such wonderful memories, so thank you jellybean. Great reaction as always, Lee. Blessings all.
Yes the hypnotic ebb and flow feels like the sea and waves. Guess that’s why it was featured in the Eastwood film with the beautiful Monterrey/Carmel coastline as the backdrop. She’s also playing piano. Next song should be “Killing Me Softly”
Pure talent.
Such a touching song the lyrics are to die for and what can you say about her voice so soft and tender
NO more love in this crazy world....pray Trump wins
This is what dreams are made of ❤
The bass was a ❤❤ heartbeat ❤❤
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Even though she's talking about a lover, when my son was a baby I ignored some of the lyrics. Because hey, when you first see your child right after they've been born, you will NEVER FORGET the first time ever you saw their face. ❤️
When I was a kid, I wanted nothing to do with this song, Flack, Carpenters, and other 'square' artists. What an idiot I was. This is absolutely beautiful.
Same here. Glad we finally grew up 😊
One of my Mom's favorite songs. I was too young to appreciate it, but now I know she had better taste in music than I gave her credit for at the time. Thanks for bringing back the memories.
Hang in there Lee! Life is a rollercoaster. Believe. You are doing great. If Life gives you a curve keep on believing you have "help" around you- you just can't see. HANG IN THERE!!
This song was big, the bass mimics the heartbeat and affects every one.
Super choice. What a voice
There are times I think Roberta Flack is one of the greatest singers who ever lived. Her timing and timbre are just supernatural, and her control is mind-boggling, especially on such a slow song, with such an exposing arrangement.
Regarding the widely circulated story that Ewan MacColl wrote it for Peggy Seeger: Peggy Seeger appeared on Later with Jools Holland a few years ago. She was in her late 70s, still performing and very sprightly and humorous. Jools asked her about that song, and said "Ewan wrote that song for you didn't he?" She paused a moment, gave him a little wry smile, and responded "Well, he said he did..."
Beautiful song
The amazing Roberta Flack. That’s it.
Written by Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger, I heard this first in a little folksong club in Scotland sung by them. 1967, I think.
Thanks for the sweet trip I was just taken on. Have a great one L33.
You need to listen to a live version of this. It's a little bit faster but it's not so carried out. She has an amazing voice. A good song by her is killing me softly with his song and try the live version she's great live😊
deep devotion ♾️
The classic era of soul.
Loved every minute of it.
Play Misty For Me - incredible movie with Clint Eastwood, and the first movie he ever directed. He secured the rights for this song to be part of the soundtrack. It definitely helped propel even more so into the spotlight that year the great Roberta Flack.
Great song, and the movie is a definite worth the watch .. Will give insight into how incredible Clint Eastwood’s career has been.
To show you the difference between buying records back then and streaming nowadays, I must have walked about 2 miles (forwards and back) to get this album when I first heard this song. It was not even available in most of the stores around where I lived, hence the long walk. It was about a year before it became commercially successful. It was played on a public radio station and I never knew if I would ever hear it again and I just HAD TO HAVE IT.
By the way Ms. Flack was a good friend of John Lennon’s. She also lived at the Dakota.
One of the deepest love songs ever by one of the best voices. She is also an elite pianist.
I've loved this song ever since I first heard it when I was a child. I think at the time I just took it for granted that one day I would have a love that would "last till the end of time". I didn't realize that was something so very rare and ultimately impossible.
This is like a hymn
If there were a Top love songs of all time, this would certainly be near the top of the list. Always gets to me every time I hear it.
Impeccable phrasing.
This was first done by "The Kingston Trio" on their November 26, 1962 "New Frontier" LP.
I bought this album when it first came out. I love it❤. I saw a doc about her life. She said that her family never encouraged her or helped her achieve her goal of becoming a singer. And when she achieved success they still didn’t care about her. For this reason, I think her depth and sadness in her interpretation of her songs is so very sincere.
One might hardly know that such a _pretty_ song could be possible
An absolutely gorgeous song and her voice suits it perfectly. I’ve seen video of her performing this live and it was every bit as wonderful. Great choice. Nice insights. 🌸✌️
My Union Brother, Kelly, was Roberta's Sound Engineer, for many years. He was always in a much better mood when he would come back from gigs with Ms Flack. He was also working with Chaka Khan about the same time. Kelly would carry $20,000+ in specialty recording microphones when he went on gigs. When the Airlines would no longer allow passengers to carry on tools after 9/11 , he was a nervous wreck, having to check his tools in as luggage!
Angelitos Negros from this same album is an outstanding version of classic Mexican song based on a poem.
Such a great song, arrangement, and recording
This came out in 1969, but when Clint Eastwood put this in the first movie (Play Misty for Me) he ever directed in 1972, she become world famous because people finally heard what a talent she was. By the way, Clint made love in the wilderness to this song, lol. The movie is very good, its about a DJ who has a fanatical women he dated once, who can't get over him and she stalks him and his new girlfriend.
Awesome song, used in Clint Eastwoods directorial debut " Play Misty For Me "
Which should have been named " Hell haveth no fury, like a psychotic b@#*h "😂
Love that movie. I saw it at the movie theater when it came out. There's nothing like fury on the big screen.😊
This is the most amazing version of this song. A 10.
I'm glad you reacted to this original hit version. This is the one we grew up with. I consider this song, and particularly this version of this often recorded song, as one of the greatest love songs in the history of popular music.
Laurie Lieberman the song is killing me softly. Was recorded and released this song before Roberta Flack Heard it and had a huge hit with her version. Laurie was 19 and under contract with two music writing partners. When she told the lyricist about her experience of hearing Don McLean play at a club in Los Angeles he wrote the lyrics of her description of how she felt. Then his partner wrote the music. When they were approached by Roberta Flacks people. They didn’t include
Miss Lieberman and she got nothing for her contribution to the song. When she found out she was told to not cause any problems or she would not have a career in music because she had a five year contract with them. Her version is very good and I like it. Roberta Flacks version is a masterpiece. Technically, it is a cover toon.
A real class act, this song always leaves me with chills. Love stuff with Donnie Hathaway too. Great song, great singer, great arrangement.
If you like Clint Eastwood, and films which shock...
"Play Misty For Me" includes this song by Roberta Flack in its entirety in the middle of the film ...giving a respite from the mystery, and allowing the song's beauty to also shine.
❤🎵♥️🎵♥️🎵♥️
Classics are Classics for a reason. From Homer onwards, in both literature and music, there are experiences that, should you not know them you are forever less. This is a Classic.
Beautiful song and beautiful voice. This song is very subtle and powerful at the same time. ❤️
When you write lyrics like this you've made it to the top of the mountain. You have experienced true love. I had mine. He died after 18 months. I've never experienced it since. But at least I loved like this.
That is the ultimate love song.
Great song. Great voice.
She is the best! Where is the Love with Donnie Hathaway, and Killing Me Softly are MUST listen!
Beautiful song, timeless. ❤
She's such an immense talent.
This song is so beautiful. I loved it so in the past. Now in 2024 it is quite "slow" compared to so much of our current music. It is still lovely. Roberta Flack's voice is exquiste. I don't hear the "folk" (?).
Thanks! Keep the lines of communication open and don't be too hard on yourself. BTW, play this song for your girl.
Gorgeous. Thank you.
Thanks Lee! This brought me to tears! It is SO incredibly BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for all the great reactions! LOVE your channel! Peace and Blessings to you and your family from Australia.
Oh no! Why am i weeping? It's triggering feelings but I can't recall the memory.
We keep saying this is from “Play Misty For Me” but y’all need to know: the movie is *not* just a chick flick. It’s a suspense film with twists ala Hitchcock. It has some good shots and tunes from the Monterey Jazz Festival. Great early 70’s vibe- check it out ✌🏻
KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH YOUR SONG!
NEXT UP!❤❤❤❤❤
Such a beautiful voice! This song has always brought a tear, even as a child. Thank you, Lee, for another awesome reaction.
Listen to Tracy Chapman for a beautiful combination of folk and soul, especially her song Fast Car.
What a beautifully written and performed song,marvellous voice.Good on you Jellybean.Cheers Lee.
Pure emotion. Simply stunning in every way. 🎶
I am transfixed.
You could teach folks how to react to songs. To really listen, to feel the music, to be patient with the song, not to cut it, stop in the middle of it, interrupt the flow, talk over a great sequence, etc. You really could teach some folks. Actually, I wish you would. Great job on this one.
Don’t bottle stuff up. Find a hotline or journal. If you want it to stay private, tear the pages out and shred them. It’ll help.
This was so beautiful, thank you.
The pinnacle.
This is how my father felt about my mother.
That's a beautiful thing.
@@whaleoilbeefhooked62 It is.
It's use was perfect for the scene in which it appeared during Play Misty For Me. Clint 'n his new girlfriend wandered through a redwood forest in Big Sur 'n then made love amongst the ferns with this song as accompaniment.
The best love song of the modern era imo 🥰
Is this not the studio track ? I’m confused now lol
@@L33Reacts it is, I saw the thumbnail and thought it was the live. Sorry for the confusion
So beautiful!
Gorgeous song, hypnotic indeed. Too bad that in most live versions, she increased the speed of the song, which really took away from it. I always prefer this studio version. Perfection.
There may be some as good, but there is no vocal performance better than this one by Roberta Flack.
Perfection
Thank you, jellybean and Lee.
Perfectly beautiful
Lee, you need to check out Edgar Winters song Dying To Live off his album Edgar Winter's White Trash which is in my top 5 favorite albums list. When you're in one of those moods.
Here is Roberta doing a live version of this tune...the tempo is slightly faster than the original recording and I think the slight speed up works well. All in all I prefer this live version over the original version. th-cam.com/video/bVuktsluhiE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=73-mmsPBCtJR2qvY
An old song but Roberta made it hers, in my opinion.
Relationships are always a work in progress. Keep workin it darlin. ❤❤❤
If this doesn't move you, please see a doctor. Beautiful!
Omg, had no idea that was Bucky Pizzarelli on this! Amazing jazz guitarist was Bucky. His son is John Pizzarelli. Time for another rabbit hole! Here's Roberta and Donny Hathaway sigh
th-cam.com/video/Ib_VBpyXcwE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=LH71gk9JvwLRpvTc
Happiness is not Promised in this life.
It takes a Long time, even though life is very short.
True Love wins.
This I believe.
I am old now and I believe in the power of My love.
It's no fine.
It's sunshine.
Have you heard?
Don't take or give Love for granted.
You may only get one chance in your life.
You may not even get a chance at all in your life.
her live version is better but the song is an old song but she made it beautiful
From a not so distant past where women and men alike, weren’t afraid to share their innermost feelings, and experiences of their love and admiration for each other…WTF happened? 😢
The logistics of the original jackal always bugged me.
And why berry it in a cemetery?
🤔
try ricki lee jones chuck e's in love.
Do some....Karen Carpenter!!!😢😢
Absolutely adore Roberta Flack. However, the first time I ever heard this was Gordon Lightfoot's version: th-cam.com/video/T5X8cn4zzA8/w-d-xo.html
Sigh
No theres no folk!! Lol😮😮😮
I'm goint to be a little nit-picky here and say that the title is The First Time Ever I not I Ever... Just little ole nit-picky me.