Peggy Seeger - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (1957)

Written by Kirsty MacColl's Dad, Ewan, for his wife Peggy Seeger, singing here.
Apparently Ewan MacColl himself made no secret of the fact that he disliked almost all of the cover versions of the song, referring to them collectively as "the Chamber of Horrors". See also my video of Roberta Flack's version and transformed it to the version that everyone copies and knows today. Peggy's version is beautiful in it's own right, seeing as it was written about her, for her.

• Category

  Music

[Luke Smith]

All those who dont like this version. You dont understand music. That is all.

[astronut66]

So true.

[ElBerto]

Yes this is awful. I don't know how anyone could rate this above R.Flack's version.

[astronut66]

Not sure anyone thinks this is better or worse particularly, but you are missing the point somewhat, I reckon. As without this, there would be no song.

[astronut66]

thanks for taking the time to tell us.

[bordertide]

This is how it was meant to be sung, all later versions are brilliant too - whatever the variation; just a wonderfully written piece of beauty and love.

[Carolina Costa Leite]

I really like it! Her voice is clear and pure, and the song is so light...! Not that I dislike the other versions, not at all, but they have an implicit sadness to them, and this one is not sad at all. Love it.

[astronut66]

yep, true but it's still gone over your head.

[boomerlesterok]

you know its bad, just because its a great song doesn't mean anyone can sing it great

[retroharvey65]

The best thing about about music like this is that it inspires creativity and is timeless in its appeal. Thank you Peggy for bringing this song into notability. Roberta Flack only reinforces the fact that this music is utterly captivating. Mr. MacColl's sentiments have no bearing on what is factual about its impact to the world.

[Tasleema Alam]

it's pure - doesn't matter whether you like it or not- doesn't effect its raw and original beauty.

[Tenebrius1963]

Well since you're replying to every single comment defending her, yes we will also take the time...

[Tenebrius1963]

Wrong, to each is own.  The fact that i don't like it or not, has nothing to do with understand music.

[martin flaherty]

ORIGINAL AND THE BEST VERSION !!!!

[stuart lambert]

History in the making...Never forget!