First of May
Bee Gees Lyrics
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We used to love while others used to play
Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by
Someone else moved in from far away
Now we are tall, and Christmas trees are small
And you don't ask the time of day
But you and I, our love will never die
The apple tree that grew for you and me
I watched the apples falling one by one
And I recall the moment of them all
The day I kissed your cheek and you were mine
Now we are tall, and Christmas trees are small
And you don't ask the time of day
But you and I, our love will never die
But guess we'll cry come first of May
When I was small, and Christmas trees were tall
Do-do-do-do-do, do-do do-do
Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by
Someone else moved in from far away
The Bee Gees' song "First of May" is a nostalgic and bittersweet reflection on the passage of time and the enduring power of love. The opening lines set the scene in a wistful and sentimental way, describing a time when the singer was young and in love, surrounded by the joy and innocence of the Christmas season. The contrast between the singer's youthful optimism and the passing of time is emphasized with the line "Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by", hinting at the inevitability of change and the realization that nothing can remain the same forever.
As the song progresses, the juxtaposition of past and present becomes even more pronounced, as the singer reflects on the journey they have taken together with their loved one. The image of the apple tree that grew for the two of them serves as a metaphor for their enduring bond, which has weathered the ups and downs of life. Despite the changes that have occurred, the singer is certain that their love will never die, even as they face the possibility of shedding tears on the "first of May".
Overall, "First of May" is a poignant and moving meditation on the transitory nature of life and the immortality of love. The song's themes of nostalgia and reminiscence, coupled with its wistful melody and heartfelt lyrics, have ensured its enduring popularity.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was small, and Christmas trees were tall
When I was young and the world was full of wonder and magic
We used to love while others used to play
We used to spend our time being close and loving while others were busy gamifying their lives
Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by
I can't explain why, but the time has flown by and things have changed
Someone else moved in from far away
Someone else came into our lives from a distance and disrupted our relationship
Now we are tall, and Christmas trees are small
Now that we are grown, the things that used to be amazing are small and insignificant to us
And you don't ask the time of day
We've grown apart and you don't bother to check in on me anymore
But you and I, our love will never die
Despite everything, our love will always live on
But guess we'll cry come first of May
But I have a feeling that we will both shed a tear come the first of May
The apple tree that grew for you and me
The memories that we share together, like the apple tree that bore fruit for us
I watched the apples falling one by one
I recall each moment that we shared, slipping away just as quickly
And I recall the moment of them all
Out of all the moments we shared, there is one that stands out in my mind
The day I kissed your cheek and you were mine
The day that we became a couple, was one of the happiest moments of my life
Do-do-do-do-do, do-do do-do
Musical interlude
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Barry Gibb, Maurice Ernest Gibb, Robin Hugh Gibb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marialee7321
@Michael Triba, I was born in 1956 in Brazil. Like you, I've listenned to The Bee Gees's songs ten of thousands of times.
Among all of them, the one I've liked the most was surely "First of May". I used to sing this song everywhere, everytime, even I'd no idea what was the meanning of it.
I was a teenager and no knowlegde of English language (and I don't have it well until now) but I often tried to sing it.
Yesterday, 1st of may 2021, I offered this song to a friend for her Birthday. She is 30 years old and have never heard about The Bee Gees.
So, I was trying to know a bit more about the song, when I read your post. 😥😥💔
So haven't I. (you said: "I never quite realized until now what a sad and tragic love song that First of May is).
Thanks anyway.
For now on, I will look after more information about.
At 60th, 70th , 80th this was impossible and very few we knew here in Brazil.
And as adult, the attention was through work, home.....
God bless you.
@yonatandesparzo8238
This song is beautiful. Reminds me of the good times with my mother, my brother Michael, my sisters Aastii and Avalon and my entire family. I deeply miss you guys every day and want to let you know how much I love you guys.
I also love my grandpa Raymond, my cousins (Madeline, Judy,, Michael, Gary,, Melinda, Vanessa, Amanda, David, Chelsea, Hackbarths and the Olsons), my great-aunt Jacqueline, my gruncle Tommy and my favourite aunt Karen. You will forever be in my hearts. I love you guys.
I love you cousin Bradley, my step-grandpa George (Poppa) and step-grandma Ruth. May you rest in peace with the Lord (God is great).
I love you all and I miss you guys very much.
Long live the Bee Gees. This song is a beautiful classic.
@cruisinnewcollection-tw3ln
My dad passed away yesterday and now I'm making a playlist with all the songs he loved and I remember him by. This is one of them. Thank you dad for showing me the greatest artists of all times. Loved, missed and never forgotten 🤘🔥❤
@TheConfuddledz
So sorry for your loss. A lovely song to remember your dear dad by
@kathyhouston9428
So sorry for your loss. May you and Dad unite with the Father in later years. For now, may the comfort, love, and Blessings of the Father cover you and yours. 😇🙏⛪🔯➕😘🙅❤😊
@peterpaton9785
Hang Tough and God bless your Dad 😇
@winnielee9
My dad make me great singer as i could listen， remember and able to sang all song he play to me without a lyric display. He didn't had proper education for his whole life， but he can speak 10 languages fluently
@paulinecrispin121
This was one of my dad's favourite songs too and I always think of him whenever I hear it.
@thought605
Those who are listening this legend on 1st May 2023, like this comment
@speedbirdconcorde001
First of May 2022, who's still here listening to this classic?
@kathymcmahon5308
My god how have I never heard this song??? I absolutely adore the BeeGees and it breaks my heart that I'm hearing this for the first time today. How is this not still playing on the radio? Such a beautiful and touching song and the video with it just had me in tears. These guy hands down are the best singer/song writers of all time. Love, love, love them!!!!!
@ximena.4651
First of May is a song from the movie "Melody". 👇 The Movie 😉 https://youtu.be/-EUgq1_8JgU