The First Time
The Kingston Trio Lyrics


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The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes and the moon and stars were the gift you gave
To the dark and the empty skies, my love, to the dark and the empty skies.

The first time ever I kissed your lips
I felt the earth move in my arms like the trembling heart of a captive dove
That was there at my command, my love, that was there at my command.
The first time ever I held you near and felt your heart beat close to mine,
I felt a joy to fill the earth




And last until the end of time, my love, and last till the end of time.
Our love will last till the end of time.

Overall Meaning

The Kingston Trio's song "The First Time" is a beautiful and tender melody that expresses the feelings of a person who has just fallen in love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how the singer's heart was touched by the simple yet profound moments he shared with his lover. The opening line "The first time ever I saw your face" is a powerful statement that suggests the depth of the singer's feelings for his lover. It indicates that his love for her is so profound that it was as if the sun rose in her eyes and the moon and stars were the gifts she gave to the dark and empty skies. This imagery suggests that the singer found hope and light in his lover's eyes, which helped him look at the world in a different and more positive way.


The song's second verse, "The first time ever I kissed your lips," continues the theme of the joy and happiness that love brings. The singer describes how the earth moved in his arms and how his lover's heart trembled like a captive dove that was there at his command. This verse suggests that the singer felt empowered by his lover's love and that he had the power to make her heart flutter with just a kiss. The final verse, "The first time ever I held you near," speaks to the profound connection and intimacy that the singer shares with his lover. He speaks of feeling her heart beat close to his, and the joy he felt was so immense that it would last until the end of time.


Overall, "The First Time" by The Kingston Trio is a heartfelt and emotional ballad that speaks to the joys and wonders of falling in love. The imagery used in the lyrics is powerful and vivid, and the melody is simple but beautiful, making it a classic example of the folk music genre.


Line by Line Meaning

The first time ever I saw your face
When I first saw you, it was like the sun rose in your eyes and you gave the gift of the moon and stars to the dark and empty skies.


I thought the sun rose in your eyes and the moon and stars were the gift you gave
The beauty in your eyes made me think the sun had risen and you gave a gift of the moon and stars to light up the dark skies.


To the dark and the empty skies, my love, to the dark and the empty skies.
You brought light and joy to my life, where there was once emptiness and darkness.


The first time ever I kissed your lips
When I first kissed you, it felt like the earth moved in my arms, and my heart was a captive dove at your command.


I felt the earth move in my arms like the trembling heart of a captive dove
When I held you close, it was as if the whole world had shifted, and my heart beat wildly like a bird trapped in your embrace.


That was there at my command, my love, that was there at my command.
I felt like I had control over the world and everything in it, because I had you in my embrace.


The first time ever I held you near and felt your heart beat close to mine,
When I held you near, I could feel your heart beat in time with mine, and it brought me great joy.


I felt a joy to fill the earth
Feeling your heart beat next to mine brought me an overwhelming feeling of happiness.


And last until the end of time, my love, and last till the end of time.
Our love will endure until the end of time, and it will always bring us joy and happiness.


Our love will last till the end of time.
Our love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle and last forever.




Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GERALD SMITH, LANCE MILLER, LARRY WILLIAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

LoveTheOConnor

Really beautiful version of this one, Jim. I love the lyrics, and that wonderful Kingston Trio sound. Beautiful video by you as always, thanks so much for sharing! Have a marvelous upcoming week, my friend :))

Nipstersongs1

+LoveTheOConnor Yes, Heather, I always loved that "Kingston Trio sound". I'm so happy you liked the song and video! Wishing you a marvelous upcoming week, too :))
Jim

sgtmajtom06

We grew up on the Kingston Trio. It is gratifying to see so much of their material on YouTube, remixed with their incomparable sound retained - first with Dave Guard and then with John Stewart. There will never be another like them.

Beatlesā¤Girl

Wow, beautiful version ~ I had no idea this was way before Roberta's version ~ who knew?!

Nipstersongs1

+Beatlesā¤Girl My older brother had this album and I played it all the time, BG. Ms. Flack's version was nice but all my memories are attached to this one. Thanks so much for listening!
Jim

Tiger Rogers

Didn't know this original version Jim. Very soothing sound & recording! Cheers Tiger.

Melisa Lasell

(I think they are all wonderful in different ways)

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