Introduction
Roberta Flack’s timeless ballad, “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” is an iconic masterpiece that has resonated with music lovers for generations. This soulful melody, released in 1973, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its hauntingly beautiful lyrics and Roberta Flack’s enchanting voice. In this article, we delve into the magic behind this classic tune, exploring its origins, significance, and the fascinating story of the artist behind it.
Did You Know?
- Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” was inspired by a live performance by singer Don McLean. Flack was so moved by his rendition of “Empty Chairs” that she was inspired to write a song about the powerful emotions music can evoke.
- The song became a massive success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973 and winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. It remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
- Roberta Flack, born in 1937, is an accomplished American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She has received four Grammy Awards and is celebrated for her contributions to both soul and R&B music.
- “Killing Me Softly With His Song” has been covered by numerous artists, including the Fugees, whose version also achieved great success in the 1990s.
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Lyrics
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his songI heard he sang a good song
I heard he had a style
And so I came to see him, and listen for a while
And there he was, this young boy
A stranger to my eyesStrumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his songI felt all flushed with fever
Embarrassed by the crowd
I felt he’d found my letters and read
Each one out loud
I prayed that he would finish
But he just kept right onStrumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his songHe sang as if he knew me
In all my dark despair
And then he looked right through me
As if I wasn’t there
And he just kept on singing
Singing clear and strongStrumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his songOh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
La-la-la, la, la, la
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
La-ah-ah-ah-ah
La-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ahStrumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me (softly)He was strumming my pain
Yeah, he was singing my life
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
