About the song
“The First Cut Is the Deepest” is a song originally written and performed by Cat Stevens in 1967. However, Rod Stewart’s 1976 version is the most commercially successful.
Themes:
- Loss and heartbreak: The central theme is the pain of a first love lost. The lyrics convey the deep emotional wound left by a significant past relationship.
- Fear of vulnerability: The song also touches upon the fear of opening oneself up to love again after experiencing such hurt. There’s a hesitation and uncertainty about whether it’s possible to truly love again.
- Resilience and hope: Despite the pain, the song hints at the potential for healing and finding new love. There’s a glimmer of hope that suggests one can move past the hurt and find happiness again.
Background:
- Cat Stevens’ original: Cat Stevens wrote the song based on his own experiences with love and loss. The original version had a folk-rock sound.
- Rod Stewart’s version: Stewart’s interpretation, released on his album “A Night on the Town,” brought the song to a wider audience. His raspy voice and the soulful arrangement gave it a distinct rock ballad feel.
- Cover versions: “The First Cut Is the Deepest” has been covered by numerous artists, including Sheryl Crow (whose version was a major hit), P.P. Arnold, and Keith Hampshire. The song’s enduring appeal speaks to its universal themes of love, loss, and the search for healing.
Video
Lyrics
I would have given you all of my heartBut there’s someone who’s torn it apartAnd she’s taken just all that I hadBut if you want, I’ll try to love again
Baby, I’ll try to love again, but I know
The first cut is the deepestBaby, I know, the first cut is the deepestWhen it come to being lucky, she’s cursedWhen it come to loving me, she’s worst
I still want you by my sideJust to help me dry the tears that I’ve criedAnd I’m sure gonna give you a tryAnd if you want, I’ll try to love again
Baby, I’ll try to love again, but I know
The first cut is the deepestBaby, I know, the first cut is the deepestAnd when it come to being lucky, she’s cursedWhen it come to loving me, she’s worst
I still want you by my sideJust to help me dry the tears that I’ve criedBut I’m sure gonna give you a try‘Cause if you want, I’ll try to love again
Baby, I’ll try to love again, but I knowWhoo!
The first cut is the deepestBaby, I know, the first cut is the deepestWhen it come to being lucky, she’s cursedWhen it come to loving me, she’s worst