About the song
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Roberta Flack is a soulful masterpiece that has enchanted listeners since its release in 1973. This song, known for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, was originally written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, and first recorded by Lori Lieberman in 1972. However, it was Roberta Flack’s version that brought the song to international acclaim.
Roberta Flack included “Killing Me Softly with His Song” on her album “Killing Me Softly,” which was released in 1973. The album itself was a commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 chart. Flack’s rendition of the song was an immediate hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for five non-consecutive weeks and earning her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year as well as Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman deeply moved by a song she hears, feeling as though it speaks directly to her own experiences and emotions. Flack’s delivery of the song is both tender and powerful, with her rich, emotive voice perfectly capturing the vulnerability and intensity of the lyrics. The arrangement features a gentle, yet sophisticated, orchestration that complements Flack’s vocal performance without overshadowing it.
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” showcases Flack’s unique ability to convey deep emotion through her music. Her interpretation of the song is both intimate and universal, allowing listeners to connect with the story on a personal level. This connection is a testament to Flack’s artistry and her talent for bringing songs to life in a way that resonates with a wide audience.
Over the years, “Killing Me Softly with His Song” has been covered by various artists, including a notable version by the Fugees in 1996, which introduced the song to a new generation. However, Roberta Flack’s original rendition remains the definitive version, admired for its beauty and emotional depth.
For many fans, “Killing Me Softly with His Song” is more than just a track on an album; it’s a timeless piece that speaks to the heart and soul. Flack’s performance continues to be celebrated for its sensitivity and elegance, making the song an enduring favorite. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or rediscovering it years later, Flack’s voice and the song’s heartfelt lyrics ensure that “Killing Me Softly with His Song” remains a powerful and moving musical experience.
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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 song
… I heard he sang a good song
I heard he had a style
And so I came to see him, to listen for a while
And there he was, this young boy
A stranger to my eyes
… 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 song
… I felt all flushed with fever
Embarrassed by the crowd
I felt he found my letters and read each one out loud
I prayed that he would finish
But he just kept right on
… 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 song
… He 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 strong
… 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 song
… 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
… 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