Introduction
The Bee Gees’ “First of May” isn’t just a song, it’s a poignant journey through lost love and the passage of time. Released in 1969 as part of their ambitious double album “Odessa,” the track with Barry Gibb on lead vocals offers a melancholic reflection.
While not a commercial smash hit, “First of May” holds a special place in the Bee Gees’ catalog. The song’s origins lie in the Gibb brothers’ childhood memories. The lyrics paint a picture of youthful innocence, with “Christmas trees were tall” and a carefree love shared on the first day of May.
A shift occurs as the song progresses. The grand piano and orchestral arrangement, initially bright, take on a more somber tone. The singer laments the passage of time with the line, “Don’t ask me why, but time has passed us by,” highlighting the bittersweet nature of lost love. The finality is driven home with the image of “someone else moved in from far away,” leaving the listener with a sense of longing for what once was.
“First of May” gained a wider audience beyond its initial release. The song was featured in the 1971 British film “Melody,” a love story between two children, mirroring the song’s themes. It also enjoyed renewed popularity in Japan, becoming the theme song for the 1996 drama “Wakaba no Koro” (Those Young Years).
“First of May” stands as a testament to the Bee Gees’ songwriting prowess. It’s a simple yet evocative song that captures the bittersweetness of nostalgia and the enduring power of first love, even when lost to time. So, press play, and let the Bee Gees transport you to a bygone era of innocence and lost love.