Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly With His Song (1973)

About the song

## Killing Me Softly With His Song: Roberta Flack’s Timeless Ballad

Roberta Flack’s rendition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” is a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions. Released in 1973, this song quickly became a global sensation, captivating audiences with its haunting melody and Flack’s soulful vocals.

Originally written by Lori Lieberman, the song was inspired by a poem she penned after witnessing a performance by James Taylor. Lieberman’s lyrics capture the intimate experience of being deeply moved by another person’s art. Flack’s interpretation of the song brought a new depth and vulnerability to the lyrics, elevating it to a timeless classic.

The song’s introspective nature allows listeners to connect with the emotions expressed. Flack’s voice, rich and expressive, conveys a sense of longing and yearning. The arrangement is simple yet effective, with the piano providing a delicate accompaniment that complements Flack’s vocals. The melody is both haunting and memorable, staying with the listener long after the song ends.

One of the song’s most striking features is its ability to transcend genres. While it is often categorized as soul or R&B, its appeal extends far beyond these boundaries. The song’s universal themes of love, loss, and the power of art resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

Flack’s performance is a masterclass in vocal delivery. Her phrasing is impeccable, and she effortlessly conveys the nuances of the lyrics. The song’s climax, where Flack belts out the final lines, is a tour de force of emotional expression.

“Killing Me Softly With His Song” is more than just a popular song; it is a work of art that continues to inspire and move listeners. Roberta Flack’s iconic rendition has cemented its place in music history, a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and vocal artistry.

Video

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
Embarassed 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

[Instrumental Break]

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 mylife
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