Introduction
Bee Gees – “First of May” (1969): A 300-Word Historical Introduction
“First of May” is a poignant ballad by the Bee Gees, released in January 1969 as a single from their double album Odessa. Written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, the song is notable for its orchestral arrangement and emotionally tender lyrics that reflect on lost love and the passage of time. The title refers to a symbolic date that evokes memories of youth and innocence.
The track is sung by Barry Gibb, whose lead vocal delivers a delicate performance over a gentle piano melody and lush orchestration. The song’s lyrics reminisce about a childhood romance and the inevitable drift that comes with growing older, making it one of the Bee Gees’ most introspective and heartfelt early works.
Interestingly, “First of May” became a source of internal tension within the group. It was chosen as the A-side over “Lamplight,” a song sung by Robin Gibb. This decision, made by manager Robert Stigwood and Barry, reportedly led to Robin’s temporary departure from the group in mid-1969. Despite this discord, “First of May” found commercial success in several countries, including the UK and Japan, and has since become one of the group’s enduring classics.
Over the years, “First of May” has gained a reputation as one of the Bee Gees’ most beautiful ballads. It was re-released in Japan in the 1990s after featuring in a popular Japanese drama, introducing the song to a new generation of fans. The track showcases the group’s early flair for emotional storytelling and intricate production, setting the stage for their later transformation into disco icons in the 1970s.
Today, “First of May” remains a beloved entry in the Bee Gees’ catalog, emblematic of their lyrical sensitivity and compositional elegance during the late 1960s.