Killing Me Softly

Meaning of Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack (covered by Fugees)

Few songs are as enduringly beautiful and emotionally impactful as "Killing Me Softly," a timeless ballad that has enthralled listeners for many years. The song, which was originally penned by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, became well-known after Roberta Flack's famous performance in 1973 and The Fugees' chart-topping version in 1996.

Lyricist Norman Gimbel was inspired to write "Killing Me Softly" by a moving encounter. Gimbel experienced a profound emotional connection with vocalist Lori Lieberman during her performance; it was as if she was singing straight to his soul. Gimbel was moved by this profound experience, and he wrote the moving lyrics that would eventually become the basis for "Killing Me Softly."

For Roberta Flack, it became a number one hit in the US, Australia, and Canada in 1973. It also peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart. Fugees recorded the song in 1996, featuring Lauryn Hill on lead vocals. In twenty nations, their rendition shot to the top of the charts.

Killing Me Softly lyrics by Roberta Flack (covered by Fugees)

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 (softly)

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