The First Cut Is the Deepest

I was walking down the aisle of my neighborhood Kroger seeking in a bemused fashion something on my list when I was suddenly distracted by the in-store piped music.  A song which I instantly responded to but which took several minutes to place.  I had not heard it in years.

The First Cut is the Deepest was originally written by Cat Stevens and released in the early 1970s that is probably the version I know but it has been covered by Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow and others.  It is sung beautifully by Stevens but, oh my, goodness.  What schmaltz.  

The First Cut Is the Deepest

by Cat Stevens

I would have given you all of my heart

But there's someone who's torn it apart

And she's taking almost all that I've got

But if you want I'll try to love again

Baby, I'll try to love again but I know

The first cut is the deepest

Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest

'Cause when it comes to being lucky, she's cursed

When it comes to loving me, she's worst

But when it comes to being loved, she's first

That's how I know

The first cut is the deepest

Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest

I still want you by my side

Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried

'Cause I'm sure gonna give you a try

And if you want I'll try to love again

But baby, I'll try to love again but I know

The first cut is the deepest

Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest

'Cause when it comes to being lucky, she's cursed

When it comes to loving me, she's worst

But when it comes to being loved, she's first

That's how I know

The first cut is the deepest

Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest

Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest

Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest

'Cause when it comes to being lucky, she's cursed

When it comes to loving me, she's worst

But when it comes to being loved, she's first

That's how I know

The first cut is the deepest

Baby, I know...

"The first cut is the deepest" - I can go along with that as a general insight.  But virtually every other sentiment in the song is reasonably repellant, filled as it is with self-centeredness, disregard for his new love, self-victimhood, etc.  

What an odd mix between the singing and the sentiment.

Double click to enlarge.