Released in 1969 on the Bee Gees’ double album “Odessa”, “First of May” is a soft, nostalgic ballad that reflects on lost innocence, love, and the passage of time. Written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, the song’s emotional depth and tender melody show a different side of the band—far from their later disco fame.
Built around Barry Gibb’s lead vocal and a gentle orchestral arrangement, the song carries a simple but heart-wrenching message: not all love survives the seasons of life. The title refers to a special date—a symbolic reminder of young love and its eventual distance.
Bee Gees – “First of May”
Chart Performance: “First of May” reached #37 on the UK Singles Chart, but it gained much more popularity in later decades, especially in Asia and during Bee Gees retrospectives.
Robin’s Exit: The song famously caused tension in the group. When Barry’s vocal was chosen as the lead over Robin’s, it led to Robin Gibb temporarily leaving the Bee Gees in 1969.
Beloved in Asia: The song later gained immense popularity in Japan and Southeast Asia, where it is still considered one of the Bee Gees’ most cherished love songs.
Movie Soundtrack: “First of May” has been featured in various romantic films and dramas, particularly in Asian cinema, further cementing its emotional legacy.
A Wedding and Farewell Song: With lyrics full of tender memory, “First of May” is often played at both weddings and memorials, proving its emotional duality.
