The First Cut Is the Deepest
"The First Cut Is the Deepest" is a song written by English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens (later known as Yusuf) in 1965, first recorded and released as a single by American soul singer P.P. Arnold in the United Kingdom in April 1967, where it reached number 18 on the UK Singles Chart.[1] The song explores themes of heartbreak and the enduring pain of a first love, with lyrics reflecting vulnerability and the struggle to move on from an initial romantic wound.[2] Stevens originally demoed the track in 1965 while seeking a songwriting deal, and it appeared on his 1967 album New Masters, though Arnold's version preceded his official release by months.[3] The song gained widespread popularity through covers, notably Rod Stewart's 1976 rendition from his album A Night on the Town, which topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks and peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[4] Stewart's gravelly, emotive delivery emphasized the song's soulful rock elements, contributing to its status as one of his signature hits.[5] Other notable versions include Canadian singer Keith Hampshire's 1973 cover, which reached number 1 on the RPM 100 Top Singles chart in Canada, and a reggae adaptation by Jamaican artist Norma Fraser in 1967 that showcased the song's versatility across genres.[6][7] In 2003, Sheryl Crow released an acoustic cover on her compilation The Very Best of Sheryl Crow, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning gold certification for its heartfelt, stripped-down arrangement.[8] Over the decades, the track has been covered more than 90 times, cementing its place as a timeless standard in popular music.[9]Composition and early recordings
Songwriting and inspiration
"The First Cut Is the Deepest" was written by Cat Stevens (born Steven Demetre Georgiou) in 1965, when he was 17 years old.[10] As a young songwriter under contract with Decca Records and producer Mike Hurst, Stevens composed the song during a period when he was experimenting with songwriting for hire rather than performing.[1] The track emerged from his early efforts to craft material in the soul and R&B genres, reflecting his burgeoning interest in American music influences.[11] The primary inspiration for the song stemmed from Stevens' admiration for Otis Redding, whose powerful soul style profoundly impacted the young writer. In a 2019 interview, Stevens (now known as Yusuf/Cat Stevens) explained, "I loved Otis Redding and I tried to write a song for Otis Redding and that is how 'First Cut Is the Deepest' came about. It's very much a soul song."[12] He envisioned the piece as an homage to Redding's emotive delivery, aiming to capture themes of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability in a style suited to the soul singer's repertoire. This intent aligned with Stevens' initial foray into R&B, as he later described it as "an Otis Redding sort of thing – one of my first attempts at R&B."[13] Following its completion, Stevens sold the song to American soul singer P. P. Arnold for £30, forgoing royalties in exchange for quick cash amid financial pressures. Arnold then recorded the first version in 1967, produced by Mike Hurst.[1] This transaction underscored Stevens' early career mindset, prioritizing song provision over personal recording, though he would later revisit and record the track himself on his 1967 album New Masters.[10]P. P. Arnold version
P.P. Arnold recorded "The First Cut Is the Deepest" as her debut single for Immediate Records, acquiring the publishing rights from songwriter Cat Stevens for approximately £30. The track was cut in a single evening at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London, under the production of Mike Hurst, with involvement from label co-founder Andrew Loog Oldham.[14][15] Hurst crafted a Phil Spector-inspired "wall of sound" arrangement, incorporating harpsichord, horns, strings, and a distinctive harp opening derived from Stevens' demo riff. The session featured prominent British musicians, including John Paul Jones on bass, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Big Jim Sullivan on guitar, and Clem Cattini on drums, with orchestration by Art Greenslade.[1][15] Released in April 1967 as a double A-side with "I Don't Want to Talk About It," the single peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Arnold's breakthrough hit in the country.[16][17] It later appeared on her debut album, The First Lady of Immediate, issued in April 1968.[18] For Arnold, the song resonated personally, reflecting her experiences in an abusive teenage marriage, which she channeled into a powerful vocal performance emphasizing themes of emotional vulnerability and resilience.[14]Cat Stevens version
Recording and personnel
Cat Stevens recorded his version of "The First Cut Is the Deepest" on 5 October 1967 at Decca Studios and Olympic Studios in London, for inclusion on his second studio album, New Masters, released later that year by Deram Records. The track was produced by Mike Hurst, who had previously worked with Stevens on his debut album and encouraged him to record the song after selling the publishing rights to P. P. Arnold's version. The session captured a straightforward pop arrangement in an R&B style as a homage to Otis Redding, emphasizing Stevens' acoustic guitar and vocals, with a runtime of 2:59. The personnel for the recording included:- Cat Stevens: lead vocals, guitar
- Big Jim Sullivan: guitar
- Herbie Flowers: bass guitar
- John Paul Jones: bass guitar
- Nicky Hopkins: keyboards
- Chris Hunt: drums