Peak
37
Weeks
7
Score
779
Chart Year
1969
Released as the lead single from the Bee Gee’s 1969 double album Odessa in January of that year, “First of May” was a top ten hit in the UK. It’s choice as a single was a highly debated one, as Robin vouched instead for “Lamplight”, which featured himself on lead vocal. The label won out, leaving to his departure from the group and the relegation of “Lamplight” to a B-side. The single did not fare as well in the US, where it peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.
[Verse 1] When I was small and Christmas trees were tall We used to love while others used to play Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by Someone else moved in from far away [Chorus] Now we are tall and Christmas trees are small And you don't ask the time of day But you and I, our love will never die But guess we'll cry come first of May [Verse 2] The apple tree that grew for you and me I watched the apples falling, one by one And I recall the moment of them all The day I kissed your cheek and you were mine [Chorus] Now we are tall and Christmas trees are small And you don't ask the time of day But you and I, our love will never die But guess we'll cry come first of May [Outro] When I was small and Christmas trees were tall Do-do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by Someone else moved in from far away…
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 22, 1969 | 82 | 44 |
| 2 | Mar 29, 1969 | 62 | 64 |
| 3 | Apr 5, 1969 | 43 | 83 |
| 4 | Apr 12, 1969 | 40 | 86 |
| 5 | Apr 19, 1969 | 37 | 89 |
| 6 | Apr 26, 1969 | 37 | 89 |
| 7 | May 3, 1969 | 46 | 80 |