The First Time

Album: Chapter One (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ella Henderson wrote this song with US producer Babyface, who was her biggest idol as a kid. The songstress recalled to The Sun that things didn't go quite to plan the first time she met the R&B superstar. "Me and my family call this the embarrassing moment," Henderson recalled. "I was playing a game of how many baby carrots I could fit in my mouth when he walked through the door and said, 'Hey, Ella.'"

    "I must have had about 13 in there. I couldn't talk at the biggest moment of my life."
  • Henderson explained the song's meaning to Artist Direct: "This record was a story about a certain situation," she said. "You're a young woman, and you're putting yourself out there. Sometimes, girls can feel ashamed of themselves. Guys can feel that way too."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.