Who Wrote "First Cut Is The Deepest"? Uncovering The Song's True Origin

Markus Mohr Sr. 14 Aug 2025

Ever wondered about the true genius behind those timeless songs that just stick with you, the ones that seem to echo your own feelings? Like, how do these musical gems come to life, and who is that special person who first put pen to paper, so to speak? It's a pretty common thought, actually.

It's a question many music lovers ponder, especially when a song has been covered by so many incredible artists. You hear it, and it just hits you, you know? But who actually, truly wrote "First Cut Is The Deepest"? That's a bit of a story, and it's rather interesting, too. It's almost like a detective mission for music fans.

Today, we're going to peel back the layers and discover the original songwriter of this powerful tune, a song that has, quite frankly, touched millions across generations. We'll look at the person who "wrote" it, as in, formed the words and music, and why their version is so important. This song, you see, has a fascinating history.

The Genesis of a Classic: Who Wrote "First Cut Is The Deepest"?
The Songwriter's Life: Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
The Enduring Impact of "First Cut Is The Deepest"
- Notable Covers and Their Influence
- Why This Song Resonates
Frequently Asked Questions About "First Cut Is The Deepest"
Connecting with the Song's Heart

The Genesis of a Classic: Who Wrote "First Cut Is The Deepest"?

So, let's get right to it. The person who wrote "First Cut Is The Deepest" is the remarkably talented British singer-songwriter, Cat Stevens, who is now known as Yusuf Islam. He penned this poignant song way back in 1967, and it's a piece that has truly stood the test of time, you know?

When we talk about who "wrote" this song, we're using "wrote" as the simple past tense of "to write." It means he formed the characters and notes on paper, putting his thoughts into a tangible form. It's the simple past tense, so, you know, it refers to that specific act of creation in the past. As a matter of fact, "wrote" is the correct past tense form of the verb "write," meaning to trace or form words, especially on paper, with a pen, pencil, or other instrument. He wrote prolifically, publishing his ideas in songs, and this was one of them.

Interestingly, Cat Stevens didn't release his own version of "First Cut Is The Deepest" right away. He actually sold the song for a mere £30 to American soul singer P.P. Arnold, who then released it as a single in May 1967. That's pretty wild, considering how famous it became. His own recording of the song appeared on his second album, "New Masters," later that same year. It just goes to show how a song can take on a life of its own, doesn't it?

The fact that he created it, that he put those feelings into words and melody, makes him the true originator. It's his vision, his initial spark, that gave birth to this musical gem. Pretty much, every version you hear today, they all come back to his original work. He really laid the foundation for something special.

The Songwriter's Life: Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)

To truly appreciate "First Cut Is The Deepest," it helps to know a bit about the person who brought it into existence. Yusuf Islam, famously known as Cat Stevens, has had a life full of twists and turns, and his experiences deeply shaped his songwriting. His journey, honestly, is quite compelling.

Biography: Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)

Here's a quick look at some key details about the man behind the music:

Detail	Information
Birth Name	Steven Demetre Georgiou
Born	July 21, 1948
Origin	Marylebone, London, England
Genre	Folk rock, pop, soft rock
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards
Years Active	1966–1978, 2006–present
Labels	Deram, Island, A&M, Atlantic, Ya Records
Associated Acts	P.P. Arnold, Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow (through covers)
Website	catstevens.com

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Steven Demetre Georgiou in London, Cat Stevens grew up in a household with a Greek Cypriot father and a Swedish mother, both of whom ran a restaurant. This background, you know, gave him a rather unique perspective on life and culture. He developed an early love for music and art, teaching himself to play the guitar and piano. He started performing in folk clubs and quickly gained attention for his distinctive voice and thoughtful lyrics. He was, honestly, quite a natural talent.

His early songs, like "Matthew and Son" and "I'm Gonna Get Me a Gun," showed a promising young artist with a knack for storytelling. He had a way of looking at the world, and then putting it into song, that was pretty special. These early successes, as a matter of fact, set the stage for the deeper, more introspective work that would come later, including "First Cut Is The Deepest."

A Period of Transformation

In the late 1960s, Cat Stevens experienced a serious illness, tuberculosis, which forced him to take a break from his fast-paced music career. This period of recovery was, apparently, a profound turning point for him. He began to question his life's purpose and explore spirituality, reading books on various religions and philosophies. This introspection led him to embrace Islam in 1977, at which point he changed his name to Yusuf Islam.

His conversion led to a long hiatus from mainstream music, as he dedicated himself to his faith and to educational and philanthropic work. He pretty much stepped away from the spotlight entirely. This transformation, you see, was a very significant part of his life story, and it speaks to the depth of his character and his ongoing search for meaning. It’s almost like a different chapter began entirely.

Later Career and Legacy

After nearly three decades, Yusuf Islam gradually returned to making music, first with religious-themed albums and then, in the mid-2000s, with more secular releases under the name Yusuf. His return was, quite frankly, welcomed by fans old and new. He continued to write and perform, bringing his seasoned perspective to new songs while also revisiting his classic catalog. He's still, in a way, creating beautiful sounds.

His legacy as a songwriter is immense, marked by his ability to craft melodies that linger and lyrics that speak to universal human experiences. Songs like "Wild World," "Father and Son," and, of course, "First Cut Is The Deepest," are testaments to his enduring artistry. He has, honestly, left an indelible mark on music history, and his work continues to inspire people around the globe.

The Enduring Impact of "First Cut Is The Deepest"

"First Cut Is The Deepest" is a song that has truly taken on a life of its own, resonating with listeners across different generations and musical tastes. It's a testament to the raw emotion and simple truth at its core, you know? The song's journey from a demo to a global hit is pretty remarkable.

Notable Covers and Their Influence

While Cat Stevens wrote the song, its widespread popularity is also due to the many talented artists who have covered it. Each version, in a way, adds a new layer to the song's story. Here are some of the most well-known interpretations:

P.P. Arnold (1967): As mentioned, she was the first to release it as a single. Her soulful rendition brought the song to a wider audience and is, honestly, a classic in its own right. It really introduced the song to the world.
Keith Hampshire (1973): This Canadian singer had a number one hit in Canada with his version, showing the song's appeal across different markets. It proved the song had a very broad reach.
Rod Stewart (1977): Perhaps the most famous version, Rod Stewart's take on the song was a massive international hit, reaching number one in the UK. His gravelly voice and rock-infused arrangement gave the song a whole new feel, making it, arguably, the version most people recognize today. This one, you know, really put it on the map globally.
Sheryl Crow (2003): Her pop-rock rendition brought the song to a new generation of listeners, becoming a hit in the US and further cementing the song's timeless appeal. It showed that the song could, quite frankly, still feel fresh and relevant decades later.

Each artist, in their own way, brought their unique style to the song, yet the powerful message of the original creation always shines through. It's really quite something to see how different voices can interpret the same words and melody.

Why This Song Resonates

So, why does "First Cut Is The Deepest" continue to strike a chord with so many people? It's pretty simple, actually, but also very profound. The song speaks to a universal human experience: the pain of a first heartbreak and how that initial wound can leave a lasting mark on future relationships. It’s a feeling that, you know, almost everyone can relate to at some point.

The lyrics are simple, yet they convey a deep sense of vulnerability and caution. "I would have given you all of my heart, but there's someone who's torn it apart." That line, frankly, sums it up perfectly. It captures the feeling of wanting to love fully but being held back by past hurts. The melody, too, is incredibly moving, enhancing the emotional weight of the words. It's a very, very honest expression of feeling, and that's why it connects so deeply. This song, you see, taps into something truly fundamental about human emotion.

Frequently Asked Questions About "First Cut Is The Deepest"

People often have questions about this iconic song, especially given its long history and many famous versions. Here are some common queries, you know, the ones that pop up a lot:

Is "First Cut Is The Deepest" a cover song?

Well, it depends on how you look at it. If you're talking about the versions by Rod Stewart or Sheryl Crow, then yes, those are absolutely cover songs. They are performing a song that was written by someone else. However, the song itself, in its original form, is not a cover. It was written by Cat Stevens, so his version is the original. It's a bit like a chain, you know, with each artist adding a link.

Who sang "First Cut Is The Deepest" first?

The very first artist to release "First Cut Is The Deepest" as a single was the American soul singer P.P. Arnold in May 1967. She was given the song by Cat Stevens, who had just written it. Cat Stevens himself released his own recording of the song later that year on his album "New Masters." So, while he wrote it, she sang it first for a commercial release. It's a pretty interesting bit of music history, honestly.

What is the meaning behind "First Cut Is The Deepest"?

The song is, quite simply, about the lasting impact of a person's first major heartbreak. It describes how that initial, profound emotional wound can make someone hesitant and guarded in future relationships. The lyrics suggest that even when a new love comes along, the pain from that very first "cut" still lingers, making it difficult to give one's whole heart again. It's a very relatable feeling, you know, that lingering caution after being hurt. It speaks to the idea that some experiences, particularly painful ones, leave a permanent mark on us.

Connecting with the Song's Heart

So, there you have it. The timeless song "First Cut Is The Deepest" was indeed written by the incredibly gifted Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam. His ability to capture such raw, relatable emotion in his lyrics and melodies is what makes this song, you know, truly special and enduring. It's a testament to his artistry, really.

This song, in a way, reminds us that even though pain is a part of life, art can help us process it and connect with others who feel the same way. It's a powerful thing, music. Whether you prefer P.P. Arnold's soulful take, Rod Stewart's iconic rock version, Sheryl Crow's modern pop rendition, or Cat Stevens' own heartfelt original, the core message remains the same: some wounds, especially the first ones, run very, very deep. You can learn more about songwriting on our site, and perhaps explore The History of Folk Music to see where songs like this fit in. This song, you know, continues to touch hearts.

Cat Stevens - The First Cut Is The Deepest | iHeartRadio

The First Cut Is The Deepest - The First Cut Is The Deepest - Creativ

Partitura de First Cut Is The Deepest | Partituras.org

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Who Wrote "First Cut Is The Deepest"? Uncovering The Song's True Origin

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