Hubbry Logo
For the First Time (The Script song)For the First Time (The Script song)Main
Open search
For the First Time (The Script song)
Community hub
For the First Time (The Script song)
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
For the First Time (The Script song)
For the First Time (The Script song)
For the First Time (The Script song)
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

"For the First Time"
Single by the Script
from the album Science & Faith
Released20 August 2010[1]
Recorded2010
GenrePop rock[2]
Length4:11
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Danny O'Donoghue
  • Mark Sheehan
  • Andrew Frampton
The Script singles chronology
"Before the Worst"
(2009) 		"For the First Time"
(2010) 		"Nothing"
(2010)

"For the First Time" is a song by Irish pop rock band the Script. Written by band members Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan, the song was released on 20 August 2010 as the lead single from the band's second studio album Science & Faith. It debuted at number one on the Irish Singles Chart, becoming the Script's first number-one single.[3] The Wanted covered this song live on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge and used that version in their EP Lose My Mind.

Background

[edit]

Danny O'Donoghue told the story behind the song in an interview with Merrick, Dools & Ricki-Lee on Sydney radio station Nova 96.9. Said O'Donoghue: "The song 'For the First Time' was about a time when we got back after touring around the world. We wanted to press palms with the people who had really gotten us there, and we got home and realised there's a stark reality out there, the recession, people are losing their jobs and their valuable things, and we thought, it almost pales in comparison to your news. We started the song, and it ended up being a bit bleak and we felt we really needed a great message in these, to turn it around... so we needed a message of hope, as people are being stripped of all these things they're realizing what's really important. It's all about going back to basics: drinking cheap wine, eating your dinner off the floor. That's when you meet each other for the first time, when you have nothing."

The song was sampled by the band on the track "Good Ol' Days" from their third studio album 3 (2012). The song was also sampled by rapper Machine Gun Kelly, or MGK, for his track "Her Song" off of the "EST 4 Life" (2012) mixtape.

Music video

[edit]
Eve Hewson appears in the music video.

The music video features band members of the Script within a studio and clips of a couple who have emigrated from Ireland to New York City. The characters in the music video are played by Eve Hewson, daughter of U2's Bono, and Luke Treadaway.[4][5] The video was inspired by O. Henry's short story The Gift of the Magi.

Chart performance

[edit]

"For the First Time" debuted on the Irish Singles Chart at number one on 10 September 2010, knocking Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" from the top spot. This marks the band's first number-one single and third top-ten hit in Ireland. On its second week on the chart, the single remained at the top spot. The single debuted at number five on the UK Singles Chart before moving up to number four the following week. In Australia, "For the First Time" debuted and peaked at number 12 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. It reached number four on the US Billboard Adult Top 40 chart and number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is their third song that has hit both of these charts. The song was certified Gold in the U.S. by the RIAA, meaning the song has been downloaded 500,000 times. As of June 2011, the song was sold 1,000,000 times in the United States.[6]

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "For The First Time" – 4:11
  2. "Breakeven" (Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire) – 4:30
  • Digital download[8]
  1. "For The First Time" – 4:11
  2. "For The First Time" (Music Video) – 4:41

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[38] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[39] Gold 45,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[40] Gold 25,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[41] Platinum 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[42] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[44] Platinum 1,489,000[43]

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

For the First Time (The Script song)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"For the First Time" is a pop rock ballad written by Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan of the Irish band the Script, serving as the lead single from their second studio album, Science & Faith. Released in August 2010, the track addresses themes of economic hardship and enduring love, drawing from the global financial crisis's impact on everyday relationships by portraying a couple reverting to simple pleasures like cheap wine and floor dinners amid job losses and bills. O'Donoghue described it as reflecting a desire to reconnect authentically with people after extensive touring, emphasizing resilience in love during tough times. The song achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number one on the on 10 September 2010 and reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart, where it maintained the position for two weeks. In the United States, it was released to on 8 November 2010, contributing to the band's growing international presence ahead of the album's January 2011 launch there. Its piano-driven melody and emotional lyrics resonated widely, marking a pivotal hit that solidified the Script's breakthrough following their debut album, though no major awards or certifications directly tied to the single are prominently documented beyond chart performance.

Background and development

Writing and inspiration

"The song 'For the First Time' was written by The Script's lead vocalist and guitarist as the for the band's second studio album, ." "O'Donoghue explained that the track emerged from the band's reflections upon returning home to after extensive international touring following their debut album." "They observed the harsh realities of the ongoing , including job losses and financial hardships affecting everyday people, which instilled a sense of helplessness but also a desire to convey hope and reconnection." "The lyrics capture a couple navigating economic struggles—'tryin' to make it work but man these times are hard'—while emphasizing perseverance and rediscovering what matters, inspired by a wish to 'press palms' with grassroots fans who supported their rise amid widespread ." "O'Donoghue noted the song aimed to set a tone of and optimism, reflecting the disconnect felt after living 'the dream' abroad contrasted with domestic economic woes."

Recording process

The song "For the First Time" was recorded during sessions for The Script's second studio album, , primarily at Sphere Studios in and Apogee's Berkeley Street Studio in . Production was led by band members and , with additional production by Andrew Frampton. String arrangements were recorded at Windmill Lane Recording Studios in . The track features the band's signature blend of acoustic elements and layered instrumentation, mixed to emphasize O'Donoghue's emotive vocals.

Musical composition and lyrics

Style and instrumentation

"For the First Time" exemplifies the style of , characterized by emotive structures with building dynamics typical of adult alternative and pop rock genres. The track adheres to a mid-tempo format, emphasizing vocal delivery over intricate rhythmic complexity, which aligns with the band's approach to crafting anthemic, heartfelt compositions. Instrumentation centers on as the foundational element, providing the introductory motif and harmonic support throughout, complemented by standard rock elements including acoustic and electric guitars, bass, and drums that intensify during the chorus and bridge sections. This piano-driven arrangement underscores O'Donoghue's piano proficiency, creating a layered sound that transitions from intimate verses to fuller production without relying on electronic or hip-hop influences prominent in other band tracks. The overall setup reflects a live- aesthetic, prioritizing organic to enhance lyrical .

Themes and lyrical content

The song's primary themes revolve around economic hardship and relational resilience during the global , portraying a couple navigating personal and societal pressures while rediscovering intimacy through . Lead singer explained that the track draws from the band's observations of fans' struggles post-2008 recession, emphasizing a return to "basics" amid : "drinking cheap wine, eating your dinner off the floor," which fosters authentic connection unburdened by material excess. This reflects Ireland's economic downturn, where and financial strain peaked around 2010, mirroring the ' depiction of strained daily survival. Lyrically, the verses illustrate individual vulnerabilities exacerbated by external woes: the female protagonist is "all laid up in bed with a broken heart, longin' for love but she don't know where to start," while her partner grapples with unspoken fears of inadequacy, set against a backdrop of looming separation due to "times [that] are hard" and potential familial disapproval. The pre-chorus underscores mutual awareness of escalating despair—"every day we feel a little bit closer to hell"—yet pivots to defiance in the chorus, urging perseverance: "Don't give up on me baby / We could be a story made up in the glory of love / Or the ruins of the streets that we grew up on." This narrative arc highlights causal realism in love's endurance, where economic ruin strips pretenses, compelling raw commitment rather than idealism. The bridge reinforces themes of egalitarian solidarity, with lines like "And maybe we'll make it through / Maybe we'll make it last / Maybe against all the odds / Maybe it's not so bad," evoking a pragmatic optimism rooted in shared adversity rather than naive hope. O'Donoghue's inspiration stemmed from post-tour empathy for working-class audiences, positioning the song as a commentary on recession-induced relational tests, where love persists not despite poverty but through its clarifying lens. Critics and analyses note its universality in capturing vulnerability without sentimentality, avoiding clichés by grounding romance in tangible socio-economic friction.

Release and promotion

Single release

"For the First Time" was issued as the from The Script's second studio album, , on 3 September 2010 in Ireland by Phonogenic Records. The track was primarily released in digital download format, alongside a limited edition featuring the title track and a live version of "" in . It debuted at number one on the upon release. The single followed with a United Kingdom release on 5 September 2010, entering the UK Singles Chart at number five the next week. In the United States, it became available via on 8 September 2010, marking the band's initial push into the American market ahead of the album's international rollout. No physical formats were widely distributed in the US, with emphasis placed on digital streaming and radio airplay.

Marketing and promotion

A promotional of "For the First Time" was distributed by in in 2010 to radio stations and industry professionals to generate and buzz ahead of the commercial release. The effort emphasized the track's role as the from Science & Faith, positioning it to capitalize on the band's growing popularity following their debut album. The music video served as a central promotional tool, featuring actress —daughter of frontman —in a narrative depicting an Irish couple's emigration struggles amid economic downturn, resonating with themes of resilience to broaden appeal beyond core pop-rock audiences. This visual campaign aligned with the single's radio push, contributing to its debut at number one on the upon release on August 20, 2010, in the UK and . Further promotion tied into the Tour, with rapid sell-outs—such as 60,000 tickets for two O2 shows in 40 minutes—amplifying single exposure through live performances and media coverage. No major sponsorships or advertising tie-ins were reported, reflecting standard label-driven strategies focused on , video rollout, and broadcast play for mid-tier acts in 2010.

Critical and commercial reception

Critical response

Critics commended "For the First Time" for its lyrical sincerity, with The Guardian highlighting lead singer Danny O'Donoghue's evident guilt over personal success amid widespread economic hardship in Ireland, as reflected in lines addressing unemployment and recession-era despair. Rolling Stone identified the track as the album's central ballad, interpreting it as a depiction of coping with Ireland's financial downturn through alcohol-fueled introspection, though it critiqued the music's polished, arena-oriented style as derivative of Coldplay. The song's sparse acoustic opening building to an anthemic chorus drew mixed responses; while some appreciated the emotional build and thematic relevance to post-Celtic Tiger austerity, others, including album reviewers on Sputnikmusic, deemed it unremarkable within the band's formulaic pop-rock template. BBC Music's album assessment positioned the single as a standout for its narrative depth on relational and societal reconciliation, contrasting with perceptions of the broader record's predictability. Plugged In emphasized its portrayal of a couple reconnecting after hardship, framing it as a redemptive anthem despite underlying themes of substance use. Overall, reception favored the track's topical authenticity over stylistic innovation, contributing to its role as a commercially resonant lead single from Science & Faith.

Chart performance and sales

"For the First Time" debuted at number one on the on 10 September 2010, marking The Script's first chart-topper in their home country. In the , the single entered the Official Singles Chart at number five before ascending to number four the next week, where it held for one week, and remained on the chart for a total of 23 weeks.
CountryChartPeak positionWeeks on chart
ARIA Singles Chart12Not specified
1At least 8
UK Singles Chart423
2329
The song achieved commercial success internationally, with certified sales exceeding one million units in the United States, where it received RIAA Platinum certification for 1,000,000 equivalent units. In the United Kingdom, it sold 642,000 copies (including 618,000 pure sales and 24,000 streaming equivalents as of 2021 data) and was certified Platinum by the BPI for 600,000 units. Additional certifications include 2× Platinum in Australia by ARIA for 140,000 units and Gold in Denmark by IFPI Danmark, reflecting strong digital download performance following its August 2010 release.

Music video and visual media

Production and concept

The music video for "For the First Time" centers on a of economic hardship and resilience, depicting a young couple emigrating from to , where they face joblessness, eviction threats, and daily struggles amid the post-2008 backdrop. The storyline visually echoes the song's lyrics about perseverance through adversity, showing the pair resorting to makeshift living—such as eating on the floor and sharing cheap wine—while clinging to their relationship. This concept draws from real-life themes of immigration and urban poverty, intercut with performance footage of in a dimly lit studio to blend personal with band visuals. Directed by Charles Mehling, the video was produced by Bikini Films and released in November 2010. Principal cast included as Della and as James, portraying the immigrant couple, with band members , , and Glen Power appearing as themselves. Filming occurred primarily in locations to authentically capture the urban grit central to the plot. Behind-the-scenes footage reveals a focus on raw, unpolished aesthetics to emphasize the song's message of returning to relational basics amid external pressures.

Reception and impact

The music video, directed by Charles Mehling and featuring actress alongside the band, portrays vignettes of everyday acts of kindness—such as donating food to the needy, comforting the ill, and aiding the homeless—set against the backdrop of post-recession . This visual narrative complements the song's lyrics on collective endurance and hope, emphasizing community solidarity over individual performance. User ratings on average 7.2 out of 10 based on 20 reviews, reflecting appreciation for its uplifting and relatable imagery rather than stylistic innovation. No major awards or formal critical analyses were documented, suggesting its reception centered on emotional rather than artistic acclaim. The video's straightforward, narrative-driven approach avoided , aligning with the band's aim to inspire without spectacle. Uploaded to on November 9, 2010, the official HD version has surpassed 69 million views as of 2025, indicating sustained popularity driven by the single's radio and fan sharing. Its impact extended the song's reach, bolstering streams and sales during a period when visual media amplified pop-rock singles' cultural footprint, though it did not spawn notable parodies, memes, or broader media adaptations.

Performances and legacy

Live performances

The Script debuted "For the First Time" live on the Australian version of The X Factor on October 4, 2010, during promotional appearances for their album Science & Faith. The band performed the song on The Late Show with David Letterman in the United States on January 18, 2011, marking an early international television exposure amid rising chart success. In October 2012, they delivered a rendition on NBC's Today show, coinciding with ongoing North American promotion. The track featured prominently in major settings, including the band's homecoming show at Dublin's on April 16, 2012, where it was performed to a large home crowd. It appeared in subsequent performances, such as on October 26, 2016, as part of broader tour sets. "For the First Time" has remained a staple, with live versions recorded at the Festival in on July 13, 2018, in on September 6 and 7, 2024, during regional tour dates, and the in on November 24, 2024. Setlists from 2024-2025 tours consistently include the song, often positioned mid-set for audience engagement.

Covers and media usage

The song has been covered acoustically by , who released a version in 2011 that accumulated over 18 million views on . Another acoustic rendition was performed by Jess & Alex featuring in June 2011, achieving approximately 2 million views. Country group included a cover on their SiriusXM series Scattered, Smothered & Covered in March 2011. Additional covers include those by Corey Gray (2011) and with (2011), as documented in music databases. "For the First Time" was sampled by rapper Machine Gun Kelly in "Her Song," the closing track on his 2012 debut album Lace Up, where elements of the melody and structure are interpolated. This usage marks one of the few documented interpolations of the original recording in hip-hop production. Documented media placements for the song beyond its official music video are limited, with no prominent sync licenses in feature films, television episodes, or major advertisements identified in available music licensing records or databases as of 2025. The track's parent band's catalog has appeared in shows like 90210 and Ghost Whisperer, but specific usage of this single remains unverified in those contexts.

Credits and listings

Personnel

The song was written by Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan of The Script. Production credits include O'Donoghue and Sheehan as primary producers, with additional production by Andrew Frampton, who also contributed keyboards and guitars. Mixing was handled by Dan Frampton. Performance credits for the recording, drawn from the parent album , feature: Additional album-level contributions relevant to the track's sound include programming and keyboards by Steve Kipner.

Track listings

The single "For the First Time" was released on August 20, 2010, primarily as a in and as a digital download worldwide.
No.TitleLength
1."For the First Time"4:14
2."Breakeven" (live at )4:31
(Europe; Phonogenic/RCA/, 2010)
No.TitleLength
1."For the First Time"4:14
Digital download (global; 2010)

References

  1. https://genius.com/The-script-for-the-first-time-lyrics
  2. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-script/for-the-first-time
  3. https://uk-charts-archive.fandom.com/wiki/The_Script_:_Stats
  4. https://top40-charts.com/artist.php?aid=9850
  5. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/4040/script/
  6. https://thescriptbible.wordpress.com/albums-and-songs/science-faith/
  7. https://www.discogs.com/release/4359334-The-Script-For-The-First-Time
  8. https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/the-script/for-the-first-time/MN0092183
  9. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/38635/The-Script-The-Script/
  10. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/sep/09/the-script-science-and-faith-cd-review
  11. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/script-science-hit-making-video-245227/
  12. https://medium.com/journal-kita/for-the-first-time-by-the-script-is-more-than-just-a-love-song-1603841b3a43
  13. https://www.discogs.com/master/1308315-The-Script-For-The-First-Time
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/11478623-The-Script-For-The-First-Time
  15. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/science-faith-111643/
  16. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/39110/The-Script-Science--Faith/
  17. https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/jr9p/
  18. https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/script-scienceandfaith/
  19. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/13388-the-script-science-faith.php
  20. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-scripts-for-the-first-time-was-number-1-on-the-official-irish-singles-chart-10-years-ago-this-week__30909/
  21. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/script-for-the-first-time/
  22. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-scripts-official-top-10-biggest-songs__34141/
  23. https://acharts.co/australia_singles_top_50/2010/37
  24. https://acharts.co/ireland_singles_top_100/2010/43
  25. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2011-05-21/
  26. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2011-05-28/
  27. https://jaxsta.com/profile/8b644d1a-b9b5-436e-a40e-edc21a99109f/awards
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7724032/
  29. https://imvdb.com/video/the-script/for-the-first-time
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7724032/fullcredits/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMHBTCkqniw
  32. https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2010/08/25/script%25E2%2580%2599s-first-time-charles-mehling/6138
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPEBN2dVNUY
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ_4dcYm1dE
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Rz3vFbnIU
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvH8pxd2eik
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nwfegMmpkY
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6yl8aYOzMU
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56v9VjVm4Ow
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdyp_HWsLMA
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcNvLO9mv68
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnK29A3b3Y4
  43. https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-script-tickets/artist/1290672
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=341vSMO5ISU
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4g836KSL6E
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY1GDTKfsG0
  47. https://www.whosampled.com/The-Script/covered/
  48. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/166796/Machine-Gun-Kelly-Her-Song-The-Script-For-the-First-Time/
  49. https://www.whosampled.com/The-Script/For-the-First-Time/
  50. https://www.tunefind.com/artist/the-script
  51. https://genius.com/The-script-for-the-first-time-lyrics/q/writer
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/8300527-The-Script-Science-Faith
  53. https://music.apple.com/au/album/for-the-first-time-single/387248516
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.