Originally recorded by Larry Meredith (1970).
Hit versions by Shirley Bassey (UK #6 1971) and The Carpenters (US #3/MOR #1/UK #18/CAN #7 1971).
From the wiki: “‘For All We Know’ is a popular song written by Fred Karlin, Robb Wilson (Robb Royer) and Arthur James (Jimmy Griffin) for the 1970 film Lovers and Other Strangers, and for which it won the 1971 Academy Award for Best Original Song. It was originally performed by Larry Meredith for the movie soundtrack. Two of the songwriters, Royer and Griffin, were co-founders of the band Bread with David Gates.
“It was heard by Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters during an evening of relaxation at the movies while on tour. Carpenter decided it would be ideal for the duo.
“According to Richard, the oboe intro to The Carpenters’ recording was originally a guitar. They had run into Jose Feliciano (who was a big fan) in a restaurant and he wanted to play on one of their records. They went into studio and that intro was devised by Jose. The next day, however, Richard got a phone call from Jose’s manager stating in no uncertain terms Jose be removed from the recording. Richard essentially did as requested and replaced the guitar intro with the oboe.
“Shirley Bassey’s 1971 cover of ‘For All We Know’ charted first in the UK but that the bigger worldwide hit was released later the same year by The Carpenters.”
“For All We Know”, clip from the movie Lovers and Other Strangers: http://youtu.be/WhBm2Fh3pBY
Shirley Bassey, “Love, Look at the Two of Us” live TV performance (1971):
The Carpenters, “For All We Know” The Andy Williams Show TV performance (1971):