Cat Stevens - Where Do the Children Play | Lyrics Meaning

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  • Опубліковано 4 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 258

  • @oscartorres4
    @oscartorres4 3 роки тому +44

    Ohh my God.... I'm 52 yrs old and you Mr. have been a great part of my life since I found a 1974 copy of a "Tea for the tillerman" at an aunts house. Thank you for all these years, and the memories that came with them.

    • @janicegodfrey8650
      @janicegodfrey8650 2 роки тому +3

      My oldest sisters were always playing their Cat Stevens albums. They died only 8 months apart at ages 49 and 48. I really miss them and these songs really bring them back to me 💗

    • @cld404
      @cld404 2 місяці тому

      OmG 😲
      Tea 4 Tillerman was my after school fav! I got blessed to indulge in my mom's 70s record collection as an extracurricular activity 😂❤

    • @saibopparaju3061
      @saibopparaju3061 Місяць тому +1

      Womp womp

  • @KCFlyer2
    @KCFlyer2 4 роки тому +145

    I remember in 1970, I lived in Orlando, Florida, which was a pretty small town then. My grandfather was in the hospital for pneumonia. I was only 13 but he looked out the window of his room and pointed to all the concrete. He said "they call that progress". It didn't mean much to me then, but I went back in the late 90's. The orange groves that used to be our playground were gone...replaced by shopping centers and houses. The two lane country road I loved on was a 6 lane divided road. Looking at that, my grandfathers words came back to me. And I wondered - where do the children play.

    • @pink-sapphirediamond1815
      @pink-sapphirediamond1815 4 роки тому

      Yuck

    • @antoninavirduzzo5492
      @antoninavirduzzo5492 4 роки тому +6

      Beautiful

    • @MimiYouyu
      @MimiYouyu 3 роки тому +7

      Your Grandfather was right.

    • @alfr_ruiz
      @alfr_ruiz 3 роки тому +2

      thank you for this, food 4 thought

    • @robertbennie7889
      @robertbennie7889 3 роки тому +6

      "We paved paradise and put up a parking lot"...."There behind the glass is a real blade of grass, be careful as you pass move along, move along."

  • @sarahbarnes1024
    @sarahbarnes1024 Рік тому +4

    Played at my dad's funeral. He loved Cat Stevens and this is the song that really chokes my brother up 😢

  • @SuperKunstman
    @SuperKunstman 4 роки тому +36

    I have ALWAYS loved Cat Stevens and his voice, and songs....Blessings to you, brother.

  • @disastermaster7086
    @disastermaster7086 4 роки тому +94

    Its about the environment, globalism and how the world is changing. The chorus references how far we have come, but also what we risk losing "where do (will) the children play?"

    • @LyricsMeaningXYZ
      @LyricsMeaningXYZ  4 роки тому +3

      Thanks For The Comment Miss !

    • @richardbilodeau
      @richardbilodeau 4 роки тому +5

      Excellent! Thank you! Made me think when I was young in the '70 we lost or crosscountry trails bike because they built shopping center, so must be even worst today! Very bright reading of the song from you Miss!

    • @disastermaster7086
      @disastermaster7086 4 роки тому +5

      @@richardbilodeau you are too kind 😁 im glad u can relate too!! I find it incredible that Cat Stevens' songs r still relevant and incredible listening 50 years after they were released. There are so few artists who can write song like he can 😁

    • @notoriousdip5495
      @notoriousdip5495 4 роки тому +2

      it never used to be this lyric, it was always why, now the "mandela effect has changed it to "WHERE?" it dont even make sense unless cat went pedo, which i see no evidence of

    • @richardbilodeau
      @richardbilodeau 4 роки тому +2

      @@notoriousdip5495 You should go see a psychiatrist! There is something wrong in your head!

  • @sptvler
    @sptvler 4 роки тому +120

    This is relevant today. In fact, the lyrics are almost prophetic.

    • @christinecallanan7245
      @christinecallanan7245 4 роки тому +7

      The children will have their DIVINE RIGHTS honored.
      YOU'LL SEE ❤️

    • @MaVie_IIIariangelaVieira
      @MaVie_IIIariangelaVieira 4 роки тому +8

      Almost all of his songs are prophetic

    • @MaVie_IIIariangelaVieira
      @MaVie_IIIariangelaVieira 4 роки тому +3

      Funny is he lives in Dubai
      A city built on oil and gas
      Btw he became a muslim
      Of course i respect him

    • @albertbryan7132
      @albertbryan7132 3 роки тому +4

      Seems to me this song is about searching for peace in oneself. The answer is children play everywhere. Peace is in oneself. You have to find it in yourself.

    • @MimiYouyu
      @MimiYouyu 3 роки тому +2

      @@albertbryan7132 true, but we need to be in touch with nature aswell..

  • @maggieo6672
    @maggieo6672 3 роки тому +45

    This song becomes even more fitting each decade.. ❤️🎶

    • @raisa_cherry35
      @raisa_cherry35 3 роки тому +2

      😩 yeah

    • @maggieo6672
      @maggieo6672 3 роки тому +1

      @@raisa_cherry35... But not for long!! Please see the wonderful messages of encouragement that Elena Danaan has been sharing. And welcome to a brand new world! Much love to all of you there from all of us here. ❤️🌎🌍🎶🇨🇦

  • @blueoctgal
    @blueoctgal 3 роки тому +20

    Woke up this morning with this in my head.
    It’s almost 50 years old❤️

  • @martinshannon7632
    @martinshannon7632 2 роки тому +5

    Brill song very relevant for today no play areas for kids,, on phone, ipads no face to face conversations, gotta get back to basics bless the children, I am 65 had a bit of a tough life,, nothing compared to children of today, their in my prayers from uk bless x

  • @_Lane_
    @_Lane_ 4 роки тому +26

    This song is more relevant and up-to-date nowadays than when it was released (more than 50 years ago)!!! 😮

  • @laurierainier4600
    @laurierainier4600 2 роки тому +27

    This is Us couldn’t have picked a better song for last nights episode ❤️

    • @alancrafts4223
      @alancrafts4223 2 роки тому +2

      I thought it was Harry Chapin until I heard the words a little better. What a great song. Sad but true.

    • @arainbowseeker
      @arainbowseeker 2 роки тому +2

      Exactly what I thought. A great episode and the perfect song for it.

    • @cadehowell2162
      @cadehowell2162 2 роки тому +1

      I know!!! The last episode tonight was so sad.

    • @runner1984
      @runner1984 2 роки тому +1

      Just seen that episode..Nice song.

  • @suruha2306
    @suruha2306 3 роки тому +7

    Back when this song first came out my brother and I made a 16mm film to this song of our interpretation.
    While filming, one day, we happened upon a class of pre-schoolers being led/helped across the street by several of their teachers - at a very busy intersection. It was perfect!

  • @dukegotpowers
    @dukegotpowers Рік тому +1

    At a time when thousands of classical acoustic guitar enthusiasts were going around carrying their acoustic-guitar on their shoulders all the time and where ever they went…..and playing in many big city -parks
    with some even giving one man concerts….singing and playing the acoustic guitar ….and at the very top there were very few …maybe even less than a handful ….but Cat Stevens stood out for his classical style arrangements and clean-lyrics… …….and I remember often coming home from school and work to get then listening to his “Tea for the tiller man album”……

  • @clairecoveney6036
    @clairecoveney6036 3 роки тому +11

    Love this song. It reminds me of special times. Gentler life.

  • @jvs333
    @jvs333 3 роки тому +9

    I remember in 1971 living in my 65 VW van just aimlessly roaming around, picking up hitch hikers and hitting them up for gas money, listening to this on my 8track cassette tape so many times.

    • @dianequick3127
      @dianequick3127 2 роки тому +1

      This sounds like a really cool memory!

  • @deniseclarke5305
    @deniseclarke5305 2 роки тому +3

    One of my favourite artists of all time. Iconic and so brave to follow his heart. I so hope he is happy. Inspiring. I made so may wrong choices. With age brings understanding. Thank you for your music x

    • @deniseclarke5305
      @deniseclarke5305 2 роки тому

      @Bobby Klein yes, great artist.

    • @deniseclarke5305
      @deniseclarke5305 2 роки тому

      I like so many, I can't choose between wild child and where do the children play.

  • @michaelulbricht9438
    @michaelulbricht9438 2 роки тому +89

    Remember drinking out of a hose. Not wearing seatbelts or shoes. We'd play from dawn to dusk without a care. What happened to us? Peace y'all!

    • @artdeco64
      @artdeco64 2 роки тому +7

      Sitting in the back of a moving truck. Laying in the back of a Station Wagon. At a single digit age being able to walk alone to the store. In fact, at our closest liquor store the owner knew us so well that we - no older than nine years old - could buy beer, wine and cigarettes for our parents. Jesus, could you imagine that now? Actually, I wouldn’t want to. I remember having school assigned smoking areas in high school.

    • @ReclasTube
      @ReclasTube 2 роки тому +3

      Yeah going through a windscreen makes you appreciate seatbelts.

    • @gunnercolt6347
      @gunnercolt6347 2 роки тому +3

      We are still here. We just need to show these young snowflakes how to get it done. I for one will always keep the child in me and any chance I can unleash him it is my soul shining bright again. Never stop having the fun you use too.

    • @alexerhard1198
      @alexerhard1198 2 роки тому +3

      Same memories. Same questions.

    • @adamwehi8418
      @adamwehi8418 2 роки тому +3

      The internet happened and the human race got lazy. We got computers so we didn’t have to write, we got smart phones so we don’t have to visit people. We got teslas so we don’t have to drive. Life is now about being connected but alone

  • @leapinglaura7343
    @leapinglaura7343 3 роки тому +9

    One of the best songs ever written

  • @Mykee1997
    @Mykee1997 8 місяців тому +2

    Even more relevant today, with the net, AI and our runaway technology.

  • @SamuelBrowne-y8o
    @SamuelBrowne-y8o 19 днів тому

    Timeless...for anytime..everything.. thank you Yusuf for sharing your gift with this fckedup world❤❤❤

  • @ThePrincessStardusty
    @ThePrincessStardusty 3 роки тому +13

    2021 brings on much more meaning to this song than it may ever could have. :(

    • @ThePrincessStardusty
      @ThePrincessStardusty 2 роки тому +1

      @Bobby Klein hello, i am a huge fan ? the sadness of today's world makes my heart hurt, esp. for the children of this new world now. :( sad, tragically sad. Cat knew.

    • @robynelizabeth8226
      @robynelizabeth8226 2 місяці тому

      2024 😢

  • @lisafestus8061
    @lisafestus8061 2 роки тому +1

    This is now one of my favorite songs❣️Thank you Kent❣️🥰

  • @harleyrhodesbates
    @harleyrhodesbates 2 роки тому +2

    I think this wonderful heartfelt song may fit to all the kids battling with cancer. God bless their souls and always hoping for a miracle😑✨
    I love kids. May they always be happy and free😘🌷🐻 💖🙏 🌈🌞🦄🦋🐰
    My dad use to play this song while driving out somewhere or when he took me to school. Great times and well done timeless song by Mr. Stevens! Thank you😊❤

  • @PeacefulWarrior-tp4pn
    @PeacefulWarrior-tp4pn Місяць тому

    Love, Love, Love This. Especially with the words written out..Purrrfect ! 😹😻💖

  • @For-The-Birds-88
    @For-The-Birds-88 3 роки тому +7

    Beautiful, straight to my heart 🕊❤

  • @douglaswatters7303
    @douglaswatters7303 8 місяців тому +4

    Do children even play anymore? The reason I ask is because every kid I see is staring at a iPhone.

    • @debbieweber8314
      @debbieweber8314 6 місяців тому +1

      Lol

    • @antipodeanpagan1778
      @antipodeanpagan1778 6 місяців тому

      The good parent make sure their kids have time to be bored. That's where their best ideas happen. It's getting harder and harder to find good parents though

  • @muriellenavarro4910
    @muriellenavarro4910 Рік тому

    Merci Catherine.tu as bercé ma jeunesse.j ai 2 albums de toi.ils sont sacrés ❤❤❤

  • @RobertJohnson-gk2gj
    @RobertJohnson-gk2gj Місяць тому

    Flash back to 7th grade, a song & album that took me away to world of beautiful of sound, words we could never conceive , I learned to play guitar & sing. I remember laying on the floor at my friends house, nobody else home, just playing this record, at total peace with myself and the world.

  • @TeamSmith81
    @TeamSmith81 3 роки тому +10

    In the 70s and 80s children could run freely, bike without fear, generally move around in a safe community. No longer. The concrete jungle has taken over the green space and faster and no sound electric cars will run you over in a NY second. Tell me where do the children play?

  • @MrPolkaParty
    @MrPolkaParty 3 роки тому +10

    Such a powerful song ..... the words will always be relevant ..... I started listening to him in the early 80's

  • @lancesulter7144
    @lancesulter7144 2 роки тому +2

    thinking about this absolutely beautiful song makes me sometimes think about the good old days but I think the lyrics mean about spending the time you have properly and remembering the old days.

  • @hamidachan7392
    @hamidachan7392 4 роки тому +2

    ,,1980s Asked the DJ to play this at the a roller skating rink.The place were to close for.good,which was sad for the children.Love the song.Now 2020 there are new recreation parks for children to play with new equipments.Your songs are age less.❤️❤️💜💜❤️❤️❤️

  • @7alrichardson
    @7alrichardson 11 місяців тому +1

    All up for this. Wow.

  • @parentalalienationischilda1001
    @parentalalienationischilda1001 4 роки тому +31

    44years ago
    The cat knew what was up

  • @ivanvergara3936
    @ivanvergara3936 3 роки тому +5

    Uno de mis ídolos. Parte fundamental de mi vida.

  • @KentWalkerFullCircle
    @KentWalkerFullCircle 3 роки тому +10

    For me, this song means that as technology increases, and mankind builds, expands, and swallows up the planet--that children will have NO place--to 'play' or to even 'dream' perhaps.

  • @thehopsocal3761
    @thehopsocal3761 2 роки тому +2

    They played this song at my hs graduation with pictures of the senior class flashing on a screen...I can still see and more importantly feel that special moment....

  • @lormor7995
    @lormor7995 2 роки тому +1

    Love this song!! Very appropriate for what's going on in our country!! So sad!

  • @sweetlife031
    @sweetlife031 2 роки тому +2

    Heard this on This is Us! 😊👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😁

  • @theskig
    @theskig 3 роки тому +5

    Goosebumps everytime.

  • @bipulchhetri7709
    @bipulchhetri7709 2 роки тому +1

    Always evergreen like I heard for the first time. Long time,my friend

  • @mikepetroff4240
    @mikepetroff4240 3 роки тому +3

    Thanks for brings this masterpiece out on UA-cam, but he sang WHY to the children play not where to the children play.

  • @christopherbray5942
    @christopherbray5942 4 роки тому +14

    Pretty much bang on.

  • @michaelpeterson1482
    @michaelpeterson1482 6 місяців тому +1

    Very thoughtful question.

  • @sylvialane6071
    @sylvialane6071 4 роки тому +12

    Cat Stevens was a prophet.

    • @maryjane1085
      @maryjane1085 3 роки тому +1

      He's actually still alive - and he's still doin' stuff, even musically - so don't write him off too soon yeah...

    • @pedromoreira5977
      @pedromoreira5977 3 роки тому +1

      He is the best.

  • @cadehowell2162
    @cadehowell2162 2 роки тому +1

    This is us brought me here. Watched it from the beginning in 16. I was 15 at the time going into highschool now that the show ended I'm going to be 21. This will always be one my favorite shows. And song

  • @maryjanedobsonmayhew5290
    @maryjanedobsonmayhew5290 2 роки тому +1

    Best family memories. TRUE LOVE.

  • @noscrubbubblez6515
    @noscrubbubblez6515 9 місяців тому

    It was open mike night(min1970's) when a soloist went on stage to play this song with nothing but his own piano accompaniment. 'I know we've come along way-y, we're changing' day to da-ay, bu tell me Why do the children Play-a-ay-ay'? i was rolling with laughter.

  • @kurtism9040
    @kurtism9040 Рік тому +1

  • @montsecasabomasip9864
    @montsecasabomasip9864 3 роки тому +4

    Great genius Cat/Yusuf

  • @marcosantander_taylor007
    @marcosantander_taylor007 3 роки тому +6

    Cada vez que canto esta canción no puedo evitar llorar...pensando y evocando cada palabra y frase...
    Dónde quedó el verde campo para veranear? Dónde quedó la ruta para viajar tranquilos y sin ruidos?
    A dónde se fue el hermoso parque natural para ir de camping y jugar con los hijos y los amiguitos del barrio? ...

  • @sandrahoolahan9391
    @sandrahoolahan9391 2 роки тому +1

    I will always love 💕 him miss these day❣️☮️

  • @ifitsfreeitsforme1852
    @ifitsfreeitsforme1852 2 роки тому +2

    Where do the children play ?
    Hidden from the sun, having imaginary fun, with a digital gun, in a virtual reality.

    • @Idk-dc7hv
      @Idk-dc7hv 2 роки тому +1

      What’s so wrong with that? Let people do what they enjoy. MOST people don’t spend all day on screens, MOST people go outside, and do things, as well.

    • @lindag4456
      @lindag4456 8 місяців тому

      This is true, sometimes i wish the internet had never been invented
      I was 16 in 1970. Now I am 70. I loved Cat Stevens and still have his albums

  • @martinmccaughley4927
    @martinmccaughley4927 3 роки тому +1

    Great song going to check cat steven music out.

  • @AndyJarman
    @AndyJarman 2 роки тому +2

    Childhood and play is where we learn to make a world for ourselves. Where we imagine our lives into being.
    When there's nowhere to dream, when everything's manufactured - where do the children play?

  • @musaaslantas5460
    @musaaslantas5460 2 роки тому +2

    powerfull song and lyrics

  • @demonleg1
    @demonleg1 3 роки тому +3

    Even the ones that have broken through still forget, and that’s the meaning. To remember...

  • @rubenitaferreira3165
    @rubenitaferreira3165 3 роки тому +5

    Adoro tudo isso. minha adolescência e juventude amo tudo isso. 🐛🦋🌻voz saudosa eita saudade massa. 🐛🦋🌻

  • @debbieghostley
    @debbieghostley 2 роки тому

    I always thought it was why do the children play because that was what it always sounded like. I could look at my Tea for the Tillerman album from 1970?

  • @hagithagit1000
    @hagithagit1000 3 роки тому +2

    ❤❤❤ אהבתי מאד אותו אז

  • @shantiduree3036
    @shantiduree3036 2 роки тому

    Yes thanks for being this truth up

  • @diegoguzman2150
    @diegoguzman2150 3 роки тому +1

    Donde jugarán los niños by Maná is good too. ❤️
    Vivir sin aire❤️
    Rayando el Sol. ❤️

  • @joeseward9466
    @joeseward9466 3 роки тому +2

    I wish more people thought like cat Stevens man.

  • @G0KHAN
    @G0KHAN 2 роки тому +1

    #ThisIsUs brought me here ❤

  • @tasnimrahman4946
    @tasnimrahman4946 2 роки тому +2

    Coming from this is us 🌼🌼

  • @richdajess
    @richdajess 2 роки тому

    This song is so good, very nostalgic 😀

  • @siobhanwalsh2167
    @siobhanwalsh2167 3 роки тому +2

    Wise wise words 💜

  • @kimhunt6347
    @kimhunt6347 3 роки тому +3

    Not big on the Mandela effect but I have to admit. I'm sure he used to sing "Jumbo JET plane"

  • @red_white_bread5787
    @red_white_bread5787 4 роки тому +4

    cool i like it
    !!!!!!

  • @TheOrlaf76
    @TheOrlaf76 3 роки тому +1

    Yeah man, Coke and beer and this is epic

  • @jacuesmuller4430
    @jacuesmuller4430 Рік тому

    Very nice song

  • @leehunter1246
    @leehunter1246 3 роки тому +4

    Where does Cat stevens say where in the song? All I hear is him say why. From now on if I sing this song I will sing why not where. Because thats what I hear. I don't know about you

    • @bmac6645
      @bmac6645 3 роки тому +1

      That's just his British accent

  • @kentchambers4468
    @kentchambers4468 2 роки тому +2

    The CAT❣

    • @lisafestus8061
      @lisafestus8061 2 роки тому +1

      This is now one of my favorite songs❣️Thank you Kent❣️🥰

    • @kentchambers4468
      @kentchambers4468 2 роки тому +2

      @@lisafestus8061 You're very welcome❣😘

  • @hamidachan7392
    @hamidachan7392 2 роки тому

    Break back memories.

  • @liberty-matrix
    @liberty-matrix 4 місяці тому +1

    "The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more but have less, we buy more but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge but less judgment, more experts yet more problems, more medicine but less wellness." ~George Carlin

  • @PeterShieldsukcatstripey
    @PeterShieldsukcatstripey 3 роки тому

    Very apt right now.

  • @Fiawordweaver
    @Fiawordweaver 2 роки тому

    Profound more so today. Lyrics of the late 60s and early 70s were addressing our issues and nobody paid attention.

  • @TwitchDeMetaphysical
    @TwitchDeMetaphysical 5 років тому +2

    GEEEEEEEAARR!

  • @OralBrownDrumming
    @OralBrownDrumming 3 роки тому +1

    I don't think kids play anymore but really good question

    • @pinkfloydguy7781
      @pinkfloydguy7781 3 роки тому

      They do just... it’s on 3D grass in a screen, not the 3D grass outside :/

    • @Idk-dc7hv
      @Idk-dc7hv 3 роки тому

      Global warming and pollution, and a pandemic is the reason most don’t. In some places, it’s literally dangerous to go outside because of how bad the air quality is.

  • @jacarojacaro7096
    @jacarojacaro7096 3 роки тому

    Thanks Javier Del Pino

  • @superhet7281
    @superhet7281 2 роки тому

    I remember a blazing hot August afternoon in 2010….I passed by a playground. It was completely empty. I thought of this song.

  • @highliner0093
    @highliner0093 2 роки тому +2

    This is us

  • @slwtgf
    @slwtgf 3 роки тому

    Best ever.

  • @thamarapereira766
    @thamarapereira766 Рік тому

    This is us ❤

  • @siegridmanz7685
    @siegridmanz7685 2 роки тому

    Ich liebe cat

  • @matatudisco
    @matatudisco 3 роки тому +1

    shorty's fulfill the dream

  • @marymcfarland4450
    @marymcfarland4450 2 роки тому

    ...a reminder that progress shouldn't come at the expense of nature...

  • @n40tom
    @n40tom 2 роки тому +1

    Joni Mitchell Big Yellow Taxi
    They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.
    It's all about change my friends , sad to say .

  • @mariaestelamunoz6540
    @mariaestelamunoz6540 3 місяці тому

    Beautiful 😍 Cat

  • @johnbryant8603
    @johnbryant8603 4 роки тому +2

    💔🙏🏽

  • @garymarkham2672
    @garymarkham2672 3 роки тому +2

    He thinks it’s fine building Jumbo Planes and then acknowledges you’ve cracked the sky and scrapers fill the air. 9/11 architect 1970. Many other lyrics about we have come along way etc alluding to his followers have settled in an attack 41 years later but he spells it all out 41 years before the event and then leaves country and changes name.

    • @Idk-dc7hv
      @Idk-dc7hv 2 роки тому +1

      Bruh

    • @n40tom
      @n40tom 2 роки тому

      Get back on your meds . SMDH

  • @kyntyckykobra3300
    @kyntyckykobra3300 3 роки тому

    True

  • @raisa_cherry35
    @raisa_cherry35 3 роки тому

    😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

  • @scmorson
    @scmorson 4 роки тому +1

    No kids at this truck stop

  • @myyoutube887
    @myyoutube887 3 місяці тому

    When All We Want Is Peace with you

  • @darylbenjamin8971
    @darylbenjamin8971 4 роки тому

    Great thinkers

  • @polesapart1795
    @polesapart1795 3 роки тому

    Still listening at 61...

  • @elliottjames671
    @elliottjames671 3 роки тому +2

    Petition to get cat stevens back on acid and mushrooms

    • @pinkfloydguy7781
      @pinkfloydguy7781 3 роки тому +3

      There’s nothing wrong with just being high on reality and God’s love, a lot of great people made the transition :)

  • @denilloper3982
    @denilloper3982 3 роки тому

    Heaven

  • @rebbymwawasi932
    @rebbymwawasi932 2 роки тому

    This is Us sent me here.