The song is a conversation between father and son. Cat Stevens uses different pitches to reflect the two. The son wants to leave home or go away somewhere.
The lower voiced Father is telling the son he isn't ready to go out into the harsh world. The higher voiced Son is saying he "has to go" and live his own life. Instead of merely "listen" the Son intends to live, whether he makes mistakes of not.
Yeah, I think this is more subtle than it seems to us. I notice that first time listeners to the song in these reaction videos don't tend to pick up on this right away.
Yes it is. An absolute classic from beginning to end. To think he wrote and performed this album, Teaser and the Firecat, and Mona Bone Jakon all within 2 years is just boggling. One of the greatest artists of all time, and not nearly widely enough known.
Cat/Yusef played Glastonbury festival, he said he couldn't believe that so many people came to see an old man sing. He is, I think, 73 years old and still has that wonderful peaceful voice and class. That's why they turned up. An underrated genius
Many emotions here. My ex-fiancée, my true love, absolutely loved Cat Stevens, and would frequently shed a tear when listening to his music. And my dad and I had one of these; he had cancer, and he, I think, knew he was closer to the end than I did. Beautiful song, and thanks for the upload.
Wow. Taking me way back to when they wrote songs with no problem of open expression . Thanks. I visually put together my on video of me and my son . From his first birthday of getting a whole bowl of ice cream, his days in the summer playing little league baseball, high school memories hanging with his boys, the do" s and don't. To college , marriage and making it his turn to teach and learn his own children.
I am 56. Never been a father but can so relate. Both as a grown up and a child. Halfway through the video I knew I had to listen to, "Peace Train" afterwords.
I was 19 when the Tea for the Tillerman album came out with this song among other classics on it - an absolute masterpiece. The musicians and their listeners were all dealing with the challenges of coming of age and this is how we communicated with, stimulated (in the emotional/intellectual sense) and comforted each other. This album was particularly poignant for me and still is. Music was much more than showbiz in those days. Love your channel!
I knew of a teen who was on the cusp of suicide (this was back in the 70s). She happened to come across Tea for the Tillerman, and said she wore it out, and that it had a part in saving her life and going on to be a success.
This song always brings tears 😢 to my eyes. My dad and I struggled when I was a young man. So glad we reconciled and became great friends 😊By the way ,you're the best ANGELA 👌 😊😅
This came out on Tea for the Tillerman. But it was so popular, it was included in 3 later greatest hits compilations. Cat Stevens was asked once if this referred to him, he said unlike many of his friends, he had a very positive relationship with his father. But he knew and understood that many of his friends did not experience the relationship he had with his parents.
This whole album was my therapist during my very troubled teenage years. I have it on CD so that I can listen to it on long drives. Faves? "Miles From Nowhere" and "Sad Lisa". Also "On The Road To Find Out". Oh yeah, "Into White" too
My favorite Cat Stevens song and Tea for the Tillerman was one of the first albums I owned, listen to Sitting, one of the best singer songwriters from the 70’s
Cat Stevens created many perfect songs, including this one. He had an amazing vocal style and was musically adventurous. A true British legendary singer songwriter.
I have been playing this song on guitar/vocals as a duet with a friend of mine for over 30 years. I sing the father parts and my friend does the son parts. In fact, we just rehearsed last night for a benefit we're playing next month for Toys For Tots. To me, the song is about a father who doesn't want his son to move out, telling him that it's not the time to do it and to think about the decision carefully. The son feels that he needs to move on and out so it is about the tension between them over this life-altering decision.
In 2004, Ronan Keating released a cover version of this song... and for one of the "Father" parts, Cat/Yusuf took over. I rarely cry over music... but that did it for me.
Hello @DayOne Reacts love the Reactions mam they are epic epicness. Can I just say that ones Reactions are the stuff of music reaction youtube legends mam. Bravo Mam, Bravo Indeed. One would also like to say thank you mam for this Music reaction lovely jubbyness 😂
I was a music mad teenager when this song came out,it made a big impression on me then,seems weird listening to it now in my 70's,it hits you in a very different way!
Having listened to all his music for over 55 years, this bloke was brilliant, as for the lyrics themselves I've always believed that it's a discussion about the Son irrational decision making over break up of his relationship, and many of his original fans know, we all started out singing the Son's lyrics, and now most will be be singing the Dad's side. My favourite song of his is ' I love my Dog!', I've love it all my life, and I laugh now when anyone keeps posting about loving their dog more than Humanity, I've never thought any other way since I was a kid!
Catch Bull at Four and Tea For The Tillerman were his best records. Must listens: The Boy With The Moon and Stars, 18th Avenue, Wild World, and Where Do The Children Play. He has many more great songs. Saw him live in Memphis, TN in 1976..... a great, memorable show. Very nice reaction, TY.
Cat Stevens (aka "Stephen Georgiou" aka "Usaf Islam") is an epic folk songwriter whose music soothes the soul. Check out his big hits like "Peace Train", "Wild World", "Moonshadow" and "Morning Has Broken" as well as other great tracks like "The Wind" and "Tuesday's Dead".
Yeah, many fathers and sons have had a similar conversation. Your father never thinks that you're old enough and experienced enough to go out in the world; your son thinks that he's being held back and he needs to leave and live his own life.
Actually it is a dialogue between "Father & Son", whereas the calm voice was the father and the voice protesting in angst was the son who feels the need to finally be heard and venture out on his own.
50 K subscribers just down the block - been here for a long time.............good to see others appreciate your honest reactions and your smile.............your smile.............your smile ! Congrats !
As the saying goes: "every generation has to make its own experiences". You can't spare them and you shouldn't try to prevent them from doing so (with one or the other exception)
You MUST review My Lady D'Arbanville..he wrote it for Patti D'Arbanville after she left him ..also Hard headed woman..Wild World..Moonshadow..Mathew and Son..Oh Very Young..I Love my Dog..Peace Train..every single one very different.. absolutely loved Cat Stevens and was literally heartbroken when he stopped recording when ge converted to Islam..
Cat Stevens penned this song from the perspective of a father and son in a Russian family during the Russian Revolution, with the son wanting to leave to join the revolution. The son declares it's his calling to leave for war and his father wants him to remain with the family.
Read some more of your comments below. It's not about a father about to pass. It's a conversation between the father and son. Father wants the son to listen to his wisdom about life, and the son wants to choose his own path, which is different than the father.
Yes, teh dad trying to impart wisdom. But to me the brilliance is the shifting of viewpoints between the two. As a dad, I can totally understand the desire to save my daughters having to learn the hard way some things I've learned. But I also understand the impatience of the son who believes he knows best what he needs, and it's not more words from Dad. Cat Stevens brings both sides to life, not implying that one is more right than the other
This song is about a young mam who wants to leave home to go and participate in the Russian Revolution. It was written intended to be in a play which did not materialise.
There is a poet Khalil Gibran whose book "The Prophet" was given to young people who are getting married, has the same incredible gift Cat Stevens has been given which makes me wonder if Cat is the reincarnation of Kahill. Hope you take a listen to Wild World, Sad Lisa, Bitterblue. Thank you!
A good take. I think the over all point is the child was trying hard to be heard. Saying I have thoughts and desires for my life that don't align with what your vision is for me. Please let me be me. My 2 cents worth.
I believe it was written for a play. The father was trying not to convince his son not to go off with the revolutionaries during the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
This is a very difficult song to understand. There are two voices - the father trying to impart his wisdom, and the son frustrated that his father isn't listening to him. The song was written in the context of a huge generation gap during "the 60s" when the young were resisting the values of their parents. This is not a healthy relationship song.
As much as it’s Cat Steven’s the best version is Rohan Keating and the video with Cat. Also the Song ‘When you say nothing’ and last off a-ha Angel of Snow.
@@johncurtis7186 yeah it peaked at #23 in the Netherlands and they don't even list a U.S Billboard charting at all. Morning has broken would have been a better pick in my opinion which I am entitled too.
@@scottyhotty1003 : It is a matter of opinion, and “Morning Has Broken”, is a wonderful song as well. Still, I don’t think it’s spot on the charts, is a total representation, of whether a song is very good or not.
@@johncurtis7186 I will concede that point partially however I do think in a general way it foreshadows a songs popularity and value for lack of a better word if it has charted top 50. It's a decent barometer, not full proof but gives you an idea the caliber of the music and song the majority of times as nothing is absolute.
@@scottyhotty1003 : Fair point, but just for the hell of it, I googled “Cat Stevens” best songs. “Father an Son”, is usually ranked in the top 5, and in some instances, #1.
Cat Steven's has a great library of hit songs
The song is a conversation between father and son. Cat Stevens uses different pitches to reflect the two. The son wants to leave home or go away somewhere.
The lower voiced Father is telling the son he isn't ready to go out into the harsh world. The higher voiced Son is saying he "has to go" and live his own life. Instead of merely "listen" the Son intends to live, whether he makes mistakes of not.
Yeah, I think this is more subtle than it seems to us. I notice that first time listeners to the song in these reaction videos don't tend to pick up on this right away.
"From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen" - some of the best lyrics ever ❤.
Agreed
My favorite line too.
One of the most criminally under played songs on radio. This song gets to you regardless of your relationship with your parents.
Ooh no ed is it underated😂😂😂😂😂 beautiful song, and always will be but this is 2023 nobody plays this anymore😮
@@Brandi6666 How old are you?🤣
That entire Tea For The Tillerman album is wonderful. Thanks for sharing this one, Angela. 🙂
A great soundtrack for the movie classic Harold & Maude.
@@musicairplanes4884 Love that movie! 😀
Yes it is. An absolute classic from beginning to end. To think he wrote and performed this album, Teaser and the Firecat, and Mona Bone Jakon all within 2 years is just boggling. One of the greatest artists of all time, and not nearly widely enough known.
Cat Stevens is a legendary music icon with a huge catalog of great music..His "Tea For The Tillerman" album is an absolute MUST OWN.
Cat Stevens is awesome. Never a bad song.❤❤❤❤❤
Banapple Gas. Godawful song
One of my favorites. I adore the change in voice when he sings the son's part. So beautiful!
Cat/Yusef played Glastonbury festival, he said he couldn't believe that so many people came to see an old man sing.
He is, I think, 73 years old and still has that wonderful peaceful voice and class. That's why they turned up.
An underrated genius
The trick is resist the pressure to refine the spark out of a true thing. One walks a very fine line.
He had a lot of great songs!
My favorite was Morning Has Broken.
Wild World, Sad Lisa, are also absolutely beautiful tunes.
@jon brooks5246
How Can I Tell You
from TEASER AND THE FIRECAT
Blue-qr7qe,
Agreed, the whole album is incredible!
Agree. Absolutely majestic and uplifting. It's the music of Eden to me.
Many emotions here. My ex-fiancée, my true love, absolutely loved Cat Stevens, and would frequently shed a tear when listening to his music. And my dad and I had one of these; he had cancer, and he, I think, knew he was closer to the end than I did. Beautiful song, and thanks for the upload.
Wow. Taking me way back to when they wrote songs with no problem of open expression . Thanks. I visually put together my on video of me and my son . From his first birthday of getting a whole bowl of ice cream, his days in the summer playing little league baseball, high school memories hanging with his boys, the do" s and don't. To college , marriage and making it his turn to teach and learn his own children.
I have always enjoyed Cat Stevens. This was wonderful to hear again. 😊
I am 56. Never been a father but can so relate. Both as a grown up and a child.
Halfway through the video I knew I had to listen to, "Peace Train" afterwords.
This is my favorite Cat Stevens song.
I was 19 when the Tea for the Tillerman album came out with this song among other classics on it - an absolute masterpiece. The musicians and their listeners were all dealing with the challenges of coming of age and this is how we communicated with, stimulated (in the emotional/intellectual sense) and comforted each other. This album was particularly poignant for me and still is. Music was much more than showbiz in those days. Love your channel!
I knew of a teen who was on the cusp of suicide (this was back in the 70s). She happened to come across Tea for the Tillerman, and said she wore it out, and that it had a part in saving her life and going on to be a success.
Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam is a wonderful person. He has so many great songs.
This song always brings tears 😢 to my eyes. My dad and I struggled when I was a young man. So glad we reconciled and became great friends 😊By the way ,you're the best ANGELA 👌 😊😅
my favorite song by Cat Stevens is called "If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out!"... I basically grew up hearing it once in a while.
This came out on Tea for the Tillerman. But it was so popular, it was included in 3 later greatest hits compilations. Cat Stevens was asked once if this referred to him, he said unlike many of his friends, he had a very positive relationship with his father. But he knew and understood that many of his friends did not experience the relationship he had with his parents.
Honesty and emotion. You summed up Cat Stevens so well!
All of the early Cat Steven's is great. Good reaction
Also love Morning Has Broken.
This whole album was my therapist during my very troubled teenage years. I have it on CD so that I can listen to it on long drives. Faves? "Miles From Nowhere" and "Sad Lisa". Also "On The Road To Find Out". Oh yeah, "Into White" too
Tea for the Tillerman is one of my favorite albums. It is on YT. Y'all should que it up.
My favorite Cat Stevens song and Tea for the Tillerman was one of the first albums I owned, listen to Sitting, one of the best singer songwriters from the 70’s
Truly one of the greatest and most arresting songs.
lovely song always loved it. great reaction.
Yusuf (cat) is simply a beautiful human being. If only everyone had his soul
Always brings a tear to my eye.
Cat got me thru a lot of all night study, cram sessions in college, back in the day
Cat Stevens created many perfect songs, including this one. He had an amazing vocal style and was musically adventurous. A true British legendary singer songwriter.
Great reaction!
I have been playing this song on guitar/vocals as a duet with a friend of mine for over 30 years. I sing the father parts and my friend does the son parts. In fact, we just rehearsed last night for a benefit we're playing next month for Toys For Tots. To me, the song is about a father who doesn't want his son to move out, telling him that it's not the time to do it and to think about the decision carefully. The son feels that he needs to move on and out so it is about the tension between them over this life-altering decision.
In 2004, Ronan Keating released a cover version of this song... and for one of the "Father" parts, Cat/Yusuf took over. I rarely cry over music... but that did it for me.
That attitude when you shushed that damn bug. You, go girl!
this one will make you break down and cry.
Hello @DayOne Reacts love the Reactions mam they are epic epicness. Can I just say that ones Reactions are the stuff of music reaction youtube legends mam. Bravo Mam, Bravo Indeed. One would also like to say thank you mam for this Music reaction lovely jubbyness 😂
still one of my alltime favorites!
Wonderful song. Have you heard his, ''Morning has broken?''.
Timeless classic.
I was a music mad teenager when this song came out,it made a big impression on me then,seems weird listening to it now in my 70's,it hits you in a very different way!
Its great!
Having listened to all his music for over 55 years, this bloke was brilliant, as for the lyrics themselves I've always believed that it's a discussion about the Son irrational decision making over break up of his relationship, and many of his original fans know, we all started out singing the Son's lyrics, and now most will be be singing the Dad's side.
My favourite song of his is ' I love my Dog!', I've love it all my life, and I laugh now when anyone keeps posting about loving their dog more than Humanity, I've never thought any other way since I was a kid!
Catch Bull at Four and Tea For The Tillerman were his best records. Must listens: The Boy With The Moon and Stars, 18th Avenue, Wild World, and Where Do The Children Play. He has many more great songs. Saw him live in Memphis, TN in 1976..... a great, memorable show. Very nice reaction, TY.
Tea for the Tillerman is a work of art
There's a pic online with Cat Stevens & Hendrix together . Cat Stevens had opened for Hendrix that night.
This song is incredibly moving
You were exactly spot on x
Just a kiss. LG
You're absolutely adorable.
Cat Stevens (aka "Stephen Georgiou" aka "Usaf Islam") is an epic folk songwriter whose music soothes the soul. Check out his big hits like "Peace Train", "Wild World", "Moonshadow" and "Morning Has Broken" as well as other great tracks like "The Wind" and "Tuesday's Dead".
Yeah, many fathers and sons have had a similar conversation. Your father never thinks that you're old enough and experienced enough to go out in the world; your son thinks that he's being held back and he needs to leave and live his own life.
Actually it is a dialogue between "Father & Son", whereas the calm voice was the father and the voice protesting in angst was the son who feels the need to finally be heard and venture out on his own.
50 K subscribers just down the block - been here for a long time.............good to see others appreciate your honest reactions and your smile.............your smile.............your smile ! Congrats !
His songs are spiritual.
As the saying goes: "every generation has to make its own experiences". You can't spare them and you shouldn't try to prevent them from doing so (with one or the other exception)
There's a video that goes along with the song that has to be watched
Mine too.no contest.
A fantastic coming of age song.
Check out "Wild World", "Peace train" and "Morning has broken." All beautiful songs.
Listen also to "She's Leaving Home" by the Beatles and to "Dialogue (Part I & II)" by Chicago.
You MUST review My Lady D'Arbanville..he wrote it for Patti D'Arbanville after she left him ..also Hard headed woman..Wild World..Moonshadow..Mathew and Son..Oh Very Young..I Love my Dog..Peace Train..every single one very different.. absolutely loved Cat Stevens and was literally heartbroken when he stopped recording when ge converted to Islam..
I will never go😮
Its wild how much Cat Stevens looks like a younger Alan Rickman
Cat Stevens penned this song from the perspective of a father and son in a Russian family during the Russian Revolution, with the son wanting to leave to join the revolution.
The son declares it's his calling to leave for war and his father wants him to remain with the family.
have you tried ' watership down'??
Read some more of your comments below. It's not about a father about to pass. It's a conversation between the father and son. Father wants the son to listen to his wisdom about life, and the son wants to choose his own path, which is different than the father.
Checkout his “Teaser and the Firecat” album. You won’t be disappointed! Cheers
Yes, teh dad trying to impart wisdom. But to me the brilliance is the shifting of viewpoints between the two. As a dad, I can totally understand the desire to save my daughters having to learn the hard way some things I've learned. But I also understand the impatience of the son who believes he knows best what he needs, and it's not more words from Dad. Cat Stevens brings both sides to life, not implying that one is more right than the other
Gee, I think Cat Stevens would take that as a compliment from you! 🤣
This song is about a young mam who wants to leave home to go and participate in the Russian Revolution. It was written intended to be in a play which did not materialise.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😃😍
Angela.... A great song from a great album... In your life you need Tea For The Tillerman... You'll thank me later...
There is a poet
Khalil Gibran whose book "The Prophet" was given to young people who are getting married, has the same incredible gift Cat Stevens has been given which makes me wonder if Cat is the reincarnation of Kahill. Hope you take a listen to Wild World, Sad Lisa, Bitterblue.
Thank you!
ronan keaton does a version of this beautiful tune
It would be of great benefit to you to listen to Sad Lisa, and Wild World.
A good take. I think the over all point is the child was trying hard to be heard. Saying I have thoughts and desires for my life that don't align with what your vision is for me. Please let me be me. My 2 cents worth.
This song is about a guy who sees his friend, Jude, and says "Hi.". Oh wait. I am confused. I'm thinking of "Hi Jude".
I believe it was written for a play. The father was trying not to convince his son not to go off with the revolutionaries during the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
maybe listen to Patches by Clarence Carter .
Imparting wisdom yes but not anticipating death, just the usual attempt by a parent to communicate with his son in order to help him.
Check out
Hiw Can I Tell You.
Please.
Yes. It's one of the best love songs ever written. From his 1971 album, "Teaser and the Firecat."
@@kirksmith2051
100% agree -
He is a US citizen but was denied entrance to his own country because he became a Moslem...
The land of the free....
Listen to Sad Lisa
Don’t ever forget Cat Steven’s when he became Yusuf Islam (previously known as Cat Stevens), made statements endorsing the killing of Rushdie.
Babe, You are Beautiful. I just had to say it.
This is a very difficult song to understand. There are two voices - the father trying to impart his wisdom, and the son frustrated that his father isn't listening to him. The song was written in the context of a huge generation gap during "the 60s" when the young were resisting the values of their parents. This is not a healthy relationship song.
Please react to Pink’s “Family Portrait” official music video. It is so good.
As much as it’s Cat Steven’s the best version is Rohan Keating and the video with Cat. Also the Song ‘When you say nothing’ and last off a-ha Angel of Snow.
It's a shame he turned Muslim and stopped music. Try peace train.
😂😂 Not one of his best.
This channel drives me insane with the patreons quirky picks no fault of Angela's!!! #canwedotheartistsbestsongsfirst
It is one of his best- you obviously have a “tin ear”.
@@johncurtis7186 yeah it peaked at #23 in the Netherlands and they don't even list a U.S Billboard charting at all. Morning has broken would have been a better pick in my opinion which I am entitled too.
@@scottyhotty1003 : It is a matter of opinion, and “Morning Has Broken”, is a wonderful song as well.
Still, I don’t think it’s spot on the charts, is a total representation, of whether a song is very good or not.
@@johncurtis7186 I will concede that point partially however I do think in a general way it foreshadows a songs popularity and value for lack of a better word if it has charted top 50. It's a decent barometer, not full proof but gives you an idea the caliber of the music and song the majority of times as nothing is absolute.
@@scottyhotty1003 : Fair point, but just for the hell of it, I googled “Cat Stevens” best songs.
“Father an Son”, is usually ranked in the top 5, and in some instances, #1.
Great song he reminds me of Harry chapin