@@tonyterryjohnson8603 Understood. I was miffed when he went feral against Salman Rushdie but he has apologised for that bit of his life and I forgive now. We've all grown up.
I'm here because any chance I get to listen to Cat Stevens, I will stop what I am doing and take the time to listen. It doesn't matter that I've probably heard this song 1000 times, and that is no exaggeration. I have been a fan for 50+ years. He is one of my fave singer/songwriters.
His album “Tea for the Tillerman” was unimaginably profound for me in my teens. His voice, his style, his passion just mesmerized me..still does. When he converted, he put away music as per his beliefs and broke my heart. But , now he’s back. Morning has Broken is absolutely a gorgeous, uplifting song..so is Peace Train. Enjoy this musician, Seb, he’s really great! ❤
There's an old saying.... "When I was 18, I thought my father was the stupidest man on the planet. By the time I turned 21, it amazed me how much that old man had learned in 3 years." -Mark Twain.
It took many years until I realized my father was as well read (and became more formally educated after fathering 4 kids). I think I always knew he was pretty smart, but I got to see a more intellectual side he was typically quiet about (some of our shared strong opinions coaxed out much of it).
The ENTIRE "Tea for the Tillerman" album is a masterpiece. Not even an "okay" song in it, all are brilliant. But it's always "Father and Son" that gets me. I cry EVERY TIME. I thought this time I wouldn't, "oh, let me just see what Sebs thinks of it", but by the time of "you're still young, that's your fault" tears were already rolling. Such a simple but POWERFUL emotional song! "Where Do the Children Play?" gets my eyes wet, too.
So right! I still have my very worn vinyl of the album. Even the more benign tracks, like "Into White", are gorgeous. "Miles from Nowhere", a favourite, reminds me of where my head was at when I was 18yo.: "I have my freedom..I can make my own rules..oh yeah..the ones that I choose", though now I'm more like " Lord, my body's..been a good friend..but I won't need it...when I reach the end". Thanks for reminding me of what an inspiring and comforting set of songs this record contains.
My mom's brother was a deadbeat alcoholic who never amounted to anything. He gave me three things as a kid in the late 70ies/early 80ies. A guitar strap, a capo and his vinyl of Tea for the Tillerman. He went away, we don't know where, but he gave me Cat Stevens, which is a gift that keeps on giving. Happy you found the music.
I'm 70. About 5 years ago, my then 20-year-old called and asked me if I knew of this song. I pulled my dusty Cat Stevens songbook out of the bookcase and it fell open to this song because I played and sang--cried--it so much in the 70s when I was the son trying to find his way. I had not sung it for decades. Now I sing it as the father wanting to guide his son. I can't sing it without crying.
I lost my dad just over 40 yrs ago; he was killed in a car accident on the Friday before Fathers Day, and as a 20 yr old , certifiable "daddy's girl" (his only daughter) I was devastated. Now, 40 yrs later, I still struggle with the loss, though as I get older I am comforted by the fact that I am now closer to our reunion in Heaven.
I am so so sorry. I lost my Dad 27 years ago and I still miss him terribly…we learn to live with it ( what choice do we have?) but the pain and absence never goes away. I also am comforted to know that Dad is waiting for me in heaven.
I'm near your age and I was the fair-haired child to my dad. I'm near your age and lost him 18.5 years ago. I feel the same about seeing him on different turf. I do feel that he & my mom (11 years ago) are never more than a thought away. That comforts me. I can't imagine losing him when I was 20. By then, I had gone through a childhood that would result in C-PTSD. He & his love helped me to feel *liked* and worthy and confident while no one seemed to notice I was going through a rough youth (because I was never a problem to anyone but the blooming NPD sharing my childhood room). It will be great and joyous and comforting to be much more conscious of him some day. Talk about debriefing! ;-)
You absolutely chose the best first choice for Cat Stevens. He was always a spiritual searcher and it showed in the poetry of his music. When it came out I was the young one trying to find my way, so sure I knew best what I needed to do. Now I'm the parent watching my own children making their own lives, still concerned but needing to let them fly with their own wings. I've been blessed to live both sides.
I am new to reaction videos. I am 74 and appreciate the young people taking interest in the music of my time. My generation faced many serious problems. I am usually so disallusioned with so many youth or even the 20s and 30s worrying about pronouns and so confused about gender issues. They fail to see that evil actors are trying to brainwash all of us.
Heavens. In my twenties I used to lay on my living room floor listening to his album “Teaser and the Firecat” over and over for hours! I still (75 years old now) remember all the words of his songs! Once I had the joy of experiencing him in concert in a very small venue. Oh YUM, so sexy!
Cat Stevens has a sound and a vibe all his own. Welcome to his world. You picked a very good starting point. Next you should listen to Peace Train, Morning Has Broken, and Wild World.
Cat Stevens was like the guru of the 60s-70s era with songs like this and Peace Train and Morning Has Broken, but my favorite song of his has always been Wild World, which is about a girl who apparently broke up with him since on one of his live videos he introduced it as being a song which in his words "I wrote for me;" well he also wrote it for me and it still has a haunting effect on me all these years later.
Two years ago I left a comment concerning this song on Mr. Stevens page. They were heartfelt words and to my surprise he answered my comment. That's the kind of person he is. This song kept me going as a teenager when life was miserable. Stuck between 2 cultures and misunderstood by both, I was a mess. I've asked that it be played at my funeral. It still makes me cry.
Cat Stevens encapsulates the vibe we all lived with back then-- there was more love, more ease, more simple joys... Do a deep dive, his music lifts and sustains. We carry these opportunities within us every single day.
Congratulations on discovering Cat Stevens. There's a lot there for enjoyment and thought. When I was 18, I went on a student exchange to Quebec. Someone had a copy of Cat Stevens' brilliant album "Tea for the Tillerman." The song "Where do the Children Play" absolutely grabbed me. I learned the lyrics then. I could now, fifty years later, sing it for you. (By the way, the covers of his albums are his own paintings). When he converted to Islam, he wanted to be careful about the practice of his faith, so he listened to very conservative advice and gave up music. For years. It broke my heart that he could turn his back on a talent like his. I can only imagine how it felt for him. As I understand the story, years later, his grown children put his guitar back in his hands and asked him to play. He started to cry. Since then, he's been making music and going on tour, but is careful to avoid the rock star's life.
Yusuf "Cat" Stevens is still going strong, aged 76, and still sounds great. I think he's a very underappreciated artist, especially these days. He's been a great singer/songwriter for a very, very long time. He recorded "Peace Train" two years ago, with Playing for Change, and it's a great version and he still sounds great.
Yusef said at his induction to the Rock Hall, that he still has a good voice, and guitar ability, as he gave up alcohol, tobacco years ago -and has only been with his wife. (got a laugh at the ceremony -yet truth) I have several of Cat's albums, and three of Yusef'. A wonderful talent.
My dad died in 2002. I am now older than he was when he died. He never made me feel less than. He'd share his love of 'B' Sci-Fi movies and geology, and we'd work on cars and building furniture. He taught me so many practical things for Life, but he also gave me a sense that I could do anything I put my mind to. Measure twice, cut once, and always keep a spare 10 mm around.
You asked why I'm hear listening. Watching you discover some of the music I always loved is wonderful. Your world expands every time you discover these older songs and it's joyful Watching you.
I love Cat Stevens & especially this song, I was 20 years old when my Dad had a stroke at work, it was me who found him. He never fully recovered & spent 2 years in hospital & the rest of his life in a wheelchair. He passed away when I was 23, but I still remember him now, he still kept his sense of humor even though he was paralyzed down one side & majority of his language was profane due to his condition.. When he did pass away I truly became a man that day and I will always be grateful to the way he brought me up. I am now 68 & my son is 39 we are as close as any Father and son could be.
I am here because one, I love your reactions, but specifically because Cat Stevens was one of my favorite singer-songwriters back in the day when most of the great singer-songwriters burst and filled the skies. His work was up there with Paul Simon and Elton John and James Taylor and Billy Joel and John Denver and Jim Croce and Carly and Joni and... man, that was a time. Wild World, Peace Train, Another Saturday Night, the soundtrack to Harold & Maude... his voice was amazing and his work was impeccable. And then... he was gone. A fascinating guy.
Every one of your comments resonates with me. Your list of favorite singer-songwriters is mine as well (except I guess I haven’t listened to enough Joni yet to include her.) Thanks for summing up my thoughts so accurately 😊💐
I'm 76. And I feel so much joy whenever I see someone else discovering and appreciating Cat Stevens. I've probably listened to this song a few thousand times, and remember and respect my dad more each time I hear it. This song makes my spirit soar.
Cat Stevens, UK's awesome singer-musician-songwriters legal name is Yusuf Islam (born Steven Demetre Georgiou; 21 July 1948) He is still touring as of 2023 with a catalog of great songs. Thank you for reacting to only this one.
I’m glad you choose to read a bit of background about the songs you react to. On some channels the point of the song goes right over their head. Cat Stevens was huge for a time-unique voice.
My sister had the album "Tea for the Tillerman" and that is how I was introduced to his music, I loved when she would play that ~ the whole album. Beautiful music
Cat Stevens is an amazing singer/songwriter. All of his music makes you feel something. This song was written from the perspective of Father and Son, the lower voice is the father and the higher voice is the son. Also check out Peace Train, First Cut is the Deepest and Moonshadow to name a new.
Cat Stevens was one of the artists that was played in unaffiliated campus coffee houses with black lights, neon painted posters, candles, industry spool tables, beanbag chairs, and low sofas. Oh, the late sixties and early seventies, as the father said in this song, we had the rest of our lives ahead of us.
I lost my dad when I was a young child, so this song has always had a deep effect on me. I love it so much. You may think your parents will be there, but there is no guarantee. Now I’m a grandmother. I try to make good memories for my kids and grandkids. No matter what. Just love them. Your parents, your kids, your grandkids. Love them. I know my dad loved me.
I have loved this artist since the 80s, when my parents introduced me to him. Wild World, Moonshadow, Morning Has Broken, and Oh Very Young are all amazing.
I was pregnant with my first child when this came out. My son is almost 50 now and we still sing it together and I cry every time! It's very deep. The whole album, like so many from the time, is very deep and meaningful!
Cat Stevens was a viral hit maker before "viral" was a thing. "Morning Has Broken" "Peace Train" "Father and Son" "Wild World" "Lady D'Arbanville" "I'm Being Followed by a Moon Shadow" and others were heard on radio in the early '70's and his albums were great listens, from beginning to end. "Tea for The Tillerman" "Catch Bull at Four" "Teaser and the Fire Cat." When I was stationed in Germany with the US Air Force I went to his concert, in Frankfurt, in 1976 and he was amazing. His voice is quite unique. As I understand it he nearly drowned in the late '70's and his brother gave him a copy of the Koran. Afterwards he converted to Islam. He has written children's books and has been doing great philanthropic efforts for many decades.
When I was young back in the 70’s.. I traveled across America with my guitar and backpack…I was in love with Cat Steven’s… and father and son and wild world where my most requested songs to play for spare change along the way…Cat Steven’s voice is magical and his music is timeless💖
I recently lost my dad a couple minutes ago. It’s hard but it’s very comforting that he’s with God and my departed sister, his daughter. The circle of life is really difficult for those left behind, but if you’re lucky enough to have love from the people who have moved on they never really leave you, you will see them again when your time comes.
I am 68 and I love seeing young people explore the music i grew up with, I also like listening to new artist so i watch reaction videos to learn new things.
Excellent songwriter and there's something about his voice that I found comforting once familiar. He has also done some cool musical contributions along with other artists. The theme I recall was peace. He's still a pretty cool guy.
I'm really enjoying you folks experiencing our music for the first time. It's kind of nice to not be dissed or blamed for stuff as a "stupid Boomer." We invented a lot of stuff, had great music, started the climate change movement, lots more. And we don't claim to be the greatest generation.
I’m as Cat Steven’s exploded onto the music scene in the uk in the 70’s. I shared a flat in a hippy suburb in Glasgow Scotland me and my friends financing the rent by running two jobs. On a Saturday we’d maybe get a bottle of wine or go and drink some beers rarely score something else. We had no extra cash apart from surviving cash. We shared around 6 vinyls and played them an old record player. Teaser and the Firecat by Cat was on it. Us girls were intrigued by the good looks of the foreign guys and he was one! His lyrics spoke to us, on this the divide between generations. The swinging 60’s are a myth perpetrated by the rich London scene. It never reached us Scots.it takes me back to those days of learning about life, people, love and hardship. I’d just like to add the uk was and still is split very much so between the rich and the rest of us they have dictated since 1945. I want you to realise we are not or have never been a democracy. We are ruled by false queens, kings and despite some early politicians introducing the Health Service and benefits to those in need we’ve been crying. Our escape being creatives lies with mainly music. And joined with other talents has kept us just always looking to hope. This song alludes to advice and hope for his son.
He recently made a new version of this song. He used de original recording of himself for the son's voice and his actual voice for the father's voice. Just beautiful.
I came to listen to this video is because I loved listening to Cat Stevens when I was in my late teens and early 20s. When Cat was young (and I was) our fathers weren't always supportive because they were brought up in such a different time, with fathers who weren't raised to "understand" or even try to understand, their children. My dad said once that he only owed us food and clothing until we could live on our own. That comment taught me a lot about the huge generational difference between us. I think that's what Cat Stevens is singing about here. This was a time of social unrest, the Vietnam, war and the civil rights movement. I think Cat Stevens wanted to get involved in some of these things and whatever else was going on in England and the world. This is just my 2 cents. I still listen to his music. Thanks for listening to him.
Yes, yes. There was such a gulf between young adults and their parents in the 60s; the priorities of each generation were almost incomprehensible to each other. For me, as a 16-year-old when Father and Son was released, it was a song about a young man feeling smothered by his father's expectations, and his own need to be free of them. It was a little surprising to me to hear a bit of that generational gulf again, only with a much different spin than mine and probably a lot of others around my age. We loved our parents, but that detachment was hard for a generation who lived through the Depression and World War II.
I have watched some of your reactions in the recent past, and always enjoyed seeing your appreciation for music that was recorded way before your time. Cat Stevens has always been one of my favorite artists from the 1970s. Some of his other songs are wonderful, he was a an amazing songwriter. Peace Train is another favorite. But I actually love everything he has ever written, and recorded.
Cat Stevens is such an incredible performer and human being. My college boyfriend introduced me to his music and I loved the sweetness and kindness of his music and lyrics. Please listen to more of his music. I think you will enjoy it!
I always tear up and cry listening to this song now that I have two grown sons. This song means different things at different times in my life! So so beautiful!
I watch you from a KNOWING EXPERIENCE...Like God watching his child react, knowing The End from The Beginning❤He Has Seen us take our first breath, Known us from the womb...Watches expectantly our WONDER at each step of the way...its a GLORIOUS perspective you've provided we experience here❤
He has been in my life since I was a child. He offers brilliance, beauty & kindness within his lyrics. Incredible spirit he has. No matter of his life change, her has always offered delightful music to those who will listen. Pretty amazing!
It's 6am and I've been watching reaction videos all night long. It's so awesome to "share" the music I've loved for my whole life with a new generation. Your reactions are priceless!
I'm here because this was one of my husband's favorite songs. His son loves it, too. It's an amazing song. I'm glad my husband introduced me to Cat Stevens. This song was played at my husband's memorial service.
I’m here because I did a search for Linda Ronstadt and your video came up after awhile! 2 hours later I’ve listened to you discover her, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Brown and all my other favorites from the 70’s. So glad we shared all these with our boys growing up. I’ve taken long road trips my whole life with this music. So many great sounds. Thank you!
I come here to watch you and see your appreciation for the music I grew up with. There is so much in the music of the 70's and 80's for you to listen to. Some have great advice and some are just a pleasure to listen to. I especially like the ones you do with Ali so we get a perspective from both of you. thank you so much for being here.
I am 59. As a child in the early 70s I would watch my mother paint...she would listen to Cat Steven's while she painted. I have such great memories of his songs❤.
I witnessed this play out between my husband and my son. It's a normal thing...there are arguments, and finally the young ones feel like they need to move on and become independent, but it can cause some pain along the way. Then, as my son grew older and had his own children, he realized what his father was saying and came to appreciate those words.
It's even more emotional seeing Cat Stevens perform this song now, as he does is as a duet with his younger self: He sings live the father role, and the son role is from recordings when he was young. It's really beautiful to see. Check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ORYscGNuWdE.html
I can see by the prior comments that many watching this reaction also grew up with Cat Stevens in their lives. He was one of my teen idols. His words and music meant so much to me as a young woman. Glad to see you checking this amazing man out. His lyrics are beautiful...as is his voice and music.
Sebs, I like what you’re doing… and us old heads are surfing RU-vid checking out reaction channels because we want to re-experience that feeling of sharing our favorite new music discoveries with friends. In the case of Cat Stevens, there were a group of us across usual friend groups, who found each other because we all were musically attached to Cat Stevens. His songs could be soft & poignant, they could be poppy & energetic, they were often powerful & emotional. There seemed to be a song to fit whatever mood we were in. And Cat’s songs were always told from the POV of someone searching for truth, looking for the light in us and our experience. He is a marvelous rabbit hole for you… and I would guarantee that many of his songs will stick with you forever. I would wish that you could just listen to each of his albums as a whole, rather than one by one by request . His music is very important… and as you, an acoustic player/singer, go through his catalog, you will definitely understand what I mean.
You'll hear that when he sings the words of the father he sings in a deeper voice. The song is about his wanting to run off and chase his dreams while he father is telling him to stay home and live a traditional life. Other great Cat Stevens songs: "Wild World", "Moonshadow", "Morning Has Broken", "Peace Train".
So, I'm here because I wanted to hear both the song and your first reaction to Cat Stevens. Sometimes it's the songs, but sometimes it's the songs and the person/persons reactions to it. Another reason is that JD Souther passed today and it made me sad. The song helped.
Wonder if he’s ever watched the Midnight Special? So much can be learned from that series from the 1973!!! The Jim Croce one just be he died, that was so humbling. Love watching the reactions.
