Cat Stevens' Father And Son: A Personal Reflection

August 22, 2025 00:03:44
Cat Stevens' Father And Son: A Personal Reflection
Heart Banter by David Gittlin
Cat Stevens' Father And Son: A Personal Reflection

Aug 22 2025 | 00:03:44

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Show Notes

"Father and Son" is a song about the age-old story where the father’s vision for his son does not align with his son’s dreams for the future. Cat Stevens refurbishes the story with his unique and beautiful phrasing in the lyrics and melody.

It has taken me some time to warm up to this song due to the violent rift I had with my father regarding my future. My Dad passed away in 2006, and now, in my older years, I can see and appreciate the opportunities he gave me. I am at peace with the relationship, and I am inspired by my father's accomplishments.

You might think this song pertains to Cat Stevens' struggles with his father, but that is not the case. His father owned a Greek restaurant, and like all fathers, wanted his son to join the business. Stevens, of course, had vastly different ideas. Wisely, his father never stood in the way of his son's dreams.

Stevens wrote this song, imagining a Russian father and son differing about the son's future. "Father and Son" was originally planned as part of a stage play. The project never saw the light of day. Stevens eventually released the song on his "Tea for the Tillerman" album.

Here's my cover.

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Episode Transcript

[00:00:12] It's not time to make a change. [00:00:15] Just relax and take it easy. You're still young, that's your fault. [00:00:23] There's so much you have to know. [00:00:27] Find a girl, settle down. [00:00:31] If you want you can marry. [00:00:34] Look at me. [00:00:36] I am old, but I'm happy. [00:00:41] I was once like you are now. [00:00:45] And I know that it's not easy when you come when you found something going on. [00:00:56] But take your time, think a lot why think of everything you've got. [00:01:03] For you will still be here tomorrow. [00:01:07] When your dreams may not. [00:01:16] How can I try to explain? [00:01:20] When I do, it turns away again. [00:01:23] And it's always been the same. The same old story. [00:01:31] From the moment I could talk, I was order to listen. Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away. [00:01:45] I know that I have to go. [00:02:07] Sam. [00:02:33] It's not time to make a change. [00:02:37] Just sit down and take it slowly. [00:02:41] You're still young, that's your fault. [00:02:44] There's so much you have to go through. [00:02:48] Find a girl, settle down if you want, then you can marry. Look at me. [00:02:57] I am old, but I'm happy. [00:03:02] All the times that I crying, keeping all the things I knew inside. And it's hard, but it's harder to ignore it. [00:03:16] If they were right, I'd agree. [00:03:20] But it's them, they know not me. Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away. [00:03:31] I know I have to go. [00:03:37] Sam.

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