Environmental Concerns In "Where Do The Children Play?"

September 01, 2025 00:03:28
Environmental Concerns In "Where Do The Children Play?"
Heart Banter by David Gittlin
Environmental Concerns In "Where Do The Children Play?"

Sep 01 2025 | 00:03:28

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Show Notes

Many of Yusuf/Cat Stevens’ songs convey underlying messages about childhood and the relationships between children and adults, such as ‘Father & Son’ and ‘Oh Very Young,’ to name a few. “Where Do the Children Play?” is no exception. It becomes increasingly timely with each passing day, given the environmental crisis we are facing.

The song refers to the destruction of natural spaces caused by overdevelopment and industrialization. It asks a fundamental question: What future awaits our children when the spaces where they play are increasingly paved over and polluted? 

“Where Do The Children Play” prompts us to consider the inherent features of the ‘progress’ we are making, as well as Humanity’s impact on planet Earth. Essentially, this beautiful and simple song begs for a balanced relationship between Human Beings and nature.

Typical of a Cat Stevens song, the rhythm is quite unique. Here’s my cover.

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Episode Transcript

[00:00:20] Well, I think it's fine Building jumbo planes Taking a ride on a cosmic train Switch on summer drummer slotin machine get what you want to if you want Cause you can get anything I know we've come a long way we're changing day to day Tell me where where do the children play? [00:01:21] Where you roll on roads for the fresh green grass for your lorry loads Pumping petrol G and you make them long and you make them tough but they just go on and on Till it seems they can't get off oh, I know we've come a long way we're changing day to day but tell me where do the children play? [00:02:07] Hey, hey, hey. [00:02:29] You've cracked the sky scrapers Fill the air Will you keep on building higher Till there's no more room up there Will you make us laugh? [00:02:48] Will you make us cry? [00:02:52] Will you tell us when to live? Will you tell us when to die? [00:03:01] Oh, I know we've come a long way we're changing day to day but tell me where do the children play? [00:03:17] Hey.

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True Colors

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://davidgittlin.net/2022/03/04/true-colors/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/david-gittlin/message

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