How An 18 Year-Old Songwriter Became A Superstar

May 17, 2026 00:02:50
How An 18 Year-Old Songwriter Became A Superstar
Heart Banter by David Gittlin
How An 18 Year-Old Songwriter Became A Superstar

May 17 2026 | 00:02:50

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Show Notes

Cat Stevens wrote “The First Cut Is The Deepest” when he was eighteen. At the time, he had no intention of becoming a worldwide star performer. He sold the song for thirty pounds to P.P. Arnold, a soul singer who lived near him in London. She released “The First Cut Is The Deepest” on her first album. It reached #18 on the U.K. charts in 1967. Eventually, Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow covered the song, making it a major hit in America.

Stevens released his version of the song on his debut album, New Masters. Because he never released “The First Cut Is the Deepest” as a single, the album went largely unnoticed.

Despite his shyness, Stevens’ songwriting and singing burst through to make him an international star in the music industry. I’m using Stevens’ version in my cover.

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Episode Transcript

[00:00:15] I would have given you all of my heart but there's someone who is torn it apart and it's taken almost all that I've got. [00:00:30] But if you wanna to love again Baby I tried to love again But I know first God is the deepest Baby I know first God is the deepest. [00:00:53] When it comes to being lucky, she's cursed. [00:00:58] When it comes to loving me, she's the worst. [00:01:04] When it comes to loving her, she's the first that's how I know worst cut is the deepest Baby I know first cut is the deepest. [00:01:23] I still want you by my side Just to help me dry the tears that I cry and I'm sure want to give it a try and if you want I try to live again maybe I try to love again But I know the first cut is the deepest Baby I know first cut is the deepest. [00:02:36] Sam.

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