How Cat Stevens' Early Song Became A Timeless Hit

October 11, 2025 00:02:38
How Cat Stevens' Early Song Became A Timeless Hit
Heart Banter by David Gittlin
How Cat Stevens' Early Song Became A Timeless Hit

Oct 11 2025 | 00:02:38

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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

[00:00:06] I would have given you all of my heart but there's someone who has torn it apart and it's taken almost all that I've got But if you want I'll try to love again Baby, I try to love again But I know the first cut is the deepest Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest when it comes to being lucky, she's cursed when it comes to loving me she's the worst when it comes to loving me her she's the first that's how I know the first cut is the deepest Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest I still want you by my side Just to help me dry the tears that I cried and I'm sure gonna give it a and if you are not try to love again Baby I try to love again But I know the first cut is the deepest Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest the first cut is the deepest Baby, I know the first cut is the deepest Sam.

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