In this song, I believe (Yusuf) Cat Stevens is singing to a woman he yearns for in a Human form. On another level, he may be singing, aware or unaware, to the Divine Feminine. In either case, the object of Stevens’ love is unattainable in the present. Yet, I further believe, that the admirer (Stevens) continues to yearn for his beloved in the hope that he will, one day, meet her. In this sense, the song is hopeful rather than despairing.
However one interprets “How Can I Tell you,” I feel that the song is filled with incredible beauty that shines through.
And thank you, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), for your always beautiful, wise, and inspiring music. Here's my cover.
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://davidgittlin.net/2022/02/16/time-after-time/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/david-gittlin/message
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