Peace Train

Cat Stevens

About Peace Train

"Peace Train" is a 1971 song by Cat Stevens, taken from his album Teaser and the Firecat. The song climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the week of October 9, 1971, becoming Stevens' first US Top 10 hit. The song also spent three weeks at No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart. It is also featured on The Very Best of Cat Stevens compilation album. He re-recorded the song for War Child in 2003. In a 1970s concert he introduces the song with the revelation that he wrote the song whilst on a train, and was thinking about Alfred Hitchcock, no doubt reflecting the fact that many of Alfred Hitchcock's film plots were set on trains. Pop songs with messages of peace were common in the Vietnam War era, and "Peace Train" was preceded by "Give Peace a Chance" in 1969. Not everyone found Cat Stevens's peace-themed song convincing, however. Robert Christgau criticized "Peace Train's" message in his November 1972 Newsday review of a concert by Stevens at the New York Philharmonic Hall: "I don't mind when Johnny Nash sings a charming ditty about how things are getting better, but when Stevens informs the world that we're all on a peace train, I get annoyed. We're not, and if Stevens ever stops shaking his head long enough to see clearly for a second, he might realize it."Cat Stevens later converted to Islam, changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and reduced his public appearances, but during the Iraq War he commented on the song's renewed relevance, saying: "'Peace Train' is a song I wrote, the message of which continues to breeze thunderously through the hearts of millions. There is a powerful need for people to feel that gust of hope rise up again. As a member of humanity and as a Muslim, this is my contribution to the call for a peaceful solution."Following the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the song was placed on the list of post-9/11 inappropriate titles distributed by Clear Channel. Yusuf Islam performed the song live at the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Concert ceremony when Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh received the award. The interlude during the song where the background singers chant "Kumbayaba" was removed for this version. He also performed the song as part of a comedic skit at Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity, and at the New Zealand national remembrance service for the Christchurch mosque shootings, held at Hagley Park on 29 March 2019. 


Year:
1971
4:11
89 

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Now I've been happy lately
Thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun
Oh, I've been smiling lately
Dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday it's going to come

'Cause I'm on the edge of darkness
There ride the Peace Train
Oh, Peace Train take this country
Come take me home again

Now I've been smiling lately, 
Thinkin' about the good things to come
And I believe it could be, 
Something good has begun

Oh Peace Train sounding louder
Glide on the Peace Train
Come on now Peace Train
Yes, Peace Train holy roller

Everyone jump upon the Peace Train
Come on now, Peace Train

Get your bags together, 
Go bring your good friends, too
'Cause it's getting nearer, 
It soon will be with you

Now come and join the living, 
It's not so far from you
And it's getting nearer, 
Soon it will all be true

Oh Peace Train sounding louder
Glide on the Peace Train
Come on now Peace Train
Peace Train

Now I've been crying lately, 
Thinkin' about the world as it is
Why must we go on hating, 
Why can't we live in bliss

'Cause out on the edge of darkness, 
There rides a Peace Train
Oh Peace Train take this country, 
Come take me home again

Oh Peace Train sounding louder
Glide on the Peace Train
Come on now, Peace Train
Yes, Peace Train holy roller

Everyone jump upon the Peace Train
Come on, come on, come on
Yes, come on, peace train
Yes, it's the peace train

Come on now, peace train
Oh, peace train

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Cat Stevens

Yusuf Islam (born Steven Demetre Georgiou, 21 July 1948), commonly known by his former stage name Cat Stevens, is a British singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, educator, philanthropist, and prominent convert to Islam. more »

14 fans

Written by: Yusuf Islam

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Release Information
"Peace Train" is a song by Cat Stevens, released on his 1971 album "Teaser and the Firecat.
Chart Performance
The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Stevens' first top 10 hit in the United States.
Popular Recognition
In December 1971, it was recognized by Billboard Magazine as an easy listening “number-one” hit.
Relevance
The song still stands as a powerful anthem for peace, encouraging people across generations to seek harmony over conflict.
Unique Sound
Unlike many of his previous songs which were folk-influenced, "Peace Train" has a distinct pop-rock sound.
Lyrics Significance
The song’s lyrics refer to a metaphorical train that will take us to peace, intending for everyone to hop on and accompany him on this journey.
Song Interpretation
Critics often interpret the song as a reflection of Stevens' own spiritual journey towards Islam.
Impact on Audiences
The song was widely appreciated during the Vietnam War period and is still loved by audiences as a peace anthem.
Live Performances
Cat Stevens, who later changed his name to Yusuf Islam after converting to Islam, often performs the song during live concerts, continuing to spread its powerful message of peace.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists throughout the decades, including Richie Havens, Dolly Parton, and 10,000 Maniacs, showing its enduring appeal.
Yusuf's Views
Yusuf Islam, previously known as Cat Stevens, in an interview, mentioned how he hoped the song would motivate people to realize peace is a better way.
Song's Evolution
The song has also taken on new resonance in recent years, with Yusuf adapting it to address contemporary issues like the refugee crisis.
Halted Performance
After the 9/11 attacks in the United States, the song was one among the list of songs deemed 'lyrically questionable' to be played on the radio by Clear Channel.
Song Revival
The song received a revival when Stevens performed it on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in 2014, highlighting its timeless appeal.
Movie Inclusion
"Peace Train" was included in the soundtrack of the film "Remember the Titans" in 2000, again demonstrating its enduring cultural significance.

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    Peace Train

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #7


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