Father

Cat Stevens

About Father

"Father and Son" is a popular song written and performed by English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens (now known as Yusuf Islam) on his 1970 album Tea for the Tillerman. The song frames a heartbreaking exchange between a father not understanding a son's desire to break away and shape a new life, and the son who cannot really explain himself but knows that it is time for him to seek his own destiny. Stevens sings in a deeper register for the father's lines, while using a higher one for those of the son. Additionally, there are backing vocals provided by Stevens' guitarist and friend Alun Davies beginning mid-song, singing an unusual chorus of simple refrains. 


Year:
1996
4:08
62 

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Father, oh father,
Hear me if you can.
Is it true what they say,
That life is a dream?
I don't understand
The things that make rain in my eyes;
Are they real or are they lies?

You know I hear so much about you now.
I'd give anything
To go on a little boat with you;
Talk about the scheme of things,
On a little boat with you.

Father, oh father,
Guide me if you can;
Or give me the chance to follow you home.
I am your son, but I wish I knew you
When you were young.
Were you lonely as a boy?

You know I'd give so much to see you now;
I'd go anywhere.
Pick a little stick and walk with you;
Talk about the scheme of things,
On a short walk with you.

Father, oh father.
You give me just a little hope.
I feel something out there reaching for me.
Well here I am,
Won't you take me with you
Out of this maze,
And away from this place?

Because it gets so cold and lonely here.
I'll do anything
To sit on a little rock with you;
Talk about the scheme of things,
On a small rock with you.

Show me, show me, show me the way,
Before they grind me down
And bleach me grey.
Send me power not to be afraid,
And when I close my eyes
Let me see you once in the light.

Father, oh father,
Heal me if you can.
Is it true what they say,
That life is a dream?

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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 »

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Written by: STEVENS

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre
"Father" by Cat Stevens is classified under the folk-rock genre, a fusion of rock music with traditional folk that emphasizes acoustic instruments and meaningful lyrics.
Release Data
The song was initially released in August 1970 as part of the artist’s fourth album, "Tea for the Tillerman."
Name Change
Cat Stevens changed his name to Yusuf Islam in 1977 after converting to Islam. Since then, he has continued to re-record and perform songs from his days as Cat Stevens, including "Father".
Song Theme
"Father" is known for its introspective themes, reflecting on life, growth and understanding between generations. It is the embodiment of Stevens' exploration of spirituality and the human condition.
Album Success
The album "Tea for the Tillerman", which features "Father", was certified multi-platinum by the RIAA, and is considered to be Cat Stevens' seminal album.
Critical Acclaim
The song, along with the entire album, received positive reviews from critics who praised its introspective lyrics and the musicianship of Cat Stevens.
Legacy
"Father" and Cat Steven's wider work from this period significantly influenced the direction of folk music, with many modern folk artists citing Stevens as an inspiration.
Lyrics Composer
The lyrics of "Father" were written by Cat Stevens himself, adding a note of personal connection to the song.
Music Video
No official music video was made for "Father" when it was released. However, the song often features with montages of Cat Stevens’ performances.
Live Performances
Despite his conversion to Islam and a subsequent break from music, Yusuf Islam has revisited his Cat Stevens catalogue in various live performances, much to fans' delight.

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