Trouble

Cat Stevens

About Trouble

"Trouble" is a song written by the English singer-songwriter and musician, Cat Stevens, during a period from 1969 to 1970. Stevens was recovering during what amounted to nearly a year of convalescence, after being diagnosed with a collapsed lung and tuberculosis. He spent three months in King Edward VII Hospital, Midhurst, England, transferring afterward to another nine months of bedrest at home. Stevens, who was near death at the time he was admitted in the hospital, used the time he was recuperating for contemplation, and wrote dozens of songs, including "Trouble", many of which were recorded much later. When he was hospitalized, Stevens was often alone in a very spare and plain room. He was told that at the time he was admitted, he had perhaps only a few weeks of life left in him. The effect on the 19-year-old pop star was pronounced. He said, "To go from the show business environment and find you are in hospital, getting injections day in and day out, and people around you are dying, it certainly changes your perspective. I got down to thinking about myself. It seemed almost as if I had my eyes shut." The song itself shows Stevens switching from heavily orchestrated pop music to a folk-rock emphasis. 


Year:
2010
2:49
46 

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Trouble 
Oh trouble, set me free 
I have seen your face 
And it's too much, too much for me 

Trouble 
Oh trouble, can't you see 
You're eating my heart away 
And there's nothing much left of me 

I've drunk your wine 
You have made your world mine 
So won't you be fair 
So won't you be fair 

I don't want no more of you 
So won't you be kind to me 
Just let me go where 
I'll have to go there 

Trouble 
Oh trouble, move away 
I have seen your face 
And it's too much for me today 

Trouble 
Oh trouble, can't you see 
You have made me a wreck 
Now won't you leave me in my misery 

I've seen your eyes 
And I can see death's disguise 
Hangin' on me 
Hangin' on me 

I'm beat, I'm torn 
Shattered and tossed and worn 
Too shocking to see 
Too shocking to see 

Trouble 
Oh trouble, move from me 
I have paid my debt 
Now won't you leave me in my misery 

Trouble 
Oh trouble, please be kind 
I don't want no fight 
And I haven't got a lot of time

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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


10 facts about this song

Release and Response
"Trouble" by Cat Stevens was released in 1970 on the album "Mona Bone Jakon." Despite not being a single, the song gained widespread popularity and is still celebrated today.
Meaning
The song reflects a period in Stevens's life when he was recovering from tuberculosis and a collapsed lung. This experience led him to explore themes of mortality, spirituality, and humanities, which is apparent in this song.
Covers
The song has been covered by several artists, including Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Kristin Hersh.
In Film
It was featured prominently in the film "Harold and Maude," where its poignant lyrics added depth to the movie’s plot.
Name Change
After converting to Islam in 1977, Cat Stevens changed his name to Yusuf Islam. Despite his change in religious beliefs and lifestyle, "Trouble" remains a key piece in his discography.
Lyrics
The song lyrics convey a profound sense of longing and struggle, which resonate with many listeners. They understand this song as a plea for help when facing difficult times.
Music Composition
"Trouble" showcases the simplicity and beauty of Stevens’s composition. The song largely consists of him and his acoustic guitar, allowing the raw emotion of his lyrics to shine through.
Album Success
"Mona Bone Jakon," the album on which "Trouble" was featured, marked a turning point in Stevens's career. After its release, he rapidly became a major star in the early 1970s singer-songwriter movement.
Popularity
Even decades after its release, the song is still popular. It has gained over 27 million streams on Spotify as of 2021.
Legacy
Despite his name change and subsequent move to more religious-themed music, Cat Stevens's early work, particularly "Trouble," continues to be highly regarded for its emotive power and beautiful simplicity.

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