Father and Son

Cat Stevens

About Father and Son

"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:
2003
3:41
346 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

It's not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to know
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy

I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy,
To be calm when you've found something going on
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you've got
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not

How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again
It's always been the same, same old story
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go

It's not time to make a change,
Just sit down, take it slowly
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to go through
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy

All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it
If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them you know not me
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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

Genre
“Father and Son” is a folk song, falling into the category of popular music genres that combine traditional folk elements with a modern touch.
Artist information
The song was written and performed by Cat Stevens, who is now known as Yusuf Islam after converting to Islam. He is considered one of the prominent figures in folk-pop music.
Release date and album
“Father and Son” was released in November 1970 as part of Cat Stevens's album titled "Tea for the Tillerman".
Song meaning
The song is a narrative lyric told from the perspective of both a father and a son. It's about adulthood, coming of age, and parental expectation, discussing generational conflict and father-son misunderstandings.
Chart performance
Even though it wasn't initially released as a single, "Father and Son" became one of Cat Stevens' most successful songs and was re-issued as a single multiple times in subsequent years.
Inspirational source
The song was reportedly inspired by the 1969 Russian film, "Apelsiny Nichego", which translates to "Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit." Cat Stevens wrote this song while considering a musical adaptation of this film.
Cover versions
“Father and Son” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Ronan Keating, and Boyzone.
Later implications
In 2007, this song was used as part of the soundtrack for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, earning itself exposure to a new generation of listeners.
Live Performance
When Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) reprised the song in a live performance at the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, he chose to sing both the parts of the father and son himself, demonstrating the commingling of both perspectives in himself as an artist.
Accolades
"Father and Son" is considered a classic and has frequently been listed among the greatest songs of all time in various music publications.

Discuss the Father and Son Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Father and Son Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9519616/Cat+Stevens/Father+and+Son>.

    Missing lyrics by Cat Stevens?

    Know any other songs by Cat Stevens? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Father and Son

    25.9M
    165.4K     6,256

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who is the soft voice behind the ukulele version of “Over the Rainbow”?
    A Keali'i Reichel
    B Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
    C Gabby Pahinui
    D Dennis Pavao

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Cat Stevens's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Cat Stevens tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Father and Son

    »