♫ Peace Train ♫

Posted on by under music, Racism & Bigotry, Social commentary

A National Remembrance Service for the victims of the Christchurch mosques terrorist attack, and all those affected by it, was held this morning.  Yusuf Islam, better known to the world as Cat Stevens, performed his 1971 song, Peace Train, and I cannot think of a more appropriate song for the solemn occasion.

yusuf-islam

Yusuf Islam – 29 March 2019

One of my readers, Anne, suggested it might be a good song for my music post, and I fully agree.  Thank you, Anne, for this perfect suggestion.

Prior to performing, he delivered a short speech, dedicating his appearance “to the families who lives were snatched away in that evil carnage while they were worshipping in the mosque two weeks ago,  To those shining souls whose lives were snatched away in that moment of madness may peace be upon them. Peace in this world may take a bit longer.”

Peace Train
Cat Stevens

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

Songwriters: Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam
Peace Train lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management

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22 thoughts on “♫ Peace Train ♫”

  3. Hello Jill. A grand thoughtful song for the time we live in. I love the songs he sings. I have several of his albums. I am heading off to bed now and I think you have inspired me to let his voice lead me into dreamland. Be well. Hugs

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Great song and words…he had an unusual voice and style. I remember him well, as I grew up in the late 60s and 70s.
    So sad…the promise of social justice and fairness for all is just a dream now…just like he says..

    Liked by 4 people

  9. I still find this one of the most jarring, disjointed songs I know but I still love the sentiments behind it and wish the peace train would get together with the O’Jays Love Train and start rolling again.
    Cwtch

    Liked by 3 people

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