I played this one back in 2018, and as I am thoroughly exhausted tonight, I hope you’ll forgive the redux. I had a new song picked out for tonight, but I simply don’t feel up to digging for trivia, formatting the lyrics, etc.
Cat Stevens, nee Steven Demetre Georgiou, is a British singer/songwriter. I have a confession to make … I did not know he was British! I’ve always loved this song … it is on my ‘walking’ playlist, as it gets me going faster than some and adds a bit of bounce to the steps.
Stevens tells why he wrote the song …
“I was trying to relate to my life. I was at the point where it was beginning to happen and I was myself going into the world. I’d done my career before, and I was sort of warning myself to be careful this time around, because it was happening. It was not me writing about somebody specific, although other people may have informed the song, but it was more about me. It’s talking about losing touch with home and reality – home especially.”
Yusuf Islam – 2008
In 1978, Stevens converted to Islam, changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and abandoned his musical career, saying that it had “becoming a chore, and not an inspiration anymore”. Today, he uses his ongoing royalties for philanthropic works, and has founded several schools and Small Kindness charity, which initially assisted famine victims in Africa and now supports thousands of orphans and families in the Balkans, Indonesia, and Iraq.
There is a considerable amount of controversy surrounding this artist, but this is a post about the music, and not a place to delve into controversy. And so … let us enjoy the music …
Wild World
Cat Stevens
Now that I’ve lost everything to you
You say you want to start something new
And it’s breaking my heart you’re leaving
Baby, I’m grieving
But if you want to leave, take good care
Hope you have a lot of nice things to wear
But then a lot of nice things turn bad out there
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world
I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
You know I’ve seen a lot of what the world can do
And it’s breaking my heart in two
‘Cause I never want to see you sad girl
Don’t be a bad girl
But if you want to leave take good care
Hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware
Beware
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
Baby I love you
But if you want to leave take good care
Hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware
Beware
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world
And it’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
Songwriters: Yusuf Islam
Wild World lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Timeless song.
I watched Yusuf on tv a couple of years back playing his then current material, but he still found time to sing this one.
He’s been through almost three stages, when he came out first he was writing good quality 1960s pop songs with a message like Mathew & Son and I Love My Dog, then he slowed down and produced wonderful songs such as these and followed on into a more spiritual side.
Very talented and thoughtful man
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Indeed, he is both talented and a man of conscience, unlike so many of the world leaders today! I wonder …
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Let us not sully his name and work with such dross.
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Oops … my bad. You’re quite right!
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Make them non-persons
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Exactly!
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Pingback: ♫ Peace Train ♫ (Redux) | Filosofa's Word
Look them up on YouTube. They are amazing.
But Aaron was more famous than his brothers because of his beautiful voice.
Sherrie
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Will do! Thanks!
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Jill, we are huge fans of the former Car Stevens. This is a great song. We also love “Oh very young” and “Peace train,” and “Father and son” (I think that is the title). But, there are so many more. Keith
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I’m glad you liked it! Check out this morning’s song that will post at 11:00 … I think you’ll be pleased!
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Reblogged this on SherrieMiranda1 and commented:
It really is a “Wild World.” Glad this singer/songwriter was able to find a place of importance to him in the world. BUT I can tell you that good songs with important lyrics have been my teachers for 40 plus years!
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Thank you for the re-blog, Sherrie! I’m glad you liked the song … the artist is definitely an interesting person. I also love “Peace Train” and have played it once, but will likely do so again soon … it’s fitting for these times we are living in.
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A great song, but isn’t it strange how things happen. I used to play this a lot and then one Day heard the Jimmy Cliff version., no turning back now. My Faves by Car are Matthew and Son, and Granny which I heard as a b side.
Cwtch
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I did not know Jimmy Cliff covered this song. Where can I find it?
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Try this: https://youtu.be/yLvq-OLUo3w
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It’s on Youtube Sherrie, I hope you enjoy it.
Hugs
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You mentioned the Jimmy Cliff version when I played this back in 2018, and I meant to check it out, but never got around to it. I shall definitely listen to it tonight!
Cwtch
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So, did you? In all your excitement.
Cwtch
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I did, and to my surprise, I really liked it! I think I still like the Cat Stevens’ version better, but I did like the Jimmy Cliff almost as much!
Cwtch
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I spent many an hour listening to Cat’s songs. I always like this one. Thanks, Jill.
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My pleasure! I’ve always loved this one, too.
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Now I want to learn more about him – sounds intriguing!
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Definitely an interesting person!
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I found my autograph from Cat the other day and thought of you Jill I am still searching for the photograph of him with the security guard who fetched him for us after much begging and pleading. He was such a sexy beautiful young man with an old soul.
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OH! A personal connection! I am jealous!!!
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Jill, are you familiar with The Neville Brothers? They are in my novel. Twice.
Aaron Neville is one of the brothers, but he was always out of town when I heard them play.
Sherrie
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Aaron Neville is one of my favourite artists, but I don’t believe I realized he and his brothers had formed a group!
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