Father And Son Cat Stevens Cover

This is about a Russian family where the son wants to join the revolution but his father wants him to stay home and work on the farm. Stevens made up the story. The dialogue between father and son hints at Stevens' lonely childhood. The song contains a lyrical trick of verse and chorus sung by different people with different perspectives on the situation. (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England) This was a hit in Europe for the Irish group Boyzone in 1995. Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, was happy that the wholesome group had success with it. This was released as the B-side of Steven's hit "Moonshadow." The producers of the 2001 movie Moulin Rouge wanted to use this in the film and had some of the actors record it, but Stevens would not let them because the racy content of the movie clashed with his Muslim beliefs. Much of the plot was based on the song, and the script had to be rewritten when Stevens refused permission. The song "Nature Boy," sung by David Bowie, was used instead. On The Flaming Lips' 2002 album Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, there is a song called Fight Test that sounds a lot like this. In 2003, the song was released as a single in the UK and got a lot of attention. Faced with a lawsuit, The Flaming Lips agreed to split the royalties from "Fight Test" with Stevens. Yusuf Islam was featured in a recording of this song with Irish tenor Ronan Keating. It was released in the UK as a single in 2004 and charted there. (thanks, Mary - Little Rock, AR) The above from Songfacts Father It's not time to make a change, Just relax, take it easy. You're still young, thats your fault, Theres 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 its 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. Son How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again. Its always been the same, same old story. From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen. Now theres a way and I know that I have to go away. I know I have to go. Father Its not time to make a change, Just sit down, take it slowly. You're still young, thats your fault, Theres 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. (son-- away away away, I know I have to Make this decision alone - no) Son All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside, Its hard, but its harder to ignore it. If they were right, Id agree, but its them you know not me. Now theres a way and I know that I have to go away. I know I have to go. (father-- stay stay stay, why must you go and Make this decision alone? )