Stewart grew up in the coastal resort town of Bournemouth, Dorset. According to Songfacts, in days of youthful folly Stewart played in a beat group with later BBC DJ Tony Blackburn before moving to the capital to seek fortune and fame.
Having bought his first guitar from future Police guitarist Andy Summers, Stewart traded in his electric guitar for an acoustic guitar when he was offered a weekly slot at Bunjies Coffee House in London's Soho in 1965. From there, he went on to compete at the Les Cousins folk club on Greek Street, where he played alongside Cat Stevens, Bert Jansch, Van Morrison, Roy Harper and Ralph McTell
Although he had his share of the breaks, including a tenure at Bunjees coffee house and a record deal with CBS, life wasn't always easy for the young troubadour; his first serious love affair ended in disaster, and he experienced all the usual insecurities of the stranger in the big city trying to find his way.
In January 1970, Melody Maker named his second release Love Chronicles its Folk Album Of The Year, but in spite of his obviously carving out quite a name for himself, it was not until Year Of The Cat - the single and even more so the monster album - that he really shot to fame.
He emigrated to the United States as his career took off in the mid 1970s, and still lives in California. While studio albums are now few and far between, he still tours extensively in the United States, and, most years, in Europe. Recordings of concerts are often made available through his fan clubs.
Fantasy
Al Stewart Lyrics
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Whenever we'd talk watching the world go by
You don't act in defy with any thing they try to make you say or do.
Here in a warm cocoon, under a dreamy moon
You can be lost as soon as you want to be
And in this ever-changing world of wonder, nothing bothers me
Living here in this fantasy.
Under a dreamy moon, in this warm cocoon
You can be lost as soon as you want to be
And in this ever-changing world of wonder, nothing bothers me
Living this fantasy.
The lyrics to Al Stewart's song "Fantasy" express the idea of preferring imagination to reality. The singer of the song is quoting someone who has told them "I prefer fantasy to reality." This sentiment is repeated throughout the song and is reinforced with imagery, such as being "lost as soon as you want to be" under a "dreamy moon" in a "warm cocoon." The singer also notes that in this "ever-changing world of wonder," nothing can bother them. This suggests that fantasy can be a form of escapism from the stresses and difficulties of reality.
The lyrics can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the listener's perspective. Some might see it as a celebration of imagination and creativity, seeing fantasy as a valuable means of exploring possibilities and expressing oneself. Others might view it more cynically, seeing fantasy as a way of avoiding reality and its difficulties, and potentially leading to an unhealthy detachment from the world. Regardless of interpretation, the song has a dreamy, wistful quality to it that captures the allure of fantasy.
Line by Line Meaning
I prefer fantasy to reality, that's what you said to me
You told me that you like imagining things rather than accepting the real world.
Whenever we'd talk watching the world go by
We used to have conversations while observing the world.
You don't act in defy with any thing they try to make you say or do.
You don't let others manipulate you into going against your principles.
Here in a warm cocoon, under a dreamy moon
We are in a safe and peaceful place under the moonlight.
You can be lost as soon as you want to be
You can escape reality and get lost in your own thoughts whenever you wish.
And in this ever-changing world of wonder, nothing bothers me
In this world full of surprises, nothing can upset me because I am in my own fantasy.
Living here in this fantasy.
I am currently living in my world of dreams and imagination.
Under a dreamy moon, in this warm cocoon
We are still in a cozy and idyllic atmosphere under the moon.
Living this fantasy.
We are both experiencing this imaginary world together.
Contributed by Mia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bill Nelson
This was apparently a bonus track on the 2007 rerelease of Love Chronicles.