Stevens' albums Tea for the Tillerman (1970) and Teaser and the Firecat (1971) were both certified triple platinum in the US by the RIAA. His 1972 album Catch Bull at Four sold half a million copies in the first two weeks of release alone and was Billboard's number-one LP for three consecutive weeks. He also earned two ASCAP songwriting awards in consecutive years for "The First Cut Is the Deepest"; the song has been a hit single for four different artists. Some of his other hit songs include, "Father and Son", "Wild World", "Peace Train", "Moonshadow" and "Morning Has Broken".
In December 1977, Stevens converted to Islam and adopted the name Yusuf Islam the following year. In 1979, he auctioned all his guitars for charity and left his music career to devote himself to educational and philanthropic causes in the Muslim community.Stevens became a convert to Islam in 1978 after a near-death experience. He adopted the name Yusuf Islam and became an outspoken advocate for the religion. Following his conversion, Yusuf abandoned his previous career as a pop star, with which he had always been uncomfortable. Song and the use of musical instruments is an area of debate in Islamic jurisprudence (law) and is the primary factor Cat Stevens retreated from the pop spotlight. At one point he wrote to the record companies asking that his music no longer be distributed, but his request was denied. Following Ayatollah Khomeini’s February 14, 1989 death fatwa against author Salman Rushdie, he made statements that were interpreted as endorsing the killing of Rushdie. On February 21, 1989, Yusuf Islam addressed students at Kingston University in London about his conversion to Islam and was asked about the controversy in the Muslim world and the fatwa calling for Salman Rushdie’s execution. He replied, “He must be killed. The Qur’an makes it clear - if someone defames the prophet, then he must die.” Despite this he has received several awards for his work in promoting peace in the world, including the 2003 World Award, the 2004 Man for Peace Award, and the 2007 Mediterranean Prize for Peace. Known professionally by the single name Yusuf, in 2006 he returned to pop music with his first album of new pop songs in 28 years, entitled An Other Cup. On 5 May 2009, he released the album Roadsinger. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
If You Want To Sing Out Sing Out
Cat Stevens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And if you want to be free, be free
'Cause there's a million things to be
You know that there are
And if you want to live high, live high
And if you want to live low, live low
'Cause there's a million ways to go
You can do what you want
The opportunity's on
And if you find a new way
Well, you can do it today
You can make it all true
And you can make it undo
You see, ah-ah-ah
It's easy, ah-ah-ah
You only need to know
Well, if you want to say yes, say yes
And if you want to say no, say no
'Cause there's a million ways to go
You know that there are
And if you want to be me, be me
And if you want to be you, be you
'Cause there's a million things to do
You know that there are
You can do what you want
The opportunity's on
And if you find a new way
You can do it today
You can make it all true
And you can make it undo
You see, ah-ah-ah
It's easy, ah-ah-ah
You only need to know
Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
'Cause there's a million things to be
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
Cat Stevens' "If You Want to Sing Out Sing Out" is an uplifting and empowering song that encourages listeners to be themselves and pursue their dreams without fear of judgement or rejection. The lyrics offer a simple and straightforward message that anyone can understand and relate to. Stevens highlights that the world is full of opportunities and possibilities, and we should not be afraid to take risks and explore different paths. Whether you want to sing out, live high or low, say yes or no, be yourself or be someone else, there is a million things to be and a million ways to go.
Stevens urges his listeners to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way and to be creative in exploring new pathways. He emphasizes that it's easy to make your dreams come true if you only know what you want and have the courage to follow your heart. The song's upbeat and infectious melody, along with its optimistic lyrics, create an atmosphere of hope and positivity. It encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and value themselves for who they are, rather than conforming to societal norms or pressure.
Overall, "If You Want to Sing Out Sing Out" is a joyous and uplifting song that delivers an empowering message of self-acceptance and bravery. It encourages listeners to pursue their dreams, be themselves, and live their lives to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
If you feel like expressing yourself through singing, go ahead and sing with all your heart and soul.
And if you want to be free, be free
If you desire to be free from any societal limitations and expectations, go ahead and be free.
'Cause there's a million things to be
There are countless possibilities and opportunities to explore in this life.
You know that there are
You are aware of it.
And if you want to live high, live high
If you want to strive for success and live a luxurious lifestyle, go for it.
And if you want to live low, live low
If you don't care about materialistic things and want to live a simple life, do it.
'Cause there's a million ways to go
There are countless paths and directions you can take in life.
You can do what you want
You have the freedom and the power to do whatever you want to do in life.
The opportunity's on
The opportunity is always available.
And if you find a new way
If you discover a new path or method, try it out.
You can do it today
Don't wait for tomorrow or anyone else. Start doing it today.
You can make it all true
You have the power to turn your dreams into a reality.
And you can make it undo
You can change the direction of your life and undo any wrong decisions you have made.
You see, ah ah ah
It is a simple concept.
It's easy, ah ah ah
It is not complicated.
You only need to know
All you need to do is understand and believe in yourself.
Well, if you want to say yes, say yes
If you want to agree to something, go ahead and say yes.
And if you want to say no, say no
If you want to decline something, go ahead and say no.
'Cause there's a million ways to go
There are always other options and paths to explore.
And if you want to be me, be me
If you want to be like someone else, go ahead and try to model yourself after them.
And if you want to be you, be you
If you want to be true to yourself, stay authentic and be yourself.
'Cause there's a million things to do
There are countless passions and interests to pursue.
You know that there are
You are aware of it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Yusuf Islam
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul J. Hahn
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out"
Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
'Cause there's a million things to be
You know that there are
And if you want to live high, live high
And if you want to live low, live low
'Cause there's a million ways to go
You know that there are
[Chorus:]
You can do what you want
The opportunity's on
And if you can find a new way
You can do it today
You can make it all true
And you can make it undo
you see ah ah ah
its easy ah ah ah
You only need to know
Well if you want to say yes, say yes
And if you want to say no, say no
'Cause there's a million ways to go
You know that there are
And if you want to be me, be me
And if you want to be you, be you
'Cause there's a million things to do
You know that there are
[Chorus]
Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
'Cause there's a million things to be
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
You know that there are
Charlotte
My dad and my mom sang this song to my sister right before she passed away smiling. I cannot describe in words how much I love this song but it breaks my heart listening to it. I miss her so much
Jennifer Braud
Wow Charlotte. My heart breaks for you & sings for you & your sister at the same time. Take care of you.
Leyla
Charlotte I am so sorry 4 your loss 🙏💔😔 She must have died way 2 soon & to young 😥 I lost one daughter, when she was only 14 year, now it is ten years but there is a hole in my soul & heart 4 ever!! 💔😭
A G
I am so sorry for your loss, dear. May you find consolation. It is so hard losing someone you love.
Kim Minnis
I'M sorry for your loss RIP
Martin Stratholt
❤ So very sorry for your loss
Lyle Schoepflin
Why is it that this man's songs always invoke an emotional response? It's always a beautiful song that makes you happy or cry. He's one of the most brilliant song writers ever.
Dan
Dial it back. Jesus.....
Amanda Marker
My human physiology teacher played this song on my last day of high school to describe how he felt about us, his "kids". I've never cried harder in my life.
graciebeads
Sounds like a WONDERFUL man! Glad you have this lovely memory. ❤️