Bring tea for the tillerman,
Steak for the sun,
Wine for t… Read Full Bio ↴LYRICS:
Bring tea for the tillerman,
Steak for the sun,
Wine for the woman
who made the rain come
Seagulls sing your hearts away,
'cause while sinners sin
the children play,
Oh lord how they play and play,
For that happy day
for that happy day
POP CULTURE:
Song was used in the 1971 film Harold & Maude and was also used as the closing theme music for the television series Extras, created by Ricky Gervais.
Tea For The Tillerman
Cat Stevens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Steak for the sun
Wine for the woman who made the rain come
Seagulls sing your hearts away
'Cause while the sinners sin, the children play
Oh Lord, how they play and play
For that happy day, for that happy day
"Tea For The Tillerman" is a simple yet powerful song by Cat Stevens. The lyrics start by calling for tea for the titular Tillerman, followed by steak for the sun, and wine for the woman who made the rain come. The song then imagines the scene of seagulls singing their hearts out as the children play, while sinners continue in their ways. The song seems to be calling for a return to simplicity and joy in life, through the imagery of a tea party, hearty food, and innocent children's play.
The lyrics are highly symbolic, with the Tillerman representing a caretaker of the land and the soul. The steak for the sun is an offering to the powers that sustain life, while the wine for the rainmaker represents gratitude and celebration for the forces of nature. The seagulls singing their hearts out suggests a beautiful natural harmony, as opposed to the discord caused by sinners. The theme of childhood innocence and play is a recurring one in Cat Stevens' music, and here it represents a return to a simpler, happier time, free from the corruption and complexity of adult life.
Line by Line Meaning
Bring tea for the Tillerman
Fetch a cup of tea for the musician who serenades us with his tunes.
Steak for the sun
Offer a delicious meal to the sun that shines on us.
Wine for the woman who made the rain come
Serve a glass of wine to the lady who brings the refreshing showers.
Seagulls sing your hearts away
Listen to the melodies of the seagulls that take your heart away to an enchanting land.
'Cause while the sinners sin, the children play
Even though some people indulge in wrongdoing, the innocent children continue to enjoy their childhood.
Oh Lord, how they play and play
Oh God, look at how these children play and have fun.
For that happy day, for that happy day
For that day when all of us will be happy and content.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CAT STEVENS, YUSUF ISLAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Madbun
All tracks are written and arranged by Cat Stevens.
Cat Stevens – classical guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, lead vocals
Alun Davies – acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Harvey Burns – drums, congas, tambourine
John Ryan – double bass
Del Newman – string arrangements
Jack Rothstein (as John Rostein) – solo violin
Technical
Cat Stevens - front cover illustration
Shepard "Shep" Sherbell - photography
SOUF
my father made us listen to this album, it reminds me of my childhood. All tracks are absolutely amazing
GHallberg
wise man😉
Larry H.
Made. You listen ? Bad dad Good dad?
Fritz Schnitz
@Larry H. You are right. You can't make deaf men listen...
Delphine B
Mine too!
Denise Vanselow
Made = turned them onto
Perspective shift
Karen Maher
My dear husband and I fell in love listening to this album. We're still listening 49 years later. Such sweet lyrics.
Keith urban
Thank you so much I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music 🎶💕
Avera Yugen
@Keith urban If that is really you, Yusuf. I so much agree, this album cut deep into my soul with that soulful voice and innocent demeanor, you are easily the same deep sensitive person and classy musician with the rare courage a serious clothing change can entail😉
Keith urban
Xmas is approaching soon so i am planning to go on tour with all my awesome fans, have you been able to attend my concert.