Father And Son
Karaoke - Cat Stevens Lyrics


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It's not time to make a change
Just relax, take it easy
You're still young, that's your fault
There's 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 it's 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

How can I try to explain? 'Cause when I do he turns away again
It's always been the same, same old story
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away
I know, I have to go

It's not time to make a change (away, away, away)
Just sit down, take it slowly
You're still young, that's your fault (I know)
There's so much you have to go through (I have to make this decision)
Find a girl, settle down (alone)
If you want you can marry
Look at me (no)
I am old, but I'm happy

All the times that I cried (stay, stay, stay)
Keeping all the things I knew inside
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it (why must you go)
(And make this decision?)
If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them they know not me (alone)




Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Father And Son" by Cat Stevens capture a poignant conversation between a father and his son, reflecting on the generational divide and the struggles of growing up and finding one's own path in life. The father sings to his son, advising him to take it easy and not rush into making major life decisions. He acknowledges the son's youth and inexperience, pointing out that there is a lot for him to learn and discover before settling down. The father, portrayed as old but content, shares his wisdom with his son, emphasizing the importance of patience and introspection.


The father reminisces about his own youth and the challenges he faced, understanding the son's desire to break free and explore his own identity. He encourages the son to take his time and consider all aspects of his life and aspirations before making any drastic choices. The father recognizes the fleeting nature of dreams and the persistence of life, urging the son to be grounded in reality while still reaching for his aspirations.


The son, on the other hand, feels the pressure of expectations and the weight of his father's guidance. He struggles with the conflict between his own desires and the responsibilities placed upon him. Feeling misunderstood and constrained by the expectations imposed on him, the son grapples with the need to break free and forge his own path. He acknowledges the difficulty of making a decision that goes against the wishes of his father while staying true to himself and his dreams.


As the song progresses, the tension between the father's advice and the son's desire for independence becomes palpable. The son wrestles with the conflicting emotions of love and rebellion, torn between staying and leaving to pursue his own destiny. The recurring theme of needing to go away underscores the inevitability of change and growth, portraying the bittersweet dynamic between a father who wants to protect his son and a son who yearns to find his own way in the world. Overall, "Father And Son" delves into the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the universal struggles of coming of age and charting one's own course in life.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Yusuf Islam

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Angelica Mendoza

It's not time to make a change
Just relax, take it easy
You're still young, that's your fault
There's 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 it's not easy
To be calm when you've found
Something going on
But take your time, think a lot
Think of everything you've got
For you will still be here tomorrow
But your dreams may not
How can I try to explain?
When I do he turns away again
It's always been the same, same old story
From the moment I could talk
I was ordered to listen
Now there's a way
And I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go
It's not time to make a change
Just relax, take it slowly
You're still young, that's your fault
There's 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
All the times that I've cried
Keeping all the things I knew inside
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it
If they were right I'd agree
But it's them they know, not me
Now there's a way
And I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go



oldnikonian

@Daniel Alexander Given that you have no evidence to support the assertion that ALL religions are man made, you're welcome to have faith in that assertion. Doctrines and beliefs come in all shapes and guises, including atheist ones.


Btw, did you know that God doesn't believe in atheists...... just fools who suppress the truth by their wickedness...


Romans 1: 18~22 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.


And you don't have to believe that for it to be true. How cool is that eh?



All comments from YouTube:

Amaury Rodriguez

My dad just passed away today. This was one of his favorite songs. When I was little he would sing it to me all the time. Later once I could sing we would sing it together. He sung it with me in a choir performance when I was in high school. He always talked about that moment and how nervous he was. He was always really proud of me. This will forever be our song. Everytime I sing it I will hear his voice singing along too.

Francesco Stancapiano

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

bradleym1

Pante Jessica

same story as mine🥺☺️

Hinemoa Ngatai

Your dad must be beautiful

paola velasco

I´m so sorry for your loss.

1 More Replies...

FreethinkingSecularist

This was the only song I ever sang karaoke sober. I sung this as a little tribute to my father after he died. He was a fan of Cat Stevens probably as far as his four or five really good songs go. 

ERINYES10

I’ve done the same. It was very hard to keep it together so I put that emotion into the young man part

Brando

Good for you 👍..

Dark Sunrise

When I hear this song, I always have to think about me and my father...
We both love the song, and I cry everytime I hear, 'cos it's true....

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