About The Song
“Father and Son,” a timeless ballad by Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens), was released in 1970 as part of his acclaimed album Tea for the Tillerman. This poignant song delves into the universal theme of generational conflict, exploring the tension between a father’s desire for his son to follow a traditional path and the son’s yearning for independence and self-discovery.
The song’s narrative unfolds through a dialogue between the two generations. The father, a figure of authority and experience, urges his son to slow down, to consider the potential consequences of hasty decisions. He pleads with his son to “stay another year,” to “learn your lines,” and to “speak your piece.” The father’s words are rooted in a deep-seated love and concern for his son’s well-being, but they also reflect a desire to maintain control and tradition.
In contrast, the son, fueled by youthful idealism and a thirst for adventure, expresses a resolute desire to break free from the constraints of his upbringing. He yearns for a life beyond the confines of his father’s expectations, a life filled with freedom and possibility. The son’s lyrics convey a sense of urgency and impatience, as he longs to “make it on his own.”
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke empathy for both characters. The father’s concern for his son’s well-being is understandable, while the son’s rebellious spirit resonates with anyone who has ever yearned for autonomy. Through its evocative lyrics and heartfelt melody, “Father and Son” continues to resonate with audiences across generations, reminding us of the timeless nature of human experience. The song’s ability to capture the complexities of the parent-child relationship, the tension between tradition and innovation, and the universal longing for freedom has solidified its place in the pantheon of great songs.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
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
[Son:]
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
[Father:]
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
[Son:]
All the times that I cried
(Decision, decision, decision)
Keeping all the things I knew inside
It’s hard (Why must)
But it’s harder to ignore it
(You go and make this decision)
If they were right, I’d agree
(Alone?)
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