Cat Stevens — Sad Lisa
Album: Tea for the TillermanAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1488
Length: 3:37
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She hangs her head and cries in my shirt.
She must be hurt very badly.
Tell me what's making you sadly?
Open your door - don't hide in the dark.
You're lost in the dark - you can trust me.
'Cause you know that's how it must be.
Lisa - Lisa, sad Lisa - Lisa.
Her eyes like windows trickelin' rain
Upon the pain getting deeper.
Though my love wants to relieve her.
She walks alone from wall to wall.
Lost in her hall, she can't hear me.
Though I know she likes to be near me.
Lisa - Lisa, sad Lisa - Lisa.
She sits in a corner by the door.
There must be more I can tell her.
If she really wants me to help her.
I'll do what I can to show her the way.
And maybe one day I will free her.
Though I know no one can see her.
Lisa - Lisa, sad Lisa - Lisa.
She must be hurt very badly.
Tell me what's making you sadly?
Open your door - don't hide in the dark.
You're lost in the dark - you can trust me.
'Cause you know that's how it must be.
Lisa - Lisa, sad Lisa - Lisa.
Her eyes like windows trickelin' rain
Upon the pain getting deeper.
Though my love wants to relieve her.
She walks alone from wall to wall.
Lost in her hall, she can't hear me.
Though I know she likes to be near me.
Lisa - Lisa, sad Lisa - Lisa.
She sits in a corner by the door.
There must be more I can tell her.
If she really wants me to help her.
I'll do what I can to show her the way.
And maybe one day I will free her.
Though I know no one can see her.
Lisa - Lisa, sad Lisa - Lisa.
Comments (133)add comment
I always think of my friend, Lisa - she was one of the saddest people I ever knew. So beautiful and so lost. Gone way too early. Sad Lisa - I still miss you.
Aud wrote:
I don't need to know the story to know she left a big hole in your life. Best wishes to you and yours.
c.
For Patty
1953-1973
c.
Randomax wrote:
Wow - you really nailed it!
Indeed!
Wow - you really nailed it!
Indeed!
mn1packfan wrote:
racist
racist
Randomax wrote:
Wow - you really nailed it!
Wow - you really nailed it!
Context is everything
For me it isn't so much the Islam thing but that this reminds me too much of being an angsty adolescent
For me it isn't so much the Islam thing but that this reminds me too much of being an angsty adolescent
Giselle62 wrote:
Not idealistic but increasingly uncommon.
I've had this idea lately that a person's religion and sexuality should be their personal business and personal choice—-unless said choice harms or exploits others. Is this just too idealistic?
Not idealistic but increasingly uncommon.
Tomasni wrote:
Well then, I can say you are BELOW the average on this one....quite the rating distribution on this one, though I'm at an 8 and not quite ready to go to a 9 with a lot of you....I'm still "above average" though ;-) LLRP!!
Only 7 from me
Well then, I can say you are BELOW the average on this one....quite the rating distribution on this one, though I'm at an 8 and not quite ready to go to a 9 with a lot of you....I'm still "above average" though ;-) LLRP!!
For Patty
1953-1973
Only 7 from me
fantastic tune
Beautiful music, full of kindness. Just what I need in these difficult, often darktimes!
brendasistrom wrote:
Just about to say the exact same thing. Right down to the 40 years since. Such a beautiful song that somehow never caught on.
Haven't heard this song in probably 40 years. Tea For The Tillerman was an important part of the Sound Track of My Life —the memories are sweet, and Cat Stevens' songs & voice moving as ever. TY for playing
Just about to say the exact same thing. Right down to the 40 years since. Such a beautiful song that somehow never caught on.
Haven't heard this song in probably 40 years. Tea For The Tillerman was an important part of the Sound Track of My Life --the memories are sweet, and Cat Stevens' songs & voice moving as ever. TY for playing
Simply Cat at his very best. Wonderful track - never fails to move me.
Sasha2001 wrote:
Again, I find it hard to believe such ignorance persists at RP - where so many people demonstrate enlightened musical tastes. But are you suggesting Gypsyman that all Muslims are terrorists? Or that all terrorists are Muslim? Both staements are so factually incorrect as to be obsurd. Terrorists are poilitical, not religious actors. They have stated political goals and they use the tactic of terrorism to try and achieve those goals. Terrorists pervert the tenets of their religion to recruit new members and justify their horrible acts to garner support for thei political agendas. Don't blame Muslims for being Muslims. Just as we wouldn't blame the Catholic church for IRA bombings.
OK. Political goals. What the f—k ever. Now you're gonna tell me 9/11 was a Zionist plot, right? I'll let you make my point for me, as you are well on the way to doing.
Oh, by the way, I don't blame scorpions for being scorpions - that's just the way they are. But I still step on them. Its just safer that way.
But... back to things, uh, musical.
edit - Upon further examination, this statement - from the post immediately prior - stood out as particularly lame, "But more importantly, islam's {sic} proliferation around the world owes as much to it's adaptability to the traditional cultures that adopt it as it does to it's primary religious tenets" Really? Wow. Just like cockroaches.
Still a really good album, though. Keep it about the music, kid.
Again, I find it hard to believe such ignorance persists at RP - where so many people demonstrate enlightened musical tastes. But are you suggesting Gypsyman that all Muslims are terrorists? Or that all terrorists are Muslim? Both staements are so factually incorrect as to be obsurd. Terrorists are poilitical, not religious actors. They have stated political goals and they use the tactic of terrorism to try and achieve those goals. Terrorists pervert the tenets of their religion to recruit new members and justify their horrible acts to garner support for thei political agendas. Don't blame Muslims for being Muslims. Just as we wouldn't blame the Catholic church for IRA bombings.
OK. Political goals. What the f—k ever. Now you're gonna tell me 9/11 was a Zionist plot, right? I'll let you make my point for me, as you are well on the way to doing.
Oh, by the way, I don't blame scorpions for being scorpions - that's just the way they are. But I still step on them. Its just safer that way.
But... back to things, uh, musical.
edit - Upon further examination, this statement - from the post immediately prior - stood out as particularly lame, "But more importantly, islam's {sic} proliferation around the world owes as much to it's adaptability to the traditional cultures that adopt it as it does to it's primary religious tenets" Really? Wow. Just like cockroaches.
Still a really good album, though. Keep it about the music, kid.
gypsyman wrote:
Yes, it is. You might feel less charitable, of course, if your family got blown up by terrorists.
What part of "they want to kill all of us" aren't you getting?
A very good album, though.
Again, I find it hard to believe such ignorance persists at RP - where so many people demonstrate enlightened musical tastes. But are you suggesting Gypsyman that all Muslims are terrorists? Or that all terrorists are Muslim? Both staements are so factually incorrect as to be obsurd. Terrorists are poilitical, not religious actors. They have stated political goals and they use the tactic of terrorism to try and achieve those goals. Terrorists pervert the tenets of their religion to recruit new members and justify their horrible acts to garner support for thei political agendas. Don't blame Muslims for being Muslims. Just as we wouldn't blame the Catholic church for IRA bombings.
Yes, it is. You might feel less charitable, of course, if your family got blown up by terrorists.
What part of "they want to kill all of us" aren't you getting?
A very good album, though.
Again, I find it hard to believe such ignorance persists at RP - where so many people demonstrate enlightened musical tastes. But are you suggesting Gypsyman that all Muslims are terrorists? Or that all terrorists are Muslim? Both staements are so factually incorrect as to be obsurd. Terrorists are poilitical, not religious actors. They have stated political goals and they use the tactic of terrorism to try and achieve those goals. Terrorists pervert the tenets of their religion to recruit new members and justify their horrible acts to garner support for thei political agendas. Don't blame Muslims for being Muslims. Just as we wouldn't blame the Catholic church for IRA bombings.
aelfheld wrote:
Your ignorance on the subject of Islam is regrettably all too common an occurrence these days. So you'll have to allow me this short lesson:
First off, Yusef Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) would most likely abhor the practice you reference as a western educated man if Greek dissent. But more importantly, islam's proliferation around the world owes as much to it's adaptability to the traditional cultures that adopt it as it does to it's primary religious tenets. The customs westerners recoil from are more likely descended from tribal practices and not the result of Islam's teachings. This is arguably one of the primary reasons why Islam's practitioners are slow to adopt the more modern ideas of the west. Certainly the Arab Spring is demonstrating that western ideas about rights and democracy have permeated Islam and over time, the religion is proving once again that it can adapt and thrive in any environment.
She's probably sad because she just found out she's being married to her first cousin from the Pakistani hinterlands and has to wear a canvas awning for the rest of her life.
Your ignorance on the subject of Islam is regrettably all too common an occurrence these days. So you'll have to allow me this short lesson:
First off, Yusef Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) would most likely abhor the practice you reference as a western educated man if Greek dissent. But more importantly, islam's proliferation around the world owes as much to it's adaptability to the traditional cultures that adopt it as it does to it's primary religious tenets. The customs westerners recoil from are more likely descended from tribal practices and not the result of Islam's teachings. This is arguably one of the primary reasons why Islam's practitioners are slow to adopt the more modern ideas of the west. Certainly the Arab Spring is demonstrating that western ideas about rights and democracy have permeated Islam and over time, the religion is proving once again that it can adapt and thrive in any environment.
Giselle62 wrote:
Yes, it is. You might feel less charitable, of course, if your family got blown up by terrorists.
What part of "they want to kill all of us" aren't you getting?
A very good album, though.
I've had this idea lately that a person's religion and sexuality should be their personal business and personal choice—-unless said choice harms or exploits others. Is this just too idealistic?
Yes, it is. You might feel less charitable, of course, if your family got blown up by terrorists.
What part of "they want to kill all of us" aren't you getting?
A very good album, though.
Groogrux69 wrote:
I've always thought this to be one of his best. + catch bull at four...
My Dad turned me on to Cat Stevens about the time this album came out. I was 7. I still enjoy his old albums.
I've always thought this to be one of his best. + catch bull at four...
I just like Cat Stevens' music. Always a pleasure to hear.
dmax wrote:
I dunno, that account of "what really happened" sounds like a really bad attempt at spin control. "Oh that? I was only kidding, and also, I didn't mean it, and also, it was stupid, and also, hey how about those Yankees..."
Not the first artist to fall off the beam of reason, hey he made some beautiful music once upon a time.
I dunno, that account of "what really happened" sounds like a really bad attempt at spin control. "Oh that? I was only kidding, and also, I didn't mean it, and also, it was stupid, and also, hey how about those Yankees..."
Not the first artist to fall off the beam of reason, hey he made some beautiful music once upon a time.
My Dad turned me on to Cat Stevens about the time this album came out. I was 7. I still enjoy his old albums.
Cat once was a cool cat,who's to say, he's not,anymore ?
Guess I'll have to meet him again.
Guess I'll have to meet him again.
You sure had! Same for me by the way. 
listen_n_sf wrote:
listen_n_sf wrote:
Cat's been popping up lately, a good thing.
I sure had good taste for a 15 yr old.
I sure had good taste for a 15 yr old.
Ick. Sad Cat.
Bill-thanks for this. High school was (yikes) 40 years ago!
This sounds remarkably contemporary.
muepy wrote:
start to finish
a very great album
start to finish
Cat's been popping up lately, a good thing.
I sure had good taste for a 15 yr old.
I sure had good taste for a 15 yr old.
rconlon wrote:
Tell that to Salman Rushdie.
It's good to see he has a sense of humor.
Tell that to Salman Rushdie.
She's probably sad because she just found out she's being married to her first cousin from the Pakistani hinterlands and has to wear a canvas awning for the rest of her life.
I saw him at the Rally for Sanity in Washington DC back in October. It's good to see he has a sense of humor.
Stingray wrote:
You might want to have your water tested for lead contamination.
...so America is less tuff than (the real) world thinks?
How can you all be sooo trashy "romantic"...?
This is 2010 as the Cat turned into an Imam!
Late Lisa is long gone!
How can you all be sooo trashy "romantic"...?
This is 2010 as the Cat turned into an Imam!
Late Lisa is long gone!
You might want to have your water tested for lead contamination.
Stingray wrote:
Try not to speak.
...so America is less tuff than (the real) world thinks?
How can you all be sooo trashy "romantic"...?
This is 2010 as the Cat turned into an Imam!
Late Lisa is long gone!
How can you all be sooo trashy "romantic"...?
This is 2010 as the Cat turned into an Imam!
Late Lisa is long gone!
Try not to speak.
Stingray wrote:
...so America is less tuff than (the real) world thinks?
How can you all be sooo trashy "romantic"...?
This is 2010 as the Cat turned into an Imam!
Late Lisa is long gone!
Your mastery of logic is, is, is..........non existent! How can you all be sooo trashy "romantic"...?
This is 2010 as the Cat turned into an Imam!
Late Lisa is long gone!
a very great album
Wow, two Stevens' songs within a couple of hours....and the good stuff, too!
Chwkbud wrote:
Indeed, fellow Canuck. Sad, however, that his recent attempts to return to the real world with new material pales in comparison to his early work. Awful stuff I've heard lately. He needs to shut it down.
What a flashback. Tea for the Tillerman — Still one of my favourite albums of the last 40 years....
Indeed, fellow Canuck. Sad, however, that his recent attempts to return to the real world with new material pales in comparison to his early work. Awful stuff I've heard lately. He needs to shut it down.
...so America is less tuff than (the real) world thinks?
How can you all be sooo trashy "romantic"...?
This is 2010 as the Cat turned into an Imam!
Late Lisa is long gone!
How can you all be sooo trashy "romantic"...?
This is 2010 as the Cat turned into an Imam!
Late Lisa is long gone!
Boy he wrote song good ones!
A True Classic..
hauntingly beautiful.
hippiechick wrote:
Have a cup of tea - feel invited!
This song wrecks me
Have a cup of tea - feel invited!
BITTER TEA FROM AN ISLAMIST!
What a flashback. Tea for the Tillerman — Still one of my favourite albums of the last 40 years....
This song wrecks me
I've had this idea lately that a person's religion and sexuality should be their personal business and personal choice—-unless said choice harms or exploits others. Is this just too idealistic?
meloman wrote:
I hear you. I went through a weird period when Cat became a rabid Muslim. As an atheist, I find all religions to be nothing more than dangerous nonsense. I was a real fan of Cat's in early '70s, and even used "Morning has Broken" as my wedding song. (OKAY, it WAS 1973, for god's -if you'll pardon the expresion - sake!) I'm a real fan of Rushdie too, and found Cat's position untenable. So I treat him as an artist who's gotten lost, like many before him, Janis with the booze, Jimmy with the drugs, Kurt with the shotgun...Islam is his drug. All I can do is wish him well, and appreciate the music he made before he became ill.
Wow - you really nailed it!
I hear you. I went through a weird period when Cat became a rabid Muslim. As an atheist, I find all religions to be nothing more than dangerous nonsense. I was a real fan of Cat's in early '70s, and even used "Morning has Broken" as my wedding song. (OKAY, it WAS 1973, for god's -if you'll pardon the expresion - sake!) I'm a real fan of Rushdie too, and found Cat's position untenable. So I treat him as an artist who's gotten lost, like many before him, Janis with the booze, Jimmy with the drugs, Kurt with the shotgun...Islam is his drug. All I can do is wish him well, and appreciate the music he made before he became ill.
Wow - you really nailed it!
Great album! I still have the factory reel to reel pre-recorded tape of this I bought when it came out.
I have literally not heard this since high school.....what an album this was.........Dan Havalik where are you?
Lisa M. Tragic young woman I went to school with. This song always makes me think of her. I hope she is in a better place
Nice to hear, especially today.
Love this song - it's just beautiful.
Tux wrote:
Me, too. I'll not share my feelings about why and how Cat Stevens became Yusuf Islam, but I believe that unless the song itself is overtly political, polemical, evangelical, or what have you, you have to let the art stand on its own merits. And IMHO this one stands up rather well. Very, very pretty.
Dated or not, I still like it. Very much.
Me, too. I'll not share my feelings about why and how Cat Stevens became Yusuf Islam, but I believe that unless the song itself is overtly political, polemical, evangelical, or what have you, you have to let the art stand on its own merits. And IMHO this one stands up rather well. Very, very pretty.
Why should great minds think alike?
xtalman wrote:
not true, at least the website indicates that most of the songs were not played since 2002 or 2003.
2nd tune off this album today.
not true, at least the website indicates that most of the songs were not played since 2002 or 2003.
xtalman wrote:
I just made a mental note of that before coming to comment. Great minds....
2nd tune off this album today.
I just made a mental note of that before coming to comment. Great minds....
meloman wrote:
I guess that should be 10-Allahlike.
2nd tune off this album today.
radiojunkie wrote:
'someone that intelligent'...? do not confuse musicianship with intelligence. I do agree it's a beautiful song. I won't defend or condone a Fatwa, and, at the least, his comments were dangerous, but I will say this-many people are misled (brainwashed) in their search for meaning in life, i.e. spirituality.
As a wise one once said, 'Judge not lest ye be judged'
Yes, this remains a beautiful song. But no matter how much I used to enjoy his songs, I still now find him hard to listen to, even if he has supposedly explained away his support for the Fatwa against Salman Rushdie. I'd like to hear all you Yussaf Islam defenders be as quick to rush to the defense of, say, a Ted Nugent if he were to say "John Lennon deserved to die for what he said about Jesus" (not that he actually would, but that's the closest example I can come up with). There's a big difference between espousing stupid political views, and actually advocating someone's death. A BIG difference. And no matter what he now says, I can't believe someone that intelligent could have been so naive. 
'someone that intelligent'...? do not confuse musicianship with intelligence. I do agree it's a beautiful song. I won't defend or condone a Fatwa, and, at the least, his comments were dangerous, but I will say this-many people are misled (brainwashed) in their search for meaning in life, i.e. spirituality.
As a wise one once said, 'Judge not lest ye be judged'
amymich wrote:
Ooooh, nice transition from the Glass track Metamorphosis Five!
Yeah, segue-man does it again!
Beastie wrote:
Why play music from someone who couldn't care less about his musical legacy? What a waste of talent, but it was his to piss away as he pleased. I guess it was better than finding him dead from overdose in some creepy hotel.
I just read somewhere that he's recently admitted he was mislead about his music and Islam when he converted, and that he is re-focusing on popular music / his older music (to what extent I don't know).
Why play music from someone who couldn't care less about his musical legacy? What a waste of talent, but it was his to piss away as he pleased. I guess it was better than finding him dead from overdose in some creepy hotel.
Haven't heard this one since the late 70's in upper secondary!
Ooooh, nice transition from the Glass track Metamorphosis Five!
meloman wrote:
I hear you. I went through a weird period when Cat became a rabid Muslim. As an atheist, I find all religions to be nothing more than dangerous nonsense. I was a real fan of Cat's in early '70s, and even used "Morning has Broken" as my wedding song. (OKAY, it WAS 1973, for god's -if you'll pardon the expresion - sake!) I'm a real fan of Rushdie too, and found Cat's position untenable. So I treat him as an artist who's gotten lost, like many before him, Janis with the booze, Jimmy with the drugs, Kurt with the shotgun...Islam is his drug. All I can do is wish him well, and appreciate the music he made before he became ill.
Thankyou, meloman! That's a good way to look at it!
radiojunkie wrote:
Yes, this remains a beautiful song. But no matter how much I used to enjoy his songs, I still now find him hard to listen to, even if he has supposedly explained away his support for the Fatwa against Salman Rushdie. I'd like to hear all you Yussaf Islam defenders be as quick to rush to the defense of, say, a Ted Nugent if he were to say "John Lennon deserved to die for what he said about Jesus" (not that he actually would, but that's the closest example I can come up with). There's a big difference between espousing stupid political views, and actually advocating someone's death. A BIG difference. And no matter what he now says, I can't believe someone that intelligent could have been so naive.
I hear you. I went through a weird period when Cat became a rabid Muslim. As an atheist, I find all religions to be nothing more than dangerous nonsense. I was a real fan of Cat's in early '70s, and even used "Morning has Broken" as my wedding song. (OKAY, it WAS 1973, for god's -if you'll pardon the expresion - sake!) I'm a real fan of Rushdie too, and found Cat's position untenable. So I treat him as an artist who's gotten lost, like many before him, Janis with the booze, Jimmy with the drugs, Kurt with the shotgun...Islam is his drug. All I can do is wish him well, and appreciate the music he made before he became ill.
Another example of a perfect segue from Bill! 
I didn't even notice the change of songs until Cat started sinning.
I didn't even notice the change of songs until Cat started sinning.Last three songs with Vienna, Erik, and Cat brilliantly blended...a piece of peace on this rushed afternoon!
I guess that should be 10-Allahlike.
This album cover creeped me out when I was a kid.
One of the few on this album songs that I like. It is catchy and engaging.
(Eric Clapton is a Christian??)
brandog wrote:
Before you continue to bash Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) for racism, theological fascism, whatever- please consider this article and interview segment from NPR. I think that many people have received an incorrect impression of what was said, and in what context it was said.
The Prophet Muhammad said:
"The most virtuous behavior is to engage those who sever relations, to give to those who withhold from you, and to forgive those who wrong you"
Wow, love the quote!!
I can't help but like Cat Stevens' music, and couldn't care less about his political beliefs, but this song is w-i-m-p-y.. give me some of his more upbeat, happy-sounding stuff any day.
RabbitEars wrote:
Seeeeeemless transition from Satie. Nice, Bill
Indeed.
I'm not a fan of this guy, but damn Bill that was one nice segue from Erik Satie.
You Da Man, Bill.
zurcronium wrote:
Last time I checked bush, a born-again christian, is responsible for over 100,000 deaths in Iraq. He doesn't sing so perhaps radiojunkie he is excused by you in your preaching.
You don't know what you're talking about. If you check the political forums, I'm a rabid Bush basher. But I believe in equal treatment for a*holes.
Dated or not, I still like it. Very much.
radiojunkie wrote:
You apparently put being a jerk, a "vocal racist" (whatever that means) and christian, or a junkie, on an equal level with being someone who advocates the murder of another human being for having ideas different than yours. I think there's a considerable difference. And I never said I would refuse to listen to the music, or advised anyone else to do so -- I simply find it very difficult to enjoy as I once did, because it causes me to think about what an a*hole the guy became.
Last time I checked bush, a born-again christian, is responsible for over 100,000 deaths in Iraq. He doesn't sing so perhaps radiojunkie he is excused by you in your preaching.
I have never heard this song...this is was almost like finding a marvelous antique at a garage sale.
Thank you, Bill!
I never fail to be bowled over by the sets Bill and Rebecca come up with... Do you people have a direct line to heaven or do you just have one of those encyclopedic musical memories that ordinary mortals will never understand?
Seeeeeemless transition from Satie. Nice, Bill
Makes me think of all the crazy women I have known...
S.
jagdriver wrote:
Couldn't stand this thirty-some-odd years ago. Nothing's changed. It's just so.... BORING.
Huh. I find it incredibly beautiful and thought provoking. Go figure.
Couldn't stand this thirty-some-odd years ago. Nothing's changed. It's just so.... BORING.
jadewahoo wrote:
In the spiritual tradition of which I am a part, we have a saying: "Follow the Medicine, not the Medicine Man."
To paraphrase here: "Follow the music, not the musician."
I mean, really... Mick Jagger has always been a jerk. Eric Clapton is a vocal racist and christian. Jimi Hendix (amongst many) was a junkie. Should we refuse to listen to their music? Or shall we find the heart and soul that somehow has seeped, upwelling, from within the cracks of the psyche of such tormented persons?
You apparently put being a jerk, a "vocal racist" (whatever that means) and christian, or a junkie, on an equal level with being someone who advocates the murder of another human being for having ideas different than yours. I think there's a considerable difference. And I never said I would refuse to listen to the music, or advised anyone else to do so -- I simply find it very difficult to enjoy as I once did, because it causes me to think about what an a*hole the guy became.
In the spiritual tradition of which I am a part, we have a saying: "Follow the Medicine, not the Medicine Man."
To paraphrase here: "Follow the music, not the musician."
I mean, really... Mick Jagger has always been a jerk. Eric Clapton is a vocal racist and christian. Jimi Hendix (amongst many) was a junkie. Should we refuse to listen to their music? Or shall we find the heart and soul that somehow has seeped, upwelling, from within the cracks of the psyche of such tormented persons?
Yes, this remains a beautiful song. But no matter how much I used to enjoy his songs, I still now find him hard to listen to, even if he has supposedly explained away his support for the Fatwa against Salman Rushdie. I'd like to hear all you Yussaf Islam defenders be as quick to rush to the defense of, say, a Ted Nugent if he were to say "John Lennon deserved to die for what he said about Jesus" (not that he actually would, but that's the closest example I can come up with). There's a big difference between espousing stupid political views, and actually advocating someone's death. A BIG difference. And no matter what he now says, I can't believe someone that intelligent could have been so naive. :grumpy.gif:
A very interesting contemporary review of this album from Rolling Stone 1971 (ie written without the benefit of hindsight..) (click here)
Bill, you sure know how to make a stressed-out cubicle slave happy on a Wednesday morning!
I still have this album and love the pops & hisses when it's spinning on my turntable.
Lazy8 wrote:
We have a long tradition of folks in show business making airheaded statements about political controversies. We don't punish most of them for it. If I had to accept every detail of a musicain's life to enjoy their music my record shelf would be pretty bare.
So I'll sit here with a big grin on my face, letting one of the high water marks of the '70s lap gently at my ears, and not give a second thought to Mr. Islam's religious or political views. I'll just let him do what he was so good at and enjoy it for what it is, with the odd twinge of regret that there won't be more like it from him.
And I won't ask my favorite pilosophers to sing either.
Well put!
Haven't heard this in a long time...I forgot just how beautiful it was. Thanks for playing it!
Man, Nina Simone is so awesome.
Wait.
Like it. A LOT. Great seque, by the way, Bill!
I'll take this over "Where the Eagle Soars" by John Ashcroft any day. 7.
Lazy8 wrote:
We have a long tradition of folks in show business making airheaded statements about political controversies. We don't punish most of them for it. If I had to accept every detail of a musicain's life to enjoy their music my record shelf would be pretty bare.
So I'll sit here with a big grin on my face, letting one of the high water marks of the '70s lap gently at my ears, and not give a second thought to Mr. Islam's religious or political views. I'll just let him do what he was so good at and enjoy it for what it is, with the odd twinge of regret that there won't be more like it from him.
And I won't ask my favorite pilosophers to sing either.
yah!!!!
JJAB wrote:
If anything, progressing on the road to truth will enhance one's artistic abilities.
Unless they take a wrong turn on that road.
Who knows how much longer he would have been at his full creative powers, but I'll always wonder what we missed out on.
trekhead wrote: boyihopehesnotaterrorist! a 4.
Wow. Asinine.
I personally give this song about an 8, but will rank it 10 to cancel this stupid 4 as best I can.
MT
boyihopehesnotaterrorist! a 4.8)
Dirktooth wrote:
Regardless of what he is pursuing now spiritually, at the time of this song he was still a questioner and a romantic. All of which comes through clearly and sweetly......pity he gave it up.
Seeking after what one thinks is the great truth of life has a way of doing that to artistic talent.
What an interesting comment... I believe great writers are closer to truth than most. That is what makes them great, an insight or wholistic view of an aspect of life, and that is what attracts people to the lyrics because they're saying, "Yea, that's me!" If anything, progressing on the road to truth will enhance one's artistic abilities.
We have a long tradition of folks in show business making airheaded statements about political controversies. We don't punish most of them for it. If I had to accept every detail of a musicain's life to enjoy their music my record shelf would be pretty bare.
So I'll sit here with a big grin on my face, letting one of the high water marks of the '70s lap gently at my ears, and not give a second thought to Mr. Islam's religious or political views. I'll just let him do what he was so good at and enjoy it for what it is, with the odd twinge of regret that there won't be more like it from him.
And I won't ask my favorite pilosophers to sing either.
Regardless of what he is pursuing now spiritually, at the time of this song he was still a questioner and a romantic. All of which comes through clearly and sweetly......pity he gave it up.
Seeking after what one thinks is the great truth of life has a way of doing that to artistic talent.
:grumpy.gif: boyihopehesnotaterrorist! a 4.
eclipse601 wrote:
There's a big difference between believing someone deserves to die and issuing or supporting a call for action to do it (or doing it yourself), and believing someone deserves to die but concluding, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord." The first group of people are practicing vigilante justice, the second group are expressing an opinon. Yusuf is pretty clearly in the second group, and always has been if his account is correct.
Well then, the question becomes: Does a person of some influence effectively put himself in the âfirst groupâ by publicizing his views. Letâs be clear here, the Islamic faith is not just a religion, it is also politics; probably as difficult an example of a fusion of the two because of the extreme interpretations some draw from the writings of the Koran. Politics, the slipperiest of all slopes, will catch all but the most adept of public servants, and this is a good example of why religion and politics should be two distinctly separate parts of a free society.
I donât think Mr. Islam is officially a government or political official in the greater Muslim world, so he doesnât speak for anyone but himself perhaps. However, he is an international figure with plenty of recognition, and by default, influence. The common Muslim individual could preach death to the world from the highest mountain and no one would really care much, right?
Now I can see having a personal opinion like that of Mr. Islam, and him keeping it private to maintain distance from the politically active members of his religion. It would be completely reasonable to manage ones involvement this way. Unfortunately, Mr. Islam made a crucial error by speaking out on this topic, and therefor will have to suffer the consequences of that activism.
mi¢¢
p.s. good song
Shimmer wrote:
That's an interesting read, but it dodges the fundamental question: Does Yusuf Islam believe that Rushdie deserves to die for writing the Satanic Verses? Reading between the lines, I think the answer is still "yes".
There's a big difference between believing someone deserves to die and issuing or supporting a call for action to do it (or doing it yourself), and believing someone deserves to die but concluding, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord." The first group of people are practicing vigilante justice, the second group are expressing an opinon. Yusuf is pretty clearly in the second group, and always has been if his account is correct.
Pyro wrote:
Still as moving as it was in the 70's.
. . . if not more so . . . with age comes wisdom!
Still as moving as it was in the 70's.
Fabulous
The sadness permeates. So evocative.
All comments and explanations on the fact that Cat Stevens became Josef Israel and is a fundamental Muslim now. This is one of the best Pop Songs ever written!! and the musician's later change of lifestyle and utterances don't change that.
Do we talk about old Eric Clapton songs because he's now a Christian?
TAMARA76 wrote:
Please read Cat Stevens's explanation about his comments regarding the Rushdie affair, and his current view at the following link:
https://catstevens.com/articles/00236/index.html
(Yusuf Islam is Cat Stevens's Muslim name)
That's an interesting read, but it dodges the fundamental question: Does Yusuf Islam believe that Rushdie deserves to die for writing the Satanic Verses? Reading between the lines, I think the answer is still "yes".
Originally Posted by TAMARA76:
Please read Cat Stevens's explanation about his comments regarding the Rushdie affair, and his current view at the following link:
https://catstevens.com/articles/00236/index.html
(Yusuf Islam is Cat Stevens's Muslim name)
Thanks TAMARA76 - that puts a different light on things. Never heard that anywhere else.
Please read Cat Stevens's explanation about his comments regarding the Rushdie affair, and his current view at the following link:
https://catstevens.com/articles/00236/index.html
(Yusuf Islam is Cat Stevens's Muslim name)
Originally Posted by chieromancer:
Can't help it, but every time I hear The Catster, I think of Moslems and when I think of Moslems, I think of terrorists, which ruins the song for me.
What an intelligent view... not . How can people be so closedminded? That is what's really dangerous. 
I also think of his comments following the Salman Rushdie death threats.
That doesn't alter the fact that he wrote many awesme songs, this being one of them.
Sat for hours with the headphones on listening to Tea For the Tillerman way back in, what was it \'76? A classic album and even though the Catster has chosen another path the beauty of such songs still touch the heart---and that is what remains. We\'re all on the road to find out....
Originally Posted by chieromancer:
Can't help it, but every time I hear The Catster, I think of Moslems and when I think of Moslems, I think of terrorists, which ruins the song for me. I also think of his comments following the Salman Rushdie death threats. I was totally into Cat Stevens in H.S., too. (What a hunk! What a loss!)
i can understand feeling that cat stevens' songs are tainted because of his response to the salman rushdie incident, but to equate muslims with terrorists is ridiculously close-minded and dangerous in this day and age. any sweeping generalizations about people of any race, nationality or religion spurs terrorism-- just look at history (slavery, holocaust,japanese internment camps, etc.,etc.,etc). one reason sept. 11th happened was due to such generalized beliefs about americans.