On the occasion of the 2000 re-release of his Cat Stevens albums, Yusuf Islam explained that he had stopped performing due to his misunderstanding of the Islamic faith. "This issue of music in Islam is not as cut-and-dried as I was led to believe . . . I relied on heresy (sic), that was perhaps my mistake."In a 2005 press release, he explains his revived recording career:
"After I embraced Islam many people told me to carry on composing and recording but at the time I was hesitant for fear that it might be for the wrong reasons. I felt unsure what the right course of action was. I guess it is only now after all these years that I've come to fully understand and appreciate what everyone has been asking of me. It's as if I've come full circle - however, I have gathered a lot of knowledge on the subject in the meantime."
This song, "Oh Very Young" taken from the album "Tea For The Tillerman": we get to see the other side of Yusuf Islam being passionate on stage. This song asks how you would feel about your life if you knew you would be gone tomorrow. Just as well, this question is as good as being asked and answered by us now, perhaps on a daily basis...
Oh Very Young
Oh very young
What will you leave us this time?
You're only dancing on this earth for a short while
And though your dreams may toss and turn you now
They will vanish away like your daddy's best jeans
Denim Blue fading up to the sky
And though you want him to last forever
You know he never will
(You know he never will)
And the patches make the goodbye harder still
Oh very young
What will you leave us this time?
There'll never be a better chance to change your mind
And if you want this world to see a better day
Will you carry the words of love with you?
Will you ride the great white bird into heaven?
And though you want to last forever
You know you never will
(You know you never will)
And the goodbye makes the journey harder still
Oh very young
What will you leave us this time?
You're only dancing on this earth for a short while
Oh very young
What will you leave us this time?
6 comments:
what i've learnt in the watching & reading bout bro Yusuf Islam aka Cats Stevens-
i guess when we sincerely want to find the truth it will be revealed to us in any form.the journey is long & winding.
even before he revert to Islam the songs he wrote sends beautiful messages...
since Allah bless him with an inclination towards musical art its only natural to complete the cycle.
So hand in hand its a powerful tool
of dakwah & enjoyment,for those who take time to ponder on Allahs beautiful & bountiful gifts in this world.....
living life to our full potential as a Muslim...for evryone has a purpose...we contribute in our own special way... Ikram... our duty towards others....
Isnt it beautiful.Allah is the most beautiful.....
thak u Maestro for this post..
"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."-Yussof Islam,Father & Son
Salam Dear Hoopoe,
Thank you! thank you! I understand even better now.
About the 'gift' and being fortunate to have been chosen by Allah to be His Instrument to share the beauty with the rest of the world of this World which He Creates.
InsyAllah, once I overcome my 'obstacles' and 'fear', I'll be exhibiting again.
Thank you once again for sharing.
salam dear Upupa Epops,
Thank you God for lending me a melodious voice. Perhaps one fine day, i will use the chords to spread your message, like mr Yusuf.
Alhamdulillah, thanks for the info ya.
Thank you Ghoose, enemy and rudy,
Alhamdulillah ... we have all been given our gifts from the Almighty above and I think you understand what your gifts are.
Use them as an attar (perfume) which illuminates others with the beautiful scents that you possess - be it through visual arts, vocals or writings.
What a coincidence! Just last week, I was listening to Oh Very Young by Cat Stevens and wanting to get the lyrics - and voila here we are, lyrics and all, explanation of father and son love - on your blog. Gracias! What a beautiful song :) MashaAllah.
anemone
A perfect example of looking and you will find :-)
Hope you enjoyed this live recording. I think he sings better live than the clinical recordings ...
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