Cat Stevens Peace Train

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Cat Stevens Peace Train

Cat Stevens Peace Train

Soft Rock Music

Songs with messages of peace were common in the Vietnam War era; for example, John Lennon’s 1969 hit, “Give Peace a Chance.” The song “Peace Train” was recorded in 1971 for the album Teaser and the Firecat. It reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1971, becoming Cat Stevens’ first US Top 10 hit. The song also spent three weeks at #1 on the adult contemporary chart.

The song made an impact on the peace movement and was often used as an anthem at anti-war rallies and protests which were prevalent at the time. Not everyone found the song lyrics convincing. Robert Christgau, reviewer for Newsday Magazine, said in his review of Cat Stevens’ 1972 Lincoln Center concert, “When Stevens informs the world that we’re all on a peace train, I get annoyed. We’re not, and if Stevens ever stops shaking his head long enough to see clearly for a second, he might realize it.”

Cat Stevens was born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948 in London, England.  He started performing in 1964 and  began having some success in 1967, writing the classic and enduring soul ballad “The First Cut Is The Deepest,” which he sold for $40. He became a  superstar by 1970 and is known for his deeply emotional songs and powerful vocal delivery, as well as flawlessly produced records. Stevens also has unique, colorful album titles, including: Matthew & Son, Mona Bone Jakon, Tea for the Tillerman, Teaser and the Firecat, and Catch Bull at Four.

Cat Stevens  is the father of five children and has had a life of ups and downs, including a bout with tuberculosis in the late 1960s and a near downing in the 1980s. In the mid 1980s, he converted to Islam, changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and reduced his public appearances. Although he remains a controversial figure, there is no disputing his remarkable talent, beautiful voice, and deeply touching songs.

Here are the lyrics to “Peace Train” by Cat Stevens:

“Now I’ve been happy lately
Thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun

Oh, I’ve been smiling lately
Dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be
Some day it’s going to come

‘Cause out on the edge of darkness
There rides a peace train
Oh, peace train take this country
Come take me home again

Now I’ve been smiling lately
Thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun

Oh, peace train sounding louder
Glide on the peace train
Come on the peace train
Yes, peace train holy roller
Everyone jump up on the peace train
Come on the peace train

Get your bags together
Go bring your good friends too
‘Cause it’s getting nearer
It soon will be with you

Now come and join the living
It’s not so far from you
And it’s getting nearer
Soon it will all be true

Oh, peace train sounding louder
Glide on the peace train
Come on the peace train
Peace train

Now I’ve been crying lately
Thinking about the world as it is
Why must we go on hating
Why can’t we live in bliss

‘Cause out on the edge of darkness
There rides a peace train
Oh, peace train take this country
Come take me home again

Oh, peace train sounding louder
Glide on the peace train
Come on the peace train
Yes, peace train holy roller

Everyone jump upon the peace train
Come on, come on, come on
Yes, come on the peace train
Yes, it’s a peace train

Come on the peace train
Oh peace train.”

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed “Peace Train” by Cat Stevens.

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