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My Father and My Son

Cat Stevens’ Father and Son is one of the songs I can only hear a few times a year.

Same old story

I can’t think of a single holiday I like now. They all remind me of awful things. Father’s Day is no different. Although, it does have its moments.

Son: I made you a card. Do you like it?
Me: I love it, thank you!

There are certain songs that I avoid. Cat Stevens’ Father and Son is one of them. But on Father’s Day – two other days a year – I’ll listen to it once, cry, and wait until it’s time to hear it again.

Ever heard it before? I hadn’t until Alison played it once to me.

It’s about an old man trying to tell his hot-headed son to slow down and enjoy the simple things of life and a young man who thinks his dad is just trying to tell him how to life his life like he always does.

I suppose it’s a story that would resonate as much two thousand years ago as it would two thousand years from now.

Father
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
Just sit down, 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

Son
All the times that I 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

I miss my dad as much as you would miss yours if you loved and lost him.

I miss my family. I miss the boy.

But, I suppose, you knew that.

Alison: It’s a conversation, between a father and son.
Me: Is it good?
Her: I think you’ll like it.
Me: (later) That was so good! Thank you for that.

Location: adrift
Mood: longing
Music: There’s so much you have to know (Spotify)
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8 replies on “My Father and My Son”

Just curious why you don’t have your boy home with you? I imagine it has something to do with COVID? From your posts I am feeling like he is really missing you and needs you. Not my business but it just a feeling I get.
Patty

Your feeling is right, as is your guess. I’m a single parent in a NYC apartment so there’s not much for him to do with me here and I still have to work. So, right now, the safest thing for him is to keep with my in-laws, who have green grass and shade for him. I’m hoping that, with the city opening up somewhat, I can see him more frequently.

I have been listening to Cat Stevens for years! You may enjoy the tune Grandsons on his 2017 album The Laughing Apple.

I’ll dig it up and give it a try – thanks! And I’m glad to see that you’re still around and reading me, thank you!

I have always been here! Yours is my favourite blog. Have you heard of Christy Moore? He’s an Irish singer. My Dad and I love his music.

Maybe your pops would like it if your son can one day make a card writing Chinese words and then burn it for him ^^. Like for his 90th birthday.

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