Cat Stevens - Where Do The Children Play

circa '71

[@docsci]

51 years later and i remember every single word of this song...

[@RIGIBBONS]

Me too. So much real MUSIC then.....

[@deborahguido5103]

Me too!

[@usneod9329]

My brother loved Cat Steven's, Joni Mitchell, Joan Biaz and Melanie. I was a Led Zeppelin kind of guy. My brother was haunted by the demons of his life and recently passed away well before his time. So I found myself downloading his music to my Spotify and listening to his music as I headed north up Pacific coast highway.This song came on and before it was even half over I had to pull over I was crying so hard. God bless you Cliff, I hope you finally are at peace where the children play.

[@vingriffin67]

Tea for the tillerman =one of the best lps ever.

[@garymaidman625]

Teaser and the Firecat = just as good.

[@paulamartin9998]

Catch Bull at Four and Buddha and the Chocolate Box are great too!

[@chucktaylor4958]

Indeed it is. Timeless.

[@charmeyn2]

"Will you tell us when to live, will you tell us when to die" the question Cat asked years ago in this song, seems to be the point we are living in this point of time, a sad prophetic reality

[@RIGIBBONS]

Yes--even truer in 2023 than it was when I first heard it 50 years ago.

[@sandygrl2u]

I loved Cat Stevens music back in the 70's, and it's sad that his songs hold so true...even more-so, now. Where do the children play? I still have the vinyl too.

[@island661]

They play on their phones, definitely not outside like normal kids.

[@mccellen]

"Where Do the Children Play" brings me to tears as well..todays' children sit around inside with their computers..Sad where civilization is going..

[@dianequick3127]

@@island661 true.

[@chucktaylor4958]

So do I. I sang this to my children.

[@bonnieholland6801]

He brought us beautiful songs that will live on. I feel compassion for him and his inner spiritual struggle. I wish him peace, love, and happiness always. His songs will be in my ❤ for evermore.

[@samuelgentit6927]

Quel grand artiste. Quelle époque musicale fabuleuse.

[@NYC10107]

One of my fave songs. Just beautiful. It fit "Harold & Maude" so well.

[@madeleinebaier3896]

.....just sang along with this to my cat Esther. She looked over at me, blinked slowly once or twice, and went to sleep.

[@CammyPlaysRS]

Haha

[@Arhethee]

Morning has broke

[@zang1983]

Esther loves you and is content.

[@Wensleydale96]

I like your cat's name, y'all have good taste ;p

[@dianequick3127]

@@Wensleydale96 ha ha!

[@nicolavivarelli4127]

A sweet song and a great live performance ! Cat Stevens for me is one of the best singer of ever : voice, guitar ,talent and many wonderful songs..thanks from Italy

[@kenmargo8262]

Memories of. a bar in the Red Light District of Amsterdam 1971. This song playing over and over ,amazing us confused hippie wannabes hoping for a better world.

[@tomsmith9208]

I think it's a real shame that radio stns today all have their own predictable play lists that they feed you day in day out, as though we all have 24 hr memories, but there are artists like cat here (& many others) whose songs are seldom played, whatever the reasons it's a real shame music like this is forgoton by radio, time for a shake up, any1 agree ?

[@thefloorkiller]

I fully agree

[@joejrwesthamunited4586]

Tom Smith your so right

[@joejrwesthamunited4586]

Tom Smith and I'm 27

[@drucilladusk]

Tom Smith That is why we have SXM SPOTIFY and KZbin 😊

[@kausamsalam8543]

Tom Smith so true, Tom. Radio stations play those lustful, decadent songs; but not Cat/Yusuf.

[@danm3213]

This song played at the end of last night's 'This is us". Perfect song for the scene. Perfectly placed.

[@drahenodraheno7297]

I got to watch it tonight with my dear old mom. She's 86 and I'm 66. it was a great episode and a special moment.

[@anng6289]

Yes I watched it as well. I had to listen to this song again and again.

[@pameca2000]

@@drahenodraheno7297 I totally agree! I was really moved to tears¡

[@Barbarakerr1]

He sang then, as he does now. It's as if time has stood still. Beautiful, beautiful song. It's the finest track on the album and to some extent of the whole series of albums . . I have to say, that when I hear Cat perform this same track in recent years, I can tell that he has listened to this track - his own voice many, many times over and over again. He couldn't otherwise replicate it, with such perfection, 30 years down the line. At the end of the day, he has every right to do so . .It just shows that through all that happened, he still didn't completely abandon nor forget it all . . Barbara Kerr xx

[@wendimurphy6191]

Saw him at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1972 I think. Love the music still

[@asna3715]

No words ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@markpayne9124]

cat stevens gave us hope in a time when we needed it . just listen to peace train.

[@threekidzmom04]

He was one of the best singers in my youth!

[@kausamsalam8543]

Wow! So relevant today. The more forward we go, the less human we seem....where do the children play?

[@chucktaylor4958]

A great iconic song from my youth that I sung to my children.

[@ppatriot2003]

I shared this on facebook today , for the people of Norway.

[@sunflowerofpeace]

One of the greatest balladiers and voice of conscience for our generation,thank you so much for sharing,peace from Canada

[@julsholywars5580]

What a terrific song u r absolutely one of the best singer and songwriters, but personally I feel yr deep sadness in yr lyrics... I love u cat and will neva get enough of listening to these yr songs, so thank u very much yr fan always Juls Sydney Aust.. god bless u and all u hold sacred dear.. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️✝️🐬❤️✝️❤️🙏😀🙏🙏😥😪

[@lucascristaldo3895]

Maravilhoso.// Vitória Mendes./ SP Brasil

[@varahn87]

It's got to be his most touching song. Simply brilliant.

[@DaddyDave7747]

Absolutely! My city is getting all built up with skyscrapers for the rich. No yards to play in. Nothing. When then this song came out, me and the guys were making underground forts and riding our bikes everywhere. I feel sorry for the young people living in high-rise buildings with no yard to play in nowadays. Thanks Cat for the great song!

[@dianequick3127]

@@DaddyDave7747 Ok, within here - there might be an answer. You see, when I was working at Science Management Corporation located in Landover, Maryland, I worked in - - not a skyscraper though a rather tall building.

[@dianequick3127]

And, there was one great aspect about my job there at Science Management Corporation (SMC). There was a daycare on the ground floor. I could meet up with my two-year-old son for lunch - or, come visit him anytime of the day during my work-day. I could visually see all the kids getting along together when I would enter the daycare center. And, there is more.

[@paulaslade5713]

Still have your original albums, your lyrics resonate even more today.

[@waynelast1685]

What a beautiful Song... for some reason this just popped into my memory from the 70s

[@robertpalmer2529]

Marvellous melody, crushing prophetic lyrics.

[@davidwilson7287]

This is Fulham 1971, sheer brilliance and so humble, beautiful boy !!

[@markread946]

we all want somewhere for our children to play safe.this world gettin smaller. so sad

[@keith-leecastle6700]

Just astonishing beautiful...as is the film.

[@21550spurs]

My favorite Cat Stevens song, It sounds amazing on Tea for the Tilllerman on vinyl.

[@MiguelAldissimo]

Beautiful song!!!

[@RosemaryGranat-rj2jm]

Thank you Cat....goodnight and my love....all of it....Charlana. Bruce jr....and little mr Jonathan?

[@RosemaryGranat-rj2jm]

And where are we all tonight....? Nowhere I want to be.....the slums of nyc..... 2:31

[@RosemaryGranat-rj2jm]

The family is rich and fine.....thank God.....got rid of nyc.....

[@brendagilbert8996]

One of the best vocalists and musicians in our time. He is magnificent, and still is as Yusuf.

[@pacerodi]

Thanks Cat Yusuf, for giving us wonderful life memories.

[@keith-leecastle6700]

So underrated....Love the film, love the man.

[@robertschmidt7489]

Beautiful... Thank you, Cat!

[@homegrownpa]

This is one of the sound tracks to my life, and when I hear it now, it still takes me back there. Cat Stevens is one of the very few people I can listen to, however I feel.

[@maddma]

He was one of the best singer/sonwriter of his, my generation. I still love the guy no matter what religion he believes in. This music will live forever.

[@ja9795]

He sings from the space beyond divisions!

[@sarapinsky315]

One of Cat's best songs-this is a lovely performance!

[@davidstokes925]

I have no words that can come close to say how much his music means to me!

[@slartybartfarst5953]

My mother told I used to cry when I heard him when I was a toddler… I still choke up, i don’t know what it is with him, he’s so sincere.

[@Herro750]

@@slartybartfarst5953I know what it is. I love him.

[@tamim1750]

😘👍👏beautiful song.. great Cat !!!!😘

[@LULWA29]

Beautiful man, Cat Stevens....inside and out

[@Cce339]

Cat Stevens is Cat Stevens and will always be Cat Stevens! Great music!

[@lararae3017]

do you still call Ali, Cassius? it's good that no one really cares what you do.

[@RedKruzer]

My favorite CS song. He made me feel like a child when I first heard it.

[@norizaliah]

Great song, great voice!

[@boaze6375]

I enjoyed the upload of cat Stevens, If you have more from this session and can upload to youtube, I would be most appreciative. I loved this and watching the 2 clips made me very happy. Thank you

[@melissaduet439]

Love all his songs he was always my favorite...the best at makeing you think for your future.and hapoiness.

[@lucianavolpato1502]

Un lontano 1977 mi regalasti il vinile 💔😢

[@garydrane7821]

Great song that stands the test time.

[@davidf2767]

Lyrics so relevant even today!

[@norahcosta9360]

Cat Stevens Always sweet,lovely music and good memories. Love him forever❤❤❤

[@Magpies1966]

One of the greats of all time,long live the 🐱.

[@chucktaylor4958]

The greatest.

[@_Lane_]

This song is more relevant and up-to-date nowadays than when it was released (50 years ago, in 1970)!!! ☝

[@freespirit5234]

Wow, he's brilliant live!! 🥰🥰 the best voice and his songs

[@grady876876]

What a gift that he as given us, to make such a powerful honest statement. His legacy of creativity, grace and art should guide us all.

[@gerrysmith1782]

Ah the days when singers had talent this great song done live and it as good as the album version if not better what a beautiful talented man

[@mother2many]

Love,love,love this song and Cat Stevens. What a visonary. Thanks for the post.

[@Magpies1966]

Still the greatest of all time.

[@lucianavolpato1502]

Il tuo ricordo lo porto nel mio cuore 💔e morirà con me 😪

[@sarrah3944]

Thank you this is us

[@grenouillefrog7687]

Right , I've just watched the 10th episode and discovered that song I had forgotten but always listening to others like Sad Lisa, Morning has broken or Wild world. A great singer like Dylan or Cohen. Thanks ... Hoping to have more in "This is us"

[@michaeldach3977]

don't make tunes like this anymore

[@sarrah3944]

Very true, could you recommend some songs similar to this one maybe? :)

[@skilski2003]

His best song! Great artist, great songwriter. He believes in himself. My grandma loved him:) Just sitting here remembering when I saw him at SMU. Just as good in concert as on a recording.

[@michaelmcgilvry7123]

my favorite cat Stevens song, I loved this when I was little.

[@runner1984]

Here after ' This is us '..Nice tune..Voice even better.

[@danieladorazio5737]

la stupenda poetica musicale con la dolce voce di Cat, è n sensazionale. Immagino sempre distese verdi dove la mia anima si stende per rilassarsi...e poi c'è quella nota sempre un po' malinconica perfetta.

[@sylviehartmann-frossard1258]

Toujours aussi beautiful et malheureusement d'actualité! émotion quand entendue pour la première fois au ciné dans le magnifique film Harold et Maud. Peace and Love

[@NaturePaparazzi]

"Will you tell us when to live, will tell us when to die". How prophetic, 50 years on, in these uncertain times for our elders ......

[@albertomerola9127]

Questo brano lo associo sempre al film cult HAROLD E MAUDE..favola poetica e tenera e trasgressiva di Hal Ashby ( di cui consiglio anche Oltre il giardino, con l'indimenticabile Peter Sellers!

[@Awalsuv]

really great

[@dshere1234]

Alun Davies guitar work is so beautiful and understated on this track.

[@laurel614]

He is a wonderful soul.:)

[@marker011]

Beautiful version of a beautiful song.

[@elizabethwelch985]

I loved and will always Love Yusuf/Cat

[@molipaul]

An amazing voice through the ages.

[@mad184rose]

a great song

[@AliNaderzad]

brilliant song, brilliant artist (well, what's left of him)

[@Giota1978]

Indeed. Greetings from Greece.

[@dianequick3127]

I believe this is a message for millennials and subsequent generations.

[@steeplepossum39]

What a beautiful song and Cat's question is a good question because their is an answer to every question ,so where do the children play well unless you can get your kids to Disneyland they always have eachother.Well done Cat!

[@DerTrolliver]

I think I am singing this song several times a day since more than 40 years. Always beginning soft and smooth, but intensifying with every verse until the end, crying out the words with great fervour. Under the shower, on my bike, in the car or just now with my guitar. The song ist not only true and beautiful, it gives me a certain impression of what humanity is capable to do without caring for it. Just a little bit. ;-))

[@priscillakunneke8395]

I am well into my 60 years and retired teacher in South Africa this is a song and all Cat Stevens songs we had on lp long playing records for you young ones love them this is something special

[@DerTrolliver]

@@priscillakunneke8395 In fact, it is! Greetings from Germany to South Africa! 🙂

[@immoabt]

Marvelous

[@isabelsantos331]

Cat Stevens, vai regressar, espero, com as suas belissimas cancoes! Que saudade...... uma excelente noticia para todos os seus fas, nos quais me incluo. Ja mereciamos......

[@alpugan23]

Wow…you posted this video 2006.. great.

[@megwitch1]

Love 💕, ikea Canada has this song on a tv commercial

[@gillestemprement2060]

Quatre accords....une magnifique chanson ....bravo

[@Deeplz]

That song gives me the creeps. His voice saddens my heart and makes everything warm around it at the same time. Greets from Germany to you. :)

[@MrYogipee]

Greetings from Mars!

[@pjcampbell5923]

Exactly

[@mandi209]

I love you - as My bother drowned and only had your album in his room - so me and my sister just played it on a loop in his room to think about him so long ago. I still listen to you and remember my brother Mark as always. And then I became a Yogi. Thank You.

[@JS-go8vt]

♥️♥️♥️ Then and now.... Where do the children play? ✨✨✨

[@MrYogipee]

Not in MY backyard.

[@simbasmomma]

love this song its so dam true

[@simonharesnape6578]

Yysuf /cat isn't linked to evil, he spreads love and harmony, his songs cascade peace and love

[@olivierpellegrini231]

Sublime mélodie grande chanson

[@MarieShaniPINKFEARSCHMITT]

forever from my teenhood

[@robertryan2542]

Watching here in Ireland. 2022.

[@thebenki]

this song is just great!

[@terrypearo8652]

There is a very special meaning behind this song a story that has never been understood or told. Until today. I will share this story with the hope and the faith of its accuracy as I recall it. It was in July of 1973 on a mountain top in Colorado where this story -the song - begins. I was sitting next to this guy named Cat on a log surrounding a campfire where many nights we would sit, pick up a guitar and sing. This song was not a hit then ... it was a song still ion the making. It was that year that I met Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens).at the very first Strawberry Lake Festival . We shared a piece of ground where each of us laid our sleepig bags down and would lay awake at night looking up at the stars and just talking. That's the first time I ever heard the question "But where do the children play?asked by Cat . Many times he would ask that same question to one of us ora group because in those days we were all considered Hippys and there were a lot of "illegal drugs" and paraphernalia around and being used by many . Stuff like LSD, THC, MESCALINE etc.,and there were many many young children that had accompanied their parents to this Peace Gathering., and Cat was concerned that someone would leave their drugs out where some of the children might get a hold of it and take it. There wasn't any special designated area for the children to play but they were all playing amongst these Hippys, lol and Cat was expressing a concern that they might not be in an area they should be in or around and playing.- 1973 Grandby Colorado..

[@hopefullynotgoinghell6364]

Thanks my dad loved this,memories

[@claudiovandelli881]

grazie .. di Tutto ..

[@thalstead7]

Skill, Talent Passion