derek
Oh Very Young
Posts: 7
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Post by derek on Feb 16, 2010 16:23:26 GMT -5
I don't know if this would go under Song Discussion or General Topics, but today, with motivation from the song "A Bad Penny", i kicked an awful consuming addiction thats been ailing me ever since i was a teenager. I won't go into detals what that was because of the TMI policy yall probely have on here. But listening to the words of that song, i never felt so motivated in my life to make a drastic positive change. I just joined a board thats about that very addiction and i gave them my story, and i printed the lyrics to "A Bad Penny"on the board. No longer will i listen to those "same idle lies" my addiction offered me. I had it enough
All those sneaky bars and smart parties
Had enough
All those sweet friends and lovers
I've had enough
All those lonely rooms
And blank faces
Had enough
And I want them no more!
What was Cat thinking when he wrote that? Was he getting over an addiction too?
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Post by Vivian on Feb 16, 2010 16:54:15 GMT -5
I don't know if this would go under Song Discussion or General Topics, but today, with motivation from the song "A Bad Penny", i kicked an awful consuming addiction thats been ailing me ever since i was a teenager. I won't go into detals what that was because of the TMI policy yall probely have on here. But listening to the words of that song, i never felt so motivated in my life to make a drastic positive change. I just joined a board thats about that very addiction and i gave them my story, and i printed the lyrics to "A Bad Penny"on the board. No longer will i listen to those "same idle lies" my addiction offered me. I had it enough All those sneaky bars and smart parties Had enough All those sweet friends and lovers I've had enough All those lonely rooms And blank faces Had enough And I want them no more! What was Cat thinking when he wrote that? Was he getting over an addiction too? In all liklihood, yes. We all know that the time came that he was just fed up with the entire business in general. Drugs just happened to be included with the business. The bars and parties were drug induced, the lonely rooms were the way Cat felt at the end of his performances back in his hotel when lonliness crept in, and the blank faces, I suppose was all of us fans who just stared and were so entralled that we couldn't see past the man on stage who was lost spiritually. Thankfully, he found his balence and came back to us in a way that's right for him. Peace,Vivian |
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Feb 16, 2010 17:00:31 GMT -5
I don't know if this would go under Song Discussion or General Topics, but today, with motivation from the song "A Bad Penny", i kicked an awful consuming addiction thats been ailing me ever since i was a teenager. I won't go into detals what that was because of the TMI policy yall probely have on here. But listening to the words of that song, i never felt so motivated in my life to make a drastic positive change. I just joined a board thats about that very addiction and i gave them my story, and i printed the lyrics to "A Bad Penny"on the board. No longer will i listen to those "same idle lies" my addiction offered me. I had it enough All those sneaky bars and smart parties Had enough All those sweet friends and lovers I've had enough All those lonely rooms And blank faces Had enough And I want them no more! What was Cat thinking when he wrote that? Was he getting over an addiction too? Hi Derek, While I'm not sure what Cat's inspiration/motivating factor was in writing "A Bad Penny", I was always under the impression that he was referring to the downside of a pop star's 'life on the road', as well as an aspect of what constitutes the general life-style of same. Maybe more learned Cat/Yusuf fans here at Majicat can answer your question more knowledgeably. In any case, I sincerely send you all best wishes in your courageous pursuit of defeating your addiction. I believe that you have already shown great courage in sharing what you are confronting, both on this site and on the one in which you posted "A Bad Penny"'s lyrics, and I'm sure that Yusuf would be pleased to learn that his message through this song has served as a positive catalyst for you. May you succeed fully, my friend. -Bud |
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Post by tiffany on Feb 16, 2010 17:27:06 GMT -5
I quite agree with you, Vivian, and he was literally cheesed-off with himself, and the entire music biz, and can't say it's one of the faves, but all that I can say is, that the Cat Stevens edifice was heading nowhere. In the end of his final concert in 1979, he announced the game was up, abruptly hanging up his guitar, and leaving the stage. In my personal opinion, that cut-off was a sad ending to me, and I, for one thing, felt very upset that he didn't perform again, never to be Cat Stevens no more. The image he had as a young man of his era, still brings me happiness to my life, and I'm so glad he's returned to the spotlight after all these long years
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Post by downunder72 on Feb 16, 2010 18:29:00 GMT -5
Hi Derek,  Thankyou for sharing your personal story. I wish you well on your new journey, and hope you find, never ending inspiration through Cats/Yusufs music. I think HIS music has helped many of us through bad times, and we relate to the lyrics of HIS songs in different ways. That's the majic of his work. It's like looking at a painting I guess. Everyone will observe it with a different eye. What matters most, is what you gain from HIS music. One thing is for sure, HIS music can only have a positive affect on us. His music brings people together, in bad times and good times, MAJICAT is a fine example. I hope you will always feel at home here, people who respect, love, and support one another. I wish you only good times ahead, and hope to see you here more often. I think you are an inspiration to all of us here. One day at time, we can leave our troubles behind. |
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Post by tiffany on Feb 17, 2010 7:41:21 GMT -5
Well, for certain, I couldn't avoid hearing the music of Cat Stevens. His music was iconic, memorable and beautiful. The songs he wrote and sung were about, ecology, peace, love and understanding, like Where Do The Children Play, Wild World, talking about what goes on in the world today, and Peace Train, searching for peace and eternal bliss. Those songs had the meaningful truth.
I think that one song talks about the time when he was absence from music, was "Just Another Night, taken from that excellent album "Back To Earth. The lyrics on that song refered to his illness of TB, which literally destroyed him. However, his second comeback to pop stardom, left him an unhappy cat. When he embraced relion, fans were left heartbroken, dismayed, and unwilling to understand why.
And, until 2006, his third comeback led him to picking up his guitar with the help of Yoriyos, his son, and making music again, and two new albums like "An Otther Cup and Roadsinger. Two brand new albums, and brilliantly minted songs, that fans had never heard since giving it all away. We're so glad he's back in the business again, and looking forward to the musical of "Moonshadow coming to the West End soon.
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Marge
Majik of Majik Member
"Life is to important to be taken seriously" Oscar Wilde..
Posts: 401
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Post by Marge on Feb 17, 2010 14:58:41 GMT -5
Hi Derek,
I am glad you have posted this up. I need some time to think about this one - but all the responses above are excellent. We're all friends here and share and help each other. Most of Yusuf's journey has been written above - but above all - if his music has helped you personally - you will be forever grateful and we are forever grateful that you are doing well.
Music takes a journey - irregardless of the writer/singer/music. But much of Yusuf's music has touched people on a personal level. During the times this was going on - record companies were pushing the artists to a ridiculous level to cut an album every two months and write all this - and then perform live at the same time. Many groups fell apart; musicians died of overdoses and Yusuf was in fact, involved with drugs and alcohol at this point of his life and admits to it.
Many of us were very young then - didn't understand what we do today - about life and this music business.
One person can make a difference. Thanks for posting this up - thanks for all the responses to a very very good thread - I do believe.
Oddly - over the past 33 years - where Peace Train was his signature song - it has turned now into "Father and Son" - this in itself shows the changes.
Take care and keep writing.
Deepest respect,
Marge
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Post by flemmishfangent on Mar 5, 2010 5:23:01 GMT -5
This is all wonderfull to read and if Yusuf or his family are reading this they will be see again that the Cat did so much for the people and Yusuf is doing it further in a fantastic way.Regine
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Post by aurarisma on Mar 6, 2010 5:16:01 GMT -5
hmm Vivian I dont think Cat was lost spiritually at all... His lyrics have no trace of being lost .. maybe being hurt but that is Life .. and the Road we travel.. I believe that that song might be about someone he was dating .. and also .. the ritual of The Road .. The blank faces were prob the girls he hooked up with I would think because He always remembers his audiences ... they give him energy and Joy ... You know I was looking at the Late Late Show (Dublin) talk show that Yusuf did 2 days after the RAH Concert .. and the interviewer asked him so is it true that you went away for 33 years?? And Cat I mean Yusuf's answer (didnt want to backspace ) well his answer is very interesting .. maybe with a bit of regret .. I'm sure.. if you get a chance all Plz review that interview... there is an answer lurking in what He says and his gestures.. I'm so grateful that I can see his eyes glisten with joy again ... its been a rough spiritual road I feel for him starting out soooo conservative in faith .. now He is comfy and joyful ..and it shows.. x |
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Post by aurarisma on Mar 6, 2010 5:16:42 GMT -5
Derek,
ty for sharing that with us .. Congratulations too!!!!
xo
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Post by Vivian on Mar 6, 2010 12:06:55 GMT -5
hmm Vivian I dont think Cat was lost spiritually at all... His lyrics have no trace of being lost .. maybe being hurt but that is Life .. and the Road we travel.. I believe that that song might be about someone he was dating .. and also .. the ritual of The Road .. The blank faces were prob the girls he hooked up with I would think because He always remembers his audiences ... they give him energy and Joy ... You know I was looking at the Late Late Show (Dublin) talk show that Yusuf did 2 days after the RAH Concert .. and the interviewer asked him so is it true that you went away for 33 years?? And Cat I mean Yusuf's answer (didnt want to backspace ) well his answer is very interesting .. maybe with a bit of regret .. I'm sure.. if you get a chance all Plz review that interview... there is an answer lurking in what He says and his gestures.. I'm so grateful that I can see his eyes glisten with joy again ... its been a rough spiritual road I feel for him starting out soooo conservative in faith .. now He is comfy and joyful ..and it shows.. x I guess I just interpet Yusuf's interviews differently. I've heard him say in numerous interviews that many of Cat's lyrics indicate that he was indeed searching for something-some kind of meaning in life beyond the glamour of showbusiness I do agree that it's jnice to see Yusuf's eyes glisten again while onstage. As Yusuf has also stated in interviews, he has found his balence between both worlds. Peace,Vivian |
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Post by aurarisma on Mar 6, 2010 23:51:45 GMT -5
I think He knew the meaning of life quite well and knew God .. well We can agree on the glistening for sure!
Joy,
C
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Post by angelsea15 on Mar 8, 2010 0:01:05 GMT -5
You know I used to think this song was about a lover, but now I think
it's about
Steve talking to a tired Cat Stevens
Oh no, don’t use those same weeping eyes
I’ll wipe them no more
I didn’t want to have to be cruel
But the truth must be said
And you ain’t heard enough
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wanda
Oh Very Young
Hard Headed Woman
Posts: 6
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Post by wanda on Mar 12, 2010 8:26:37 GMT -5
It might have been an addiction... not necessarily drugs. Working on my intro... I am new  |
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Post by Katmandu on Apr 8, 2010 13:04:58 GMT -5
I believe, and Yusuf has said as much, that he became less and less interested in the music industry as his career progressed.
Although I own the albums and find many songs on them enjoyable, I don't think he found the majic found in Mona Bone Jakon, Tillerman, Teaser or Catch Bull at Four in any of his future albums. That's not a put down of Yusuf. He remains one of my favorite musicians ever. Yusuf himself states that the music industry turned him more into a product than a musician. He found the peace he was looking for in Islam. Many people never find peace in their lives. I'm happy he came back to sing for the non-Muslim world again. He's one of the most interesting men I've ever seen.
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on Apr 8, 2010 14:20:14 GMT -5
Very well said, Katmandu. I agree that something can be said about the 4 LP's you mentioned. Maybe it is the simplicity and asperation of youth, the longing to find answers for his questions. By time Foreigner came around, I think his questions were beginning to be answered and his music didn't have that same signs of defiance and of hope as it once had. His music continued to be good even great, it just didn't have that same edge to it, as it had in Tillerman and Teaser.
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Thankyou for sharing your personal story. I wish you well on your new journey, and hope you find, never ending inspiration through Cats/Yusufs music. I think HIS music has helped many of us through bad times, and we relate to the lyrics of HIS songs in different ways. That's the majic of his work. It's like looking at a painting I guess. Everyone will observe it with a different eye. What matters most, is what you gain from HIS music. One thing is for sure, HIS music can only have a positive affect on us. His music brings people together, in bad times and good times, MAJICAT is a fine example. I hope you will always feel at home here, people who respect, love, and support one another. I wish you only good times ahead, and hope to see you here more often. I think you are an inspiration to all of us here. 
