Cat Stevens — Blackness of the Night
Album: The Laughing AppleAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1825
Length: 2:56
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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In the blackness of the night
I seem to wander endlessly
With a hope burning out deep inside
I'm a fugitive, community has driven me out
For this bad, bad world I'm beginning to doubt
I'm alone and there is no one by my side
In the blackness of the night
I see a shadow passing by
From the heels of an old soldier boy
There's no compromising
And his eyes are black as the sky
For this bad, bad world he is going to die
He's alone and there is no one by his side
In the blackness of the night
I see a sparkle of a star
From the sweet silver tear of a child
And she's clutching at a photograph of long, long ago
When her parents were happy she was too young to know
She's alone and there is no one by her side
I'm alone and there is no one by my side
In the blackness of the night
I seem to wander endlessly
With a hope burning out deep inside
I'm a fugitive, community has driven me out
For this bad, bad world I'm beginning to doubt
I'm alone, and there is no one by my side
I seem to wander endlessly
With a hope burning out deep inside
I'm a fugitive, community has driven me out
For this bad, bad world I'm beginning to doubt
I'm alone and there is no one by my side
In the blackness of the night
I see a shadow passing by
From the heels of an old soldier boy
There's no compromising
And his eyes are black as the sky
For this bad, bad world he is going to die
He's alone and there is no one by his side
In the blackness of the night
I see a sparkle of a star
From the sweet silver tear of a child
And she's clutching at a photograph of long, long ago
When her parents were happy she was too young to know
She's alone and there is no one by her side
I'm alone and there is no one by my side
In the blackness of the night
I seem to wander endlessly
With a hope burning out deep inside
I'm a fugitive, community has driven me out
For this bad, bad world I'm beginning to doubt
I'm alone, and there is no one by my side
Comments (53)add comment
The amazing thing is that he can still sing like he used to.
such uplifting lyrics...
itsme_bygolly wrote:
The brevity of my response was more a way to emphasize the importance of the BIG 4 (love, respect, kindness and forgiveness) and less any sort of measured response to the Yusuf vs Salman topic.
I would also add that I am not your typical Westerner, what with my dad's Christian family coming to America from Egypt 60+ years ago. And as medical missionaries, my uncle and his wife spent a few years in Yemen, where they and my 3 cousins and my grandma were nearly victims of a radical Muslim who emptied his AK47 in the FREE hospital after his wife sought treatment there days previously. Thankfully he was a bad shot and only killed 3 doctors. The Yemeni government swiftly executed that man within 30 days of the crime, not before those Westerners at the free hospital (mostly Swedes and Americans) could FORGIVE him.
Long Live Radio Paradise & Love, Kindness, Respect and Forgiveness!!
Neither this response or the OP properly reflects a more complicated but honest historical account surrounding Yusef Islam, Most of his story reflects Western biases. Cat Stevens neither "supports" killing people or has suggested anyone be killed. Some Muslim Imam issued a fatwa against Salmon Rushdie, an author of a book considered heretical to Islam. I don't take credit or blame myself for every knucklehead that summons the name of God to bless their wrongdoing. Yusef and no one else should live their lives under the expectation their lives exist to make other people comfortable.
The brevity of my response was more a way to emphasize the importance of the BIG 4 (love, respect, kindness and forgiveness) and less any sort of measured response to the Yusuf vs Salman topic.
I would also add that I am not your typical Westerner, what with my dad's Christian family coming to America from Egypt 60+ years ago. And as medical missionaries, my uncle and his wife spent a few years in Yemen, where they and my 3 cousins and my grandma were nearly victims of a radical Muslim who emptied his AK47 in the FREE hospital after his wife sought treatment there days previously. Thankfully he was a bad shot and only killed 3 doctors. The Yemeni government swiftly executed that man within 30 days of the crime, not before those Westerners at the free hospital (mostly Swedes and Americans) could FORGIVE him.
Long Live Radio Paradise & Love, Kindness, Respect and Forgiveness!!
lizardking wrote:
….that 'supported' and 'supports' are different tenses, and therefore, as a HUMAN being, kindness and compassion dictates allowing one to change and seek forgiveness. Long Live RP, Love and Forgiveness!!
Neither this response or the OP properly reflects a more complicated but honest historical account surrounding Yusef Islam, Most of his story reflects Western biases. Cat Stevens neither "supports" killing people or has suggested anyone be killed. Some Muslim Imam issued a fatwa against Salmon Rushdie, an author of a book considered heretical to Islam. I don't take credit or blame myself for every knucklehead that summons the name of God to bless their wrongdoing. Yusef and no one else should live their lives under the expectation their lives exist to make other people comfortable.
….that 'supported' and 'supports' are different tenses, and therefore, as a HUMAN being, kindness and compassion dictates allowing one to change and seek forgiveness. Long Live RP, Love and Forgiveness!!
Neither this response or the OP properly reflects a more complicated but honest historical account surrounding Yusef Islam, Most of his story reflects Western biases. Cat Stevens neither "supports" killing people or has suggested anyone be killed. Some Muslim Imam issued a fatwa against Salmon Rushdie, an author of a book considered heretical to Islam. I don't take credit or blame myself for every knucklehead that summons the name of God to bless their wrongdoing. Yusef and no one else should live their lives under the expectation their lives exist to make other people comfortable.
Wow if it weren't for the comments, I wouldn't have paid attention to the release date! Well... his voice still carries its initial magic for me :-)
after 50 years, it’s great to hear his voice again
Cat Stevens still sounds like Cat Stevens, and for that we should be grateful.
Stale, from a guy whose religious fervor keeps colliding with his penchant for fame and fortune.
Before, the son, now, the father. Sublime.
Poor Cat. Religion always fucks your mind up.
Good song though.
Good song though.
This is all about evolution. Cat Stevens just gets better with age!
lizardking wrote:
….that 'supported' and 'supports' are different tenses, and therefore, as a HUMAN being, kindness and compassion dictates allowing one to change and seek forgiveness. Long Live RP, Love and Forgiveness!!
Great story if that were true.
….that 'supported' and 'supports' are different tenses, and therefore, as a HUMAN being, kindness and compassion dictates allowing one to change and seek forgiveness. Long Live RP, Love and Forgiveness!!
Great story if that were true.
On the Salman Rushdie Controversy, Wikipedia has a complex story, perhaps reflecting a complex man.
"In 1989, following an address by Islam to students at London's Kingston Polytechnic (now Kingston University), where he was asked about the fatwa calling for the killing of Salman Rushdie, author of the novel The Satanic Verses, Islam made a series of comments that appeared to show support for the fatwa. He stated "He (Rushdie) must be killed. The Qur'an makes it clear – if someone defames the prophet, then he must die."[85] He released a statement the following day denying that he supported vigilantism and claiming that he had merely recounted the legal Islamic punishment for blasphemy. Subsequently, he commented in a 1989 interview on Australian television that Rushdie should be killed and stated he would rather burn Rushdie instead of an effigy.[86] In a statement in the FAQ section of one of his websites, Islam asserted that while he regretted the comments, he was joking and that the show was improperly edited.[87] In the years since these comments he has repeatedly denied ever calling for the death of Rushdie or supporting the fatwa, a position contradicted by his contemporary public statements in 1989.[12][74] Yusuf appearing on BBC's Desert Island Discs[72] on 27 September 2020 claimed clever journalists had framed his Fatwa comment in a misleading way."
"In 1989, following an address by Islam to students at London's Kingston Polytechnic (now Kingston University), where he was asked about the fatwa calling for the killing of Salman Rushdie, author of the novel The Satanic Verses, Islam made a series of comments that appeared to show support for the fatwa. He stated "He (Rushdie) must be killed. The Qur'an makes it clear – if someone defames the prophet, then he must die."[85] He released a statement the following day denying that he supported vigilantism and claiming that he had merely recounted the legal Islamic punishment for blasphemy. Subsequently, he commented in a 1989 interview on Australian television that Rushdie should be killed and stated he would rather burn Rushdie instead of an effigy.[86] In a statement in the FAQ section of one of his websites, Islam asserted that while he regretted the comments, he was joking and that the show was improperly edited.[87] In the years since these comments he has repeatedly denied ever calling for the death of Rushdie or supporting the fatwa, a position contradicted by his contemporary public statements in 1989.[12][74] Yusuf appearing on BBC's Desert Island Discs[72] on 27 September 2020 claimed clever journalists had framed his Fatwa comment in a misleading way."
good to hear this old crazy cat
dig it
dig it
Wow! This came out four years ago, and this is the first I've heard it. I agree, this is the sound of 'Cat' from that grand era long ago......Thanks again, Bill! You are the best DJ ever.
garyalex wrote:
I had a different reaction. My thought was that this was consistent with his older work. It could easily have been included on his older albums.
This is his older work!!! He re released 5 songs on this album from years ago!!
I had a different reaction. My thought was that this was consistent with his older work. It could easily have been included on his older albums.
This is his older work!!! He re released 5 songs on this album from years ago!!
You can't say this and still be that.
Ah, that unmistakable voice. That was a pleasant surprise - a Cat Stevens song I’ve not heard before.
itsme_bygolly wrote:
Why Cat Stevens? He changed his name in the 20th century to Yusef.
In 2017, he released the album The Laughing Apple, now using the stage name Yusuf/Cat Stevens, using the Cat Stevens name for the first time in 39 years. In September 2020, he released Tea for the Tillerman 2, a reimagining of his classic album Tea for the Tillerman to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Why Cat Stevens? He changed his name in the 20th century to Yusef.
In 2017, he released the album The Laughing Apple, now using the stage name Yusuf/Cat Stevens, using the Cat Stevens name for the first time in 39 years. In September 2020, he released Tea for the Tillerman 2, a reimagining of his classic album Tea for the Tillerman to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Why Cat Stevens? He changed his name in the 20th century to Yusef.
lizardking wrote:
….that 'supported' and 'supports' are different tenses, and therefore, as a HUMAN being, kindness and compassion dictates allowing one to change and seek forgiveness. Long Live RP, Love and Forgiveness!!
+2 to 9 today...his voice here sounds so well matched to how I and many might be feeling right now...and followed up with Alvin Lee...nice...LLRP!!!
….that 'supported' and 'supports' are different tenses, and therefore, as a HUMAN being, kindness and compassion dictates allowing one to change and seek forgiveness. Long Live RP, Love and Forgiveness!!
+2 to 9 today...his voice here sounds so well matched to how I and many might be feeling right now...and followed up with Alvin Lee...nice...LLRP!!!
garyalex wrote:
I had a different reaction. My thought was that this was consistent with his older work. It could easily have been included on his older albums.
This is his older work. It is a re released version from 1967, as are four other songs off this album.
I had a different reaction. My thought was that this was consistent with his older work. It could easily have been included on his older albums.
This is his older work. It is a re released version from 1967, as are four other songs off this album.
I love Cat Stevens...but I don't like Youssef Islam....
he is exceptional still today!
123heyaho! wrote:
….that 'supported' and 'supports' are different tenses, and therefore, as a HUMAN being, kindness and compassion dictates allowing one to change and seek forgiveness. Long Live RP, Love and Forgiveness!!
This man supported killing a man for writing an novel. What's more to know...?
….that 'supported' and 'supports' are different tenses, and therefore, as a HUMAN being, kindness and compassion dictates allowing one to change and seek forgiveness. Long Live RP, Love and Forgiveness!!
This man supported killing a man for writing an novel. What's more to know...?
oh this voice..I'm so happy right how. Thank you, Bill. BCarn wrote:
A bit of a selfish statement don't you think? He grew up! He changed! didn't you too? Did you expect him to be exactly the same prior to his departure from the biz?
Silly comment.
But still the same lovely voice
A bit of a selfish statement don't you think? He grew up! He changed! didn't you too? Did you expect him to be exactly the same prior to his departure from the biz?
Silly comment.
But still the same lovely voice
OMFG this song is fantastic
The voice is still magical even after all these years
He calls himself Cat Stevens again? No more "Yusuf Islam"...?
Cat Stevens, Steve Adams, Yusef, all of the above, don't even butter no toast without it being thoughtful. He's always King Cat in my book.
Lovely. And still a real poet, albeit a quieter, more thoughtful voice.
Not my cup of tea!
michaelgmitchell wrote:
A bit of a selfish statement don't you think? He grew up! He changed! didn't you too? Did you expect him to be exactly the same prior to his departure from the biz?
Silly comment.
A shell of his former self, after all the transitions in his life. Sorry, not the 'Cat' I embraced from his golden years.
A bit of a selfish statement don't you think? He grew up! He changed! didn't you too? Did you expect him to be exactly the same prior to his departure from the biz?
Silly comment.
Thought this was from Tea for the Tillerman at first. Surprised to see on the new album but makes sense if this was a remake of an earlier song.
michaelgmitchell wrote:
I had a different reaction. My thought was that this was consistent with his older work. It could easily have been included on his older albums.
A shell of his former self, after all the transitions in his life. Sorry, not the 'Cat' I embraced from his golden years.
I had a different reaction. My thought was that this was consistent with his older work. It could easily have been included on his older albums.
hits home deep
A shell of his former self, after all the transitions in his life. Sorry, not the 'Cat' I embraced from his golden years.
lizardking wrote:BoFiS wrote:
About half of the tracks on this album were recorded and released early in Cat's career, including this one, which is much different in it's original version, give it a listen on his New Masters album from 1967!
Good to hear new (old) Cat again. Not sure how many tracks from this new album were conceived back in the 60s...still I like it.
I will say for a brief moment I had a "is BillG really playing Kenny Rogers 'The Gambler'?" - Cat's voice as aged fairly well :-)
About half of the tracks on this album were recorded and released early in Cat's career, including this one, which is much different in it's original version, give it a listen on his New Masters album from 1967!
Great suggestion, BoFiS - I've only recently started to dig into the (old, as in when he was young) Cat work and will for sure check it out.
Long Live RP!!
lizardking wrote:
About half of the tracks on this album were recorded and released early in Cat's career, including this one, which is much different in it's original version, give it a listen on his New Masters album from 1967!
Good to hear new (old) Cat again. Not sure how many tracks from this new album were conceived back in the 60s...still I like it.
I will say for a brief moment I had a "is BillG really playing Kenny Rogers 'The Gambler'?" - Cat's voice as aged fairly well :-)
About half of the tracks on this album were recorded and released early in Cat's career, including this one, which is much different in it's original version, give it a listen on his New Masters album from 1967!
Rather boring song, if you ask me!
Song is growing on me. It's a humanitarian, caring expression.
steeler wrote:
This reminds somewhat of his pre-conversion material but the production is not as good. Darker, but the song title says that clearly.
No score from me just yet. Need another listen or 2.
Welcome back, Cat. Wondering what he might have been producing musically all those years he chose to pursue a different path.
This reminds somewhat of his pre-conversion material but the production is not as good. Darker, but the song title says that clearly.
No score from me just yet. Need another listen or 2.
kingart wrote:
What he said. I like this song more on each play. That's a thoughtful piece of work right there.
Almost a downer.
But a brilliant, truthful downer.
After a few listens, I might demote the Cat, whom I have always admired. But that's a fine tune here.
But a brilliant, truthful downer.
After a few listens, I might demote the Cat, whom I have always admired. But that's a fine tune here.
What he said. I like this song more on each play. That's a thoughtful piece of work right there.
Good to hear new (old) Cat again. Not sure how many tracks from this new album were conceived back in the 60s...still I like it.
I will say for a brief moment I had a "is BillG really playing Kenny Rogers 'The Gambler'?" - Cat's voice as aged fairly well :-)
Welcome back, Cat. Wondering what he might have been producing musically all those years he chose to pursue a different path.
Saw Cat play this live this week- a fabulous show. He described this as a song he wrote in 1967 as a protest song about the plight of refugees. Very relevant 50 years later.
hmmmm, knew immediately it was Cat, interesting music in a way 'cept for the bit of funereal organ : (
a year ago:
a year ago:
Almost a downer.
But a brilliant, truthful downer.
After a few listens, I might demote the Cat, whom I have always admired. But that's a fine tune here.
But a brilliant, truthful downer.
After a few listens, I might demote the Cat, whom I have always admired. But that's a fine tune here.
Almost a downner.
But a brilliant, truthful downer.
After a few listens, I might demote the Cat, whom I have always admired. But that's a fine tune here.
But a brilliant, truthful downer.
After a few listens, I might demote the Cat, whom I have always admired. But that's a fine tune here.
Great that this is getting RP airplay
I just started listening to this album yesterday. Not sure what I think yet. Thanks for playing him!