Father and Son by Cat Stevens talks about the emotional struggles between a father and his son, with the father trying to guide his son, while the son wishes to forge his own path and make his own mistakes. The song reflects on generational differences and life perspectives.
Key: G
G
D/F#
C
Am7
It's not time to make a change, just relax and take it easy
G
Em
Am
Am7
D
You're still young, that's your fault, there's so much you have to know
G
D/F#
C
Am7
Find a girl, settle down, if you want to, you can marry
G
Em
Am
Am7
D
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy
G
D
C
Am7
I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy
G
Em
Am
Am7
D
To be calm when you've found something going on
G
D
C
Am7
But take your time, think a lot, why think of everything you've got
G
Em
D
G
C/G
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not e -------------3-----5--
G
Bm
C
Am7
How can I try to explain? 'cause when I do he turns away again
G
Em
Am7
D
It's always been the same, same old story
G
Bm
C
Am7
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen
G
Em
D
G
Now there's a way, and I know that I have to go away
D
C
G
C/G
I know I have to go e -------------3-----5--
G
D
C
Am7
G
Em
Am7
D
G
D
C
Am7
G
Em
D
G
D
C
G
G
D
C
Am7
It's not time to make a change, just sit down and take it slowly (Away, away, away
G
Em
Am
D
You're still young, that's your fault, there's so much you have to go through (I know I have to make ...)
G
D
C
Am7
Find a girl, settle down, if you want, you can marry ( ... this decision alone ...)
G
Em
Am
Am7
D
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy (No ...)
G
Bm
C
Am7
All the times that I've cried, keeping all the things I knew inside (Stay, stay, stay
G
Em
Am
Am7
D
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it (Why must you go and make ...)
G
Bm
C
Am7
If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them they know, not me ( ... this decision alone ...)
G
Em
D
G
G/D
Now there's a way, and I know that I have to go away