Written by: Cat Stevens
Released: 1971
US Charts: #7
UK Charts: N/A
Other Charts: N/A
“Peace Train” is one of the most well-known war-protest songs in music history and was written and composed by one of the most talented and popular musicians of the late 60s and 70s, Cat Stevens. The message of this powerful song continues to resonate today: violence in many parts of the world means that we all need to be hopeful and encourage peaceful solutions to today’s problems. The song asks all of us to jump on the “peace train” to achieve this dream of world peace.
The song was written at the height of Steven’s career and was in response to the Vietnam War at the time. However, Cat Stevens is no longer known as Cat Stevens anymore, he is known as Yusuf Islam. In 1978, he converted to Islam at the height of his popularity after a near-death experience in California in 1976. As a result of his conversion, he abandoned his career as a pop star and sold all his instruments and used his royalties to engage in philanthropic and educational causes. He only returned to composing pop songs in 2006 with his pop album in 28 years.
One can easily conclude that he didn’t realise his ultimate potential by ending his musical career at a relatively early age. While this is probably the case, he also demonstrated strong compassion and love by leaving his successful pop career in favour of dedicating his life to others. Nevertheless, he left us with many hit songs to remember and sing along to, such as “Peace Train.”
Overall, the lyrics and rhythm of the song present both an optimistic and pessimistic outlook of the world. The song declares that there is so much hope for the future, while so much pain in the present and that the “peace train” is there for all of us to get on. All that’s left is for us to get on the train. The song has a very catchy and easy to follow rhythm which makes it extremely memorable.
The above is of a performance in 1976, and as you will see or have seen, the singer’s ability to sound as great live as on the recording shows us that Stevens (Islam) is a genuine and enormously talented artist. His songs will live with us for a long time to come even after ending his musical careers early. I truly hope you enjoy this song as much as I do and join the peace train with me.
Lyrics can be accessed here.
Chords can be accessed here.
Feel free to comment on this song and/or my review below.
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Wonderful song that never gets old..we still need peace in this world..no more wars!
bhjzpfnqxkwqxzrjwell, hi admin adn people nice forum indeed. how’s life? hope it’s introduce branch