Where Do the Children Play?

Cat Stevens

Caught myself daydreaming about the great Hal Ashby’s HAROLD AND MAUDE this morning. When it was released, Variety called it about “as much fun as a burning orphanage.” Too funny to think about this now. What a miracle of a film — a masterpiece of character, tone and ideas. And just great performances and juxtapositions throughout — with style and voice. A big part of this movie’s charm is the Cat Stevens music that runs through it — often wildly sung by Ruth Gordon.

Released in 1970, TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN is a top 20 record for me. Somehow Cat could write real, artful protest songs that celebrated life and humanity and the struggle. They rarely feel didactic, but push all the right buttons and ask all the right questions.

Well you've cracked the sky, scrapers fill the air
But will you keep on building higher
'Til there's no more room up there?
Will you make us laugh, will you make us cry?
Will you tell us when to live, will you tell us when to die?

I know we've come a long way
We're changing day to day
But tell me, where do the children play?