Cat Stevens, also known as Yusuf Islam, is one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time. An incredibly talented singer, writer, and musician, Stevens has managed to blend an array of genres and styles over the years to create a sound entirely his own.
He’s penned plenty of classic songs along the way like “Wild World” and “The First Cut Is the Deepest.” One of his greatest songs, “Father and Son,” deals with childhood, and Stevens has shared a list of the five youth and childhood-focused songs that touched him the most.
Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
Released in 1974 on the Verities & Balderdash album, Cat’s in the Cradle became an instant hit and was the only No. 1 song ever recorded by Chapin. Cat Stevens has fittingly described the track as both “haunting” and “beautiful.”
Source: bbc.co.uk
Cat’s in the Cradle follows the life of a father and son, with the father constantly wanting to spend more time with his boy but never quite being able. Eventually, the son grows up to be just like him, and the song hits home for many parents and children who had complicated relationships with one another.