About the song
“Wild World” by Cat Stevens is a poignant folk rock song that captures the essence of change, farewell, and introspection. Released in 1970 as part of his album “Tea for the Tillerman,” this track remains one of Stevens’ most iconic and enduring pieces.
The song, composed solely by Cat Stevens himself, reflects his introspective style and keen observational skills. Stevens’ emotive vocals are accompanied by acoustic guitar and gentle percussion, creating a melodic backdrop that complements the song’s reflective lyrics. “Wild World” explores themes of heartbreak and parting ways, addressing the complexities of relationships and the inevitability of change with sincerity and insight.
“Tea for the Tillerman,” the album that features “Wild World,” was a critical and commercial success for Cat Stevens, solidifying his reputation as a leading singer-songwriter of the early 1970s. The album peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and received widespread acclaim for its lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship.
When “Wild World” was released as a single, it achieved considerable chart success, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, further bolstering Stevens’ popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. The song’s universal appeal and heartfelt message resonated deeply with audiences, making it a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated today.
For older and educated audiences, “Wild World” remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and love, as well as Stevens’ ability to convey profound emotions through his music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its lyrical honesty and musical simplicity, which have made it a favorite for generations. Whether revisiting nostalgic memories or discovering it anew, listeners are sure to appreciate the timeless beauty and emotional depth of “Wild World” by Cat Stevens.
Video
Lyrics
Now that I’ve lost everything to you
You say you want to start something new
And it’s breaking my heart you’er leaving
Baby, I’m greaving
But if you want to leave, take good care
Hope you have a lot of nice things to wear
Then a lot of things turn bad out there
Oh baby, baby, it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby, baby, it’s a wild world
I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
You know I’ve seen a lot of what the world can do
And it’s breaking my heart in two
Because I never want to see you sad, girl
Don’t be a bad girl
But if you want to leave, take good care
Hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware
Beware
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby, baby, it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
Baby, I love you
But if you want to leave, take good care
Hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware
Beware
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
And it’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl