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Cat Stevens — Miles from Nowhere
Album: Tea for the Tillerman
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1833









Released: 1970
Length: 3:30
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Miles from nowhere
I guess I'll take my time
Oh yeah, to reach there

Look up at the mountain
I have to climb
Oh yeah, to reach there.

Lord my body has been a good friend
But I won't need it when I reach the end

Miles from nowhere
Guess I'll take my time
Oh yeah, to reach there

I creep through the valleys
And I grope through the woods
'cause I know when I find it my honey
It's gonna make me feel good

I love everything
So don't it make you feel sad
'cause I'll drink to you, my baby
I'll think to that, I'll think to that.

Miles from nowhere
Not a soul in sight
Oh yeah, but it's alright

I have my freedom
I can make my own rules
Oh yeah, the ones that I choose

Lord my body has been a good friend
But I won't need it when I reach the end

Miles from nowhere
I Guess I'll take my time
Oh yeah, to reach there.
Comments (112)add comment
 Highlowsel wrote:

The older I get the more I appreciate this song.  

"Lord my body has been a good friend.  But I won't need it when I reach the end.  Miles from nowhere, I guess I'll take my time."  

Absolutely.  On the cusp of 70 and still healthy, with +90 year old parents who are also still alive and fully functional, so you could say I come from good (genetic) coding.  It seems I have a lot further to go and  I, too, am out here miles from nowhere.  

So I guess I'll just turn to the future and take my time from here.  There's no hurry...

Highlow



At our age, we've discovered the difference between the life we live and the life we choose. It's what we make it.  At 68 for me, It's been a blast getting here - maybe the best is yet to come?
The older I get the more I appreciate this song.  

"Lord my body has been a good friend.  But I won't need it when I reach the end.  Miles from nowhere, I guess I'll take my time."  

Absolutely.  On the cusp of 70 and still healthy, with +90 year old parents who are also still alive and fully functional, so you could say I come from good (genetic) coding.  It seems I have a lot further to go and  I, too, am out here miles from nowhere.  

So I guess I'll just turn to the future and take my time from here.  There's no hurry...

Highlow

I saw Cat's performance this year at Glastonbury Festival on the Pyramid stage, on the BBC livestream. He had the Legends Slot on Sunday. The performance was a celebration. Newer pieces and old hits, together with a great band. He loves people. And he should also receive love in return. I follow him on Facebook. I rated this one with a 9.


I was on a different path than most in 1970, although i ran into a few companions on the way
Cat really put out some great stuff and loved his speech at the RRHOF
I also liked this song, but ever since it was featured in the final scene of season 1 of Our Flag Means Death it hits so much more 
 iwwwnet wrote:

If someday, people are forced to keep one CD only, this will be my CD.


If the man himself were forced to keep only eight CDs.... Desert Island Discs - Yusuf Cat Stevens
This song. album, Cat's (Yusuf's) life accentuates one thing common to us all: soul searching.
This album has a particular romantic resonance for me, but aside from that it's a great collection of superb songs, both musically and lyrically. 
A seminal album from my 14 year old self. Got to see Cat perform in ‘74. Stunning.
I learned every song in this album... Just had to. Just had to...
I am grateful to Father Tom, the young and very cool priest of St. Augustine's Parish when I was a kid in Elementary School there, who used to play Cat Stevens' songs during and after Mass in the Church basement.  Divine Music!
Like all of his work from that era this soars
And I will keep my Vinyl copy ;~)
If someday, people are forced to keep one CD only, this will be my CD.
 

Glorious music Cat Stevens - teaser and fire cat - was my awakening mate!
Sort of against my will, I really love Cat Stevens.
Who is Tillerman?  What is the meaning of the title?
 SuperWeh wrote:
seems he has given up on islam now? bit late in the day I guess.
 

That, and also he's only given up the "family name" Islam, publishing his music just as "Yousuf" now.

Everybody must know he once supported the death threat on Salman Rushdie and never
convincingly expressed regrets about that and that it was inhuman and totally wrong .
 iwwwnet wrote:
If someday, people are forced to keep one CD only, this will be my CD.
 
You would still have Spotify, wouldn't you?
 Schmoogsley wrote:

I am Agnostic, so, I guess that fucks your theory up. Sitting back and doing nothing is a sign of a coward. 
 
Agnostics don't believe in a god or satan, so you are just confused.
seems he has given up on islam now? bit late in the day I guess.
This song is always beautiful Always love it Always 10
If someday, people are forced to keep one CD only, this will be my CD.
Tea for the Tillerman is getting a lot of tracks played on RP lately. Still a gem.
Down from 7 to  3  and then Skip
 max_p wrote:

But has he repeated any success since? 

Hit songs are nice work if u can get 'em 
 

How many recording artists from the early 1970s have had recent hit songs?
{#Devil_pimp}zesty ! so many good songs from this lp
I really don't need Cat Stevens in my life 3 times a day Bill.
Great song from one of the best albums ever.
Kinda sorta thought this might be John Hiatt.
 hayduke2 wrote:
great essay in this week's New Yorker:
www.newyorker.com
The Unlikely Return of Cat Stevens


 
Thank you for this link, excellent reading indeed
great essay in this week's New Yorker:
www.newyorker.com
The Unlikely Return of Cat Stevens

Paradise from me (nowhere) = 9 h 45 min (650.3 mi) via CA-99 N
 trevc wrote:

Religion messes the mind up, and your comment is a sign that yours is affected.

 
I am Agnostic, so, I guess that fucks your theory up. Sitting back and doing nothing is a sign of a coward. 
 capandjudy wrote:

I was just thinking the same thing. At the time he was a little too "touchy feely" for me but I sure hear it differently now. 

 
I think his schtick is that he's writing emotional, complex lyrics but singing them in a gruff, tough-guy voice. Exactly what Chrissie Hynde is doing.
 Schmoogsley wrote:
Too bad Satan took his soul. 

 
Religion messes the mind up, and your comment is a sign that yours is affected.
Too bad Satan took his soul. 
 boontonite wrote:
Didn't real care for Cat Stevens at the time all his best stuff was current - it was way too light - but I enjoy it all now. Not sure if that is being more open-minded or just old age?

 
I was just thinking the same thing. At the time he was a little too "touchy feely" for me but I sure hear it differently now. 
 neastly wrote:
Classic Cat Stevens! Undeniable commitment and authenticity - a beautiful soul.

 
{#Clap}
This was my favorite song to sing to myself while cycling alone 1975ish.  Good memories.  Great song. Great LP. 
Harold & Maude was such a great movie. Ruth Gordon was a genius. The soundtrack was awesome. Top five best movies for me. "I'm driving"
Classic Cat Stevens! Undeniable commitment and authenticity - a beautiful soul.
Didn't real care for Cat Stevens at the time all his best stuff was current - it was way too light - but I enjoy it all now. Not sure if that is being more open-minded or just old age?
On 21 February 1989, Yusuf Islam AKA Cat Stevens addressed students at Kingston University in London about his conversion to Islam and was asked about the controversy in the Muslim world and the fatwa calling for Salman Rushdie's execution. He replied, "He must be killed. The Qur'an makes it clear – if someone defames the prophet, then he must die."

hayduke2 wrote:
Posted: Aug 24, 2012 - 14:50

well...in 1970, I would take my turn listening to my older sisters albums, and "Tea for the Tillerman" was mesmerizing, unlike anything else.
Changed my perspective, it was also great music!
I read down the comments for his music, and try to continue learning how we each have our world views, and try to show some respect. 

 
I still like his music : )
As a freshman in college in 1970, I couldn't stand Cat Stevens. Partially because everyone was playing it in the dorm. With age and distance, I find I really enjoy these old tunes now.
NICE!   out on the Azores Islands and now on Madeira... this song has a perfect fit!!!!!! 
 Droidac wrote:
It's nothing but Harold & Maude for me every time I hear Cat Stevens. 
 
 Harold & Maude One of the first counter-culture type movies I saw and still brings a smile to my face, and music touches my soul! I got to see Cat Stevens in Detroit back early 70  - 71 I'm thinking - thumbs up show for sure!

The music of Cat Stevens was a significant part of my formative years.  Great tune but the entire album is simply a masterpiece.
 
It's nothing but Harold & Maude for me every time I hear Cat Stevens. 
I always enjoy hearing this.
 drcrnp wrote:
 GF, I'm with you.


GuiltyFeat wrote:

Why nuts-o? Because he's a Muslim? Not cool, dude!

He's back to making great music. His first album in many years as Yusuf was called An Other Cup and it's magical.

Whatever he calls himself, he remains one of the most talented songwriters of his generation with a voice like melting chocolate.

This is the first time I have encountered this kind of bigotry at RP. I hope it's the last.
 



 
Bravo! I sign this..!!! (Ignorance hits the dumb and cruel!)
 Cynaera wrote:
I was having one of the worst days of my life, and I got a phone call from my friend Rich (the radio programmer). He said softly, "Listen." And he held the phone out, and I heard "Where Do The Children Play?" from this CD, which I'd given him a couple of days earlier, along with a compact stereo system I'd bought for him. I sat and cried, and he just let me listen until I was finished crying. We hung up without a goodbye, but I think we both knew the healing power of Cat Stevens.

I know this probably makes no sense to anyone but me and Rich, and that's all right. Cat Stevens will always hold a place in my soul.

 
Dear Cynaera,

be asured: This makes a lot of sense to many People. We all experiance Moments like this in Life. But not everybody has such good and dear friends who exactly then - in that very moment - know exactely what we need. Which music, which words to say or not to say and what to do. For you its The Programmer who chose Cat Stevens. For me it would be someone and something else. But I have that Person too who would know, exactely what to play or say or do! And THAT is the mirical, I say. :-) That Person even more than the song. And yes I agree Music is medicine. 
 Kimbolini wrote:
35 jn my case..! and I love it! {#Sunny}
Yep.... ditto!


 

When I was a child always saw this LP in my Mothers Collection and each time thougt it must be a fairytale because of its cover. Theres a few others I loved for the covers back then. Now all these LPs faded into my own Collection, some are double like most Bowie
and Beatles or Jimmy Cliff and Lou Reed. But the ones of my mothers Collection smell and feel different. And I still love the feeling I get looking at the covers, taking em out and laying the vinyl on the plate. Mp3 is convenient. But uncomparable to vinyl. An Album had a concept. Everything about it. not just aligned songs. 
SCIENTOLOGIST! 

(paging Dr. Stingray...Dr. Stingray to the Psych Ward...) 
 AlienRelic wrote:

This is a man who said that the assassination of Salmon Rushdie for writing "The Satanic Verses" would be completely justifed. That's nutso in my book. The same kind of narrow minded thinking that led to 911. To hell with him.



 
911 was planed by G.H.W.F-ING Bush, carried out by his great good buddys the Saudi's. it had nothing to do with anything other than getting the "Patriot Act " passed, ending democratic rule in the U.S. It had not one thing to do with music{#Beat}
wat? {#Think}
very annoying 
Always fun to hear a Cat Stevens song that's not on his Classics collection.
Spiritually beautiful soul!
 max_p wrote:

But has he repeated any success since? 

Hit songs are nice work if u can get 'em 
 
Well, as a devout atheist (thank god!) just because the art of the Renaissance was religiously, piously derived, didn't mean the art wasn't good (or was, for that matter). Trains go off the rails, people do too, but the good they delivered before they went is still good, nes pas?
 linden wrote:

He's recanted those statements many times since. People say pretty strange things when they are hot with enthusiasm for a new religious faith.
 
But has he repeated any success since? 

Hit songs are nice work if u can get 'em 
 AlienRelic wrote:

This is a man who said that the assassination of Salmon Rushdie for writing "The Satanic Verses" would be completely justifed. That's nutso in my book. The same kind of narrow minded thinking that led to 911. To hell with him.
 
He's recanted those statements many times since. People say pretty strange things when they are hot with enthusiasm for a new religious faith.
well...in 1970, I would take my turn listening to my older sisters albums, and "Tea for the Tillerman" was mesmerizing, unlike anything else.
Changed my perspective, it was also great music!
I read down the comments for his music, and try to continue learning how we each have our world views, and try to show some respect. 
 dew34 wrote:

Totally agree!! He was a white English pop singer who developed incredible writing and performing skills. and so he's a Muslim? He is a magical human being and this sing is a 9 on a 10 album. Judge the music, if you must, not the man.{#Hug} 
 
This is a man who said that the assassination of Salmon Rushdie for writing "The Satanic Verses" would be completely justifed. That's nutso in my book. The same kind of narrow minded thinking that led to 911. To hell with him.


 drcrnp wrote:
 GF, I'm with you.
GuiltyFeat wrote:

Why nuts-o? Because he's a Muslim? Not cool, dude!

He's back to making great music. His first album in many years as Yusuf was called An Other Cup and it's magical.

Whatever he calls himself, he remains one of the most talented songwriters of his generation with a voice like melting chocolate.

This is the first time I have encountered this kind of bigotry at RP. I hope it's the last.
 
 
Totally agree!! He was a white English pop singer who developed incredible writing and performing skills. and so he's a Muslim? He is a magical human being and this sing is a 9 on a 10 album. Judge the music, if you must, not the man.{#Hug} 
{#Cheers}
 GF, I'm with you.


GuiltyFeat wrote:

Why nuts-o? Because he's a Muslim? Not cool, dude!

He's back to making great music. His first album in many years as Yusuf was called An Other Cup and it's magical.

Whatever he calls himself, he remains one of the most talented songwriters of his generation with a voice like melting chocolate.

This is the first time I have encountered this kind of bigotry at RP. I hope it's the last.
 


Nice treat. Thanks B& R!
One of my top 10 albums!  Love CS!  {#Sunny}
 hanssachs wrote:
Holy moly ... just the first notes can drag you back to the past ... This isn't my favorite music, and I haven't listened to it in years, but just the sound catapults me back 40 years.. Forty years, fer cryin' out loud!  I'm getting old ...  
 
Yep.... ditto!

Holy moly ... just the first notes can drag you back to the past ... This isn't my favorite music, and I haven't listened to it in years, but just the sound catapults me back 40 years.. Forty years, fer cryin' out loud!  I'm getting old ...  
Ohh yeeaahh!
But it's all right!
I'll make my own rules........
I'll drink to that!
TunAge: if you have access to a commercial station that plays this, count your blessings. 
Sometimes I get tired of RP playing these "classic hits" so much...  if you're going to play cat stevens, dig deeper.  Damn this isn't AM radio, is it?
more {#Meditate}
BRAVO!

 
GuiltyFeat wrote:

Why nuts-o? Because he's a Muslim? Not cool, dude!

He's back to making great music. His first album in many years as Yusuf was called An Other Cup and it's magical.

Whatever he calls himself, he remains one of the most talented songwriters of his generation with a voice like melting chocolate.

This is the first time I have encountered this kind of bigotry at RP. I hope it's the last.
 


 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Classic Cat. Before he went nuts-o. He's still nuts-o. A shame.
 
Why nuts-o? Because he's a Muslim? Not cool, dude!

He's back to making great music. His first album in many years as Yusuf was called An Other Cup and it's magical.

Whatever he calls himself, he remains one of the most talented songwriters of his generation with a voice like melting chocolate.

This is the first time I have encountered this kind of bigotry at RP. I hope it's the last.
He was a cool cat back then !
This was our Wedding song and my wife and I just danced in our own kitchen, with our 4 year old. Thank you for playing this great great music.
Cheers and Happy New Year!
Classic Cat. Before he went nuts-o. He's still nuts-o. A shame.
{#Doh}
I was having one of the worst days of my life, and I got a phone call from my friend Rich (the radio programmer). He said softly, "Listen." And he held the phone out, and I heard "Where Do The Children Play?" from this CD, which I'd given him a couple of days earlier, along with a compact stereo system I'd bought for him. I sat and cried, and he just let me listen until I was finished crying. We hung up without a goodbye, but I think we both knew the healing power of Cat Stevens.

I know this probably makes no sense to anyone but me and Rich, and that's all right. Cat Stevens will always hold a place in my soul.
My inexplicable distaste for Cat Stevens' music has nothing to do with his politics, then or now.  Just can't stand his voice for some reason. And his songwriting is ridiculously overrated.

Tea For The Tillerman by *ivankorsario
©2009-2010 *ivankorsario

Tea For The Tillerman

Bring tea for the tillerman
Steak for the sun
Wine for the women who made the rain come
Seagulls sing your hearts away
'cause while the sinners sin, the children play

Oh lord how they play and play
For that happy day, for that happy day

Cat Stevens


Is he rehabilitated yet?

His music has withstood the test of time better than many of his political critics` carping.
Just listen to the music.

Is he rehabilitated yet?

 Droidac wrote:
Now where did I put my Harold & Maude dvd?
 

{#Roflol}

I was going to bed, but had to stay and listen to this.  Old Cat is wonderful.  No matter what he does now.
Oh, jayzus, I love Cat Stevens. Don't care what he's gone through, politically or spiritually - his music resonates with me (except for "Another Saturday Night" was a dismal failure for him.)  I have most of his stuff on CD and when it's raining and I'm feeling blue, I just love to listen to something like "Tea For the Tillerman" - it heals me...
I don't think this version is actually from that album.  sounds more like a live version.
I spent hours and hours and hours in my bedroom listen to this album over and over, back when you had albums, and they came in a big cardboard holder that often had lyrics (big enough to read, not like the cd lyrics some cd's come with). I would sometimes listen to side a and sometimes side b and I thought it was brilliant and true and loving and meaningful. It's on my iPod these days and since the people who I am usually with are young adults, like my children or their friends and stuff like that, I can only listen to it alone. So far all my young companions hate that Cat Stevens record. I don't blame them. I have such wonderful memories of staying up late, going out and smoking a joint in my Volkswagen and then coming back in and turning on that album and totally letting myself get enveloped by the songs and the lyrics of this particular album.
 BC_Night_Heron wrote:
Part of me rebels even as I still enjoy early songs like this, due to what this performer has become, but, then I think of Syd Barrett and the anger subsides. Madness comes in many guises.
 
Yes, how true!

/me sighs
 
I heard Cat is no longer a fan of the Comedy Channel.
 jkhandy wrote:

or how much more beauty he would have spread. 
 
One thing is certain - he would absolutely NOT drink to that.
top grade from me, top grade!

wadda voice! 
 fallview wrote:
Good thing he was kept out of the country. No telling what damage he might have done.
 
or how much more beauty he would have spread. 

 fallview wrote:
Good thing he was kept out of the country. No telling what damage he might have done.
 
oh yes, he's quite the threat, isnt he??

Good thing he was kept out of the country. No telling what damage he might have done.
 Droidac wrote:
Now where did I put my Harold & Maude dvd?
 
Great movie, with some great music. DVD appears to be available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Harold-Maude-Ruth-Gordon/dp/6305882592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1266627924&sr=1-1

well i've loved it since i was 11.
This cat rates an 8! ^..^~
To a young and impressionable mind, this resounded.  Now, to an aging and diluted mind, this rejuvenates.

Emotions. Concepts. 
 psg wrote:
One of the first albums on vinyl I bought as a teenager. Had totally forgotten 'bout it, until now. Thanks!
 
Me too!

One of the first albums on vinyl I bought as a teenager. Had totally forgotten 'bout it, until now. Thanks!
Not a fan. Never was.
Now where did I put my Harold & Maude dvd?
catmaven wrote:
Given Stevens's weird singing voice, this is superior to any of his songs I have yet heard. There are fewer melismatic gyrations, I can understand the lyrics, the music is more sophisticated and varied, and the topic is not inane. How *do* you do it? .........
With a little help from his friends. My upload
Hey, Miles is my name, I\'m from nowhere, It\'s great to hear the Cat, thanks!
Thanks for playing Cat Stevens-I cut my teeth on this as a child, learning to play the guitar. His music is still good damn near 30 years later. www.suncat.net
Part of me rebels even as I still enjoy early songs like this, due to what this performer has become, but, then I think of Syd Barrett and the anger subsides. Madness comes in many guises.
Given Stevens\'s weird singing voice, this is superior to any of his songs I have yet heard. There are fewer melismatic gyrations, I can understand the lyrics, the music is more sophisticated and varied, and the topic is not inane. How *do* you do it? At a PC, I will choose Radio Paradise every time.