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Wild World By Cat Stevens
On The Acoustic

Wild World By Cat Stevens

This page is a tribute to Wild World by Cat Stevens, aimed at folk guitarists wanting to learn the song. It sheds light on the beautiful story behind the music, allowing you to entertain friends and pub-goers while preserving the song's rich history.

Below you'll find a this demo cover, free chord sheet, rhythm tips and more. If you'd like to purchase full lesson tutorials they are available for a small fee.


Song Background

wild world cat stevens

 Wild World held a special place in Cat Stevens's heart. It was a song that deeply connected with his own feelings, particularly about saying goodbye to a loved one. Through this song, he expressed a heartfelt message - a plea for understanding and kindness in a world that could be harsh and unforgiving. While it seemed like a farewell song, it also conveyed the idea that the world is both full of wonder and filled with challenges.

"Wild World" made its debut on November 23rd, 1970, as part of the album "Tea for the Tillerman." This album played a crucial role in establishing Cat Stevens's reputation in the music industry. His melodious tunes reached people worldwide, leaving a lasting impression. It was a refreshing change during a time when the music scene was dominated by the energetic beats of rock and roll.

Looking into some lesser-known details about the song, it's intriguing to note that the melody of "Wild World" was partly inspired by another song called "What's New Pussycat?" written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Stevens stumbled upon an instrumental version of that song and was captivated by its tune.

"Wild World" is a significant song in Cat Stevens's music career. It shows his talent for writing heartfelt lyrics and his soothing voice, which helps convey deep emotions.

Cat Stevens, whose real name is Steven Demetre Georgiou, wrote the song. There's been a lot of speculation about who he wrote it for. Some think it was for his girlfriend, actress Patti D'Arbanville, as she ventured into the unknown.


A Historic Performance

The 1970s were a crucial time for folk and rock music, and "Wild World" is a testament to that era. It, along with the "Tea for the Tillerman" album, represents the best of '70s folk music

Cat Stevens's performances of "Wild World" were distinct in their heartfelt emotions and sincerity. His rendition at the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh is particularly notable for the raw emotion he conveyed, capturing the imaginations of his audience. .

Historically, "Wild World" left a significant impact on the music industry, pushing the boundaries of folk music into mainstream consciousness. The song peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reached No. 2 in Stevens's native UK, attesting to its widespread popularity.


Covers Of Wild World

Many artists have sung their versions of "Wild World," making it unique. One cover by Maxi Priest, a reggae artist, became popular in 1988, reaching number five on the UK charts. The rock band Mr. Big also did a cover, giving the song a different feel.


Wild World By Cat Stevens
Chords, Lyrics, Rhythm Tips, Tutorials


Chords & Lyrics

 


Wild World Chords

  • Drop D Tuning - No
  • Capo - No
  • Rhythm - down down down up down up and repeat
  • Picking - a few riffs
  • Chords - Am, D, G, Cmaj7, F, Dm, E7

Wild World By Cat Stevens Lyrics

For guitar enthusiasts, "Wild World" is a great song to learn. Its simple chords and sincere lyrics make it popular among both beginners and experienced players. Playing it keeps the song's legacy alive.

Now that I've lost everything to you
You say you wanna start something new
And it's breakin' my heart you're leavin'
Baby, I'm grievin'
But if you wanna leave, take good care
I hope you have a lot of nice things to wear
But then a lot of nice 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 breakin' my heart in two
Because I never wanna see you sad girl
Don't be a bad girl
But if you wanna 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
I'll always remember you like a child, girl

Baby, I love you
But if you wanna 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
I'll always remember you like a child, girl

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


More Cat Stevens Songs

If you want to explore more of Cat Stevens's music, delve into his collection. Each song has a unique style, and he's known for his conversion to Islam and name change to Yusuf Islam, which had a big impact on his life and music.

Consider adding other Cat Stevens songs to your repertoire. His storytelling and soulful music are evident across his discography, offering a rich selection of folk songs.

More Cat Stevens Songs


Wild World Summary

cat stevens wild world song

I hope this journey into "Wild World" by Cat Stevens has been enlightening. As we explored the song's lyrics, creation, and impact, you can see why it's a classic: it touches on universal human experiences in a personal way.

For musicians wanting to play "Wild World," I suggest studying the original track. Learning Stevens's fingerpicking style and rhythm can be valuable as you prepare your rendition.

As a musician, you bridge musical history and the present. Each strum on your guitar strings pays tribute to those before you and inspires those to come. Choosing to master and share Cat Stevens's "Wild World" is embracing a trailblazing song.

Playing Cat Stevens Wild World" and other songs from his catalog lets your audience experience a range of emotions. Whether you're a fan of Cat Stevens's music or simply love folk music, each strum connects you to this musical legacy. And whether you listen, play, or appreciate the history behind his music, remember: music can carry us through the wildest parts of our world. Keep the rhythm alive, and let's continue the journey together. Happy strumming!


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Cat Stevens Wild World Video

An interesting fact is that "Wild World" contributed to the development of music videos. It had a promotional video in the 1970s, one of the early music videos.


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