How to Play Father and Son Chords by Cat Stevens on Guitar
“Father and Son” is a song by the British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, released in 1970 as the fourth single from his album Tea for the Tillerman. The song is a dialogue between a father and his son, who wants to leave home and follow his own path. The song explores the themes of generational conflict, personal freedom, and parental love.
The song is played on an acoustic guitar, using an open E tuning with the G string tuned up to G#. This tuning creates a rich and full sound that matches the tone of the song. The song also uses a capo on the second fret, which shifts the chords to F# minor. The song consists of four main chords: E, F#m7add11, D, and A. The E chord is played with a hammer-on on the G string, which adds some melodic variation. The F#m7add11 chord is played by barring the fourth fret and adding the pinky on the seventh fret of the B string. The D and A chords are played in their standard shapes.
Chords
[Intro] e|-------------3-----5--| B|0--0-0-1--------------| G|0--0-0-0--5-----5-----| D|0--0-0-2--------------| x3 A|----------------------| E|----------------------| [Verse 1] G D/F# C Am7 It's not time to make a change, just relax and take it easy G Em Am Am7 D You're still young, that's your fault, there's so much you have to know G D/F# C Am7 Find a girl, settle down, if you want to, you can marry G Em Am Am Am7 D Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy G D C Am7 I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy G Em Am Am Am7 D To be calm when you've found something going on G D C Am7 But take your time, think a lot, why think of everything you've got G Em D G C/G For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not e|-------------3-----5--| B|0--0-0-1--------------| G|0--0-0-0--5-----5-----| D|0--0-0-2--------------| x2 A|----------------------| E|----------------------| [Verse 2] G Bm C Am7 How can I try to explain? 'cause when I do he turns away again G Em Am7 D It's always been the same, same old story G Bm C Am7 From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen G Em D G Now there's a way, and I know that I have to go away D C G C/G I know I have to go e|-------------3-----5--| B|0--0-0-1--------------| G|0--0-0-0--5-----5-----| D|0--0-0-2--------------| x2 A|----------------------| E|----------------------| [Solo] G D C Am7 G Em Am7 D G D C Am7 G Em D G D C G [Verse 3] G D C Am7 It's not time to make a change, just sit down and take it slowly (Away, away, away G Em Am D You're still young, that's your fault, there's so much you have to go through (I know I have to make ...) G D C Am7 Find a girl, settle down, if you want, you can marry ( ... this decision alone ...) G Em Am Am Am7 D Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy (No ...) [Verse 4] G Bm C Am7 All the times that I've cried, keeping all the things I knew inside (Stay, stay, stay G Em Am Am Am7 D It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it (Why must you go and make ...) G Bm C Am7 If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them they know, not me ( ... this decision alone ...) G Em D G G/D Now there's a way, and I know that I have to go away D C G I know I have to go
Verse
The verse of the song follows the same chord progression as the intro, but with a different picking pattern. The verse is sung by Cat Stevens, who alternates between the roles of the father and the son. The lyrics express the different perspectives and emotions of the two characters, who try to understand each other but fail to communicate. The verse ends with a short interlude that repeats the intro chords once.
Chorus
The chorus of the song changes the chord progression to B, A, E, and F#m7add11. The chorus is sung by Cat Stevens with backing vocals from Alun Davies and other musicians. The lyrics reveal that the son knows that he has to leave, but he also feels sad and conflicted. The chorus also implies that the father loves his son, but he does not know how to show it. The chorus ends with a repeat of the intro chords.
Bridge
The bridge of the song is played over an A chord, with some variations on the bass notes. The bridge is sung by Cat Stevens, who repeats some lines from the previous verses and choruses. The bridge also suggests that both characters are lonely and unhappy, but they are unable to change their situation. The bridge ends with a repeat of the verse chords.
Outro
The outro of the song repeats the verse chords until the end, with some variations on the picking pattern. The outro also features some ad-lib vocals from Cat Stevens, who sings some improvised lines that echo the theme of the song. The outro fades out gradually until only the acoustic guitar remains.
Conclusion
“Father and Son” is a classic and timeless song that showcases the talent and creativity of Cat Stevens. The song combines a folk-inspired acoustic guitar arrangement with a heartfelt and emotional vocal delivery. The song also tells a compelling story of a father and a son who struggle with their relationship and their choices in life. The song is one of Cat Stevens’ most popular and acclaimed songs, and has been covered by many artists over the years. If you want to learn how to play this song on guitar, you can find some tabs and tutorials online. You can also listen to the original recording or watch some live performances on YouTube.
