Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

In October 1967 Cat Stevens released his second studio album, “New Masters” featuring today’s tune. Nearly 40 years later in October 2005 Stevens, n/k/a Yusuf Islam, garnered the song of the year honor for this track at the ASCAP Awards in London where he also received the songwriter of the year award. A number of artists have covered today’s song, including Rod Stewart’s supreme interpretation from 1976. Yet there is something about Islam’s original that just speaks to me, even to this day. From the soft acoustic intro, to his tender beautiful interpretation of his heartbreaking lyrics to the change in tempo where the song pulls you completely in to the singer’s pain, it is just a fabulous track.

“I still want you by my side
Just to help me dry the tears that I’ve cried
‘Cause I’m sure gonna give you a try
And if you want, I’ll try to love again“.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Yusuf/Cat Stevens: “The First Cut Is The Deepest” (1967, written by Cat Stevens).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.