Wild World
Cat Stevens · Other Songs - Cat Stevens
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
Chorus:
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
'Cause I never wanna see you a sad girl
Don't be a bad girl
But if you wanna leave, take good care
I hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there's a lot of bad and beware
Chorus
Baby, I love you
But if you wanna leave, take good care
I hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there's a lot of bad and beware
Chorus
Wild World - Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens' 1971 recording of 'Wild World' stands as a defining moment in the folk-rock revival, blending acoustic guitar with a haunting vocal delivery that captures the essence of post-war disillusionment. Released during the height of the hippie movement, the track transcends its era to become an anthem of universal longing and resilience. Stevens' signature falsetto and introspective lyricism characterize the song, which has since been covered by numerous artists across genres, cementing its status as a timeless classic. The composition exemplifies the British folk revival's ability to merge traditional instrumentation with contemporary social commentary, creating a sound that remains emotionally resonant decades later.