Father And Son

by Cat Stevens
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Looking to play this yourself? Try the standard piano arrangement of “Father And Son
Two-handed piano arrangement — color-coded notes, lead sheet, sheet music. Learn it yourself.

Other arrangements of Father And Son

Pick a learning view or switch to the backing-track version.

Also available as a standard piano arrangement
Lyrics

It’s not (G)time to make a change;

just re lax, take it ea (Am)sy.

You’re still (G)young, that’s your fault: there’s so (Am)much you have to know.

Find a girl,

set tle down;

if you want to, you can mar ry.

Look at me:

I am old, but I’m hap (Am)py.

I was (G)once like you are now,

and I know that it’s not ea sy to be calm

when you’ve found some thing go (Am)ing on.

But take your time, think a lot;

think of ev ’ry thing you’ve got.

For you will (G)still be here to mor row, but your dreams may (C)not.

How can I try to ex plain?

When I do he turns a way (Am)a gain.

It’s al ways been the same,

same old sto ry.

From the mo ment I could talk,

I was or dered to lis ten.

Now there’s a way and I know that I (D)have to go a way.

I know

I have to go.

try to ex plain?

When I do he turns a way (Am)a gain.

It’s al ways been the same,

same old sto ry.

From the mo ment I could talk,

I was or dered to lis ten.

Now there’s a way and I know that I (D)have to go a way.

I know

I have to go.

It’s not (Am)-

All the times that I’ve cried,

keep ing all the things I knew (Am)in side: it’s hard,

but it’s hard er to ig nore it.

If they were right, I’d a gree; but it’s them they know, not me.

Now there’s a way, and I know that I (D)have to go a way.

I know

I have to go.

Father And Son — Accompaniment Sheet Music (Classic Notation)

4 people have learned this song

Classic piano notation for "Father And Son" by Cat Stevens as an accompaniment / backing track. Both hands engraved at publisher quality in G — sing or play melody on top while the score follows along at 63 BPM. Click any note to jump there.

Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (G) sits too high or low for your voice, use the transpose control to shift the accompaniment into a comfortable range — the backing moves with you. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the vocal melody in.

Try other practice modes:

About “Father And Son

Is the engraved accompaniment score for "Father And Son" suitable for a pianist?
Yes — both hands are notated in classic piano notation (treble + bass clefs, key G, real chord symbols), engraved server-side from the publisher MusicXML. A staff pianist or accompanist can read this directly from the screen or printed PDF and play the backing while you sing the melody.
What key is the piano accompaniment for "Father And Son" by Cat Stevens in?
The backing track is in G at 63 BPM. If that doesn't sit in your vocal range, use the live transpose control to shift up or down semitones — the accompaniment moves with the new key automatically.
Can I sing over "Father And Son" with this accompaniment?
Yes — that's exactly what it's built for. The vocal melody is muted by default so you can sing freely. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the melody back in at a lower volume.
Is this a karaoke version of "Father And Son"?
Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "Father And Son", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
Can I use "Father And Son" as a backing track for my instrument?
Absolutely. Singers, guitarists, violinists, wind players, and instrumental practice in general all work — the piano holds the harmony so you can carry the melody on whatever instrument you play.
Can I download the accompaniment for "Father And Son"?
Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
Who wrote "Father And Son"?
"Father And Son" was originally performed by Cat Stevens. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
What other backing tracks by Cat Stevens are available?
Other accompaniments by Cat Stevens: "Sad Lisa". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.
What is this accompaniment Sheet Music view?
Same engraver-grade rendering as the standard Sheet Music mode — both hands, classic piano notation, key of G, real chord symbols — but the audio is the karaoke / backing-track arrangement of "Father And Son" with the lead melody removed. Perfect for singers, lead instruments, and ensemble practice.
Can I sing or play melody while the score follows along?
Yes. The backing track removes the melody so you can sing or play it on top while the chord changes and rhythm guide you. The engraved score scrolls in time with the audio so you never lose your place.
Is this the same notation a piano book would show?
Yes — treble + bass clefs, key signature, time signature, beams, dynamics, and chord symbols above the staff, all rendered from the original publisher MusicXML. Identical reading experience to a printed piano accompaniment book.

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