Yusuf/Cat Stevens Gives an Impromptu Performance

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: And I just wonder whether now are you back? Are you going to be performing? Are you going to continue or is this a one-off for the 50th anniversary?

YUSUF/CAT STEVENS, SINGER-SONGWRITER: Well, no, I’ve got so much going on. I’ve got — you know, by the way, I’m writing my autobiography. So, get ready, you know. And plus, I was recording already. I had finished more or less another album, about 11 songs, new songs, and then came the 50th. And then my son said, we’ve got to do something. So, then that diverted us into, you know, making “Tea for the Tillerman 2.” So, that’s where that was. But now, I’ve still got another album ready to go and that will be released probably next year sometime. And there’s some beautiful songs. I mean, you know, I was given a gift, you know, to be able to keep on writing and keep on singing. People, when they hear my voice, they say, how did you do that? You know, how come you don’t sound differently? Well, of course, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke and all that stuff. But anyway.

AMANPOUR: Now, can I ask dare to ask you whether you have a guitar at hand or a keyboard and whether you would play a couple of notes for us?

STEVENS: Well, I don’t know what you want me to sing. Hang on.

AMANPOUR: Well, “Wild World” or “Father and Son” or whatever you want.

STEVENS: This is really impromptu. Let’s tune it up a little. I told you it wasn’t my favorite guitar. I listen to the wind, to the wind of my soul. Where I’ll end up, well, I think, only God really knows. I’ve sat upon the setting sun, but never. Never, never, I never want to water once. No, never, never, never. There you go. For you.