Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About

Father And Son Cat Stevens

Original Version
Cat Stevens’ “Father and Son” is a classic folk tune known for its gentle acoustic guitar and emotive storytelling. The original uses simple but expressive chords, making it ideal for beginner guitarists.

How to Play on Guitar

Chords Used:
G, D, C, Am7, Am, Em, Bm

Chord Tips:
Am7 can be played by removing your ring finger from a regular Am shape. Bm is the only barre chord; if difficult, try the Bm7 shape (x20202) as a substitute.

Strumming Pattern:
A basic pattern for this song is D-DU-UDU (D = down, U = up). Keep your strumming steady and light for a folk feel. During verses, you can use softer dynamics, strumming just the bass notes and top strings to match the reflective mood.

Transitions:
Practice moving between G and D, and G and Em, as these are frequent. For smoother transitions, keep your ring finger anchored on the B string (3rd fret) between G, C, and D when possible.

Techniques:
If you’re comfortable, try light palm muting during verses for a gentle feel. Between verses and instrumentals, let the final chord ring to mark the section change.

General Advice:
Take it slow at first. Sing along to help with timing, and focus on smooth chord changes. This song’s repetitive structure is great for building confidence and muscle memory.

G

C

D

Am7

Em

Am

Bm

Intro

G G G C

G G G C

Verse 1

It's notG time to make aD change. Just reC lax, take itAm⁷ easy.

You're stillG young, that's yourEm fault. There's soAm much you have toD know.

Find aG girl, settleD down, if youC want, you canAm⁷ marry.

Look atG me, I amEm old, but I'mAm happyD .

Verse 2

I wasG once like you areD now, and IC know that it's notAm⁷ easy.

To beG calm, when you'veEm found, something goingAm onD .

But take yourG time, think aD lot, why think ofC everything you've gotAm⁷

For you willG still be here toEm morrow, but yourD dreams mayG not.

Instrumental

G G G C

Verse 3

How canG I try to exBm plain, when IC do he turns aAm⁷ way again.

It'sG always been theEm same, same oldAm storyD .

From theG moment I couldBm talk, I wasC ordered toAm⁷ listen

Now there's aG way, and IEm know, that ID have toG go away.

ID know, IC have toG go.

Instrumental

G Bm C Am⁷ G Em Am D

G Bm C Am⁷ G Em D G

D C G

Verse 4

It's notG time to make aD change. Just sitC down, take itAm⁷ slowly.

You're stillG young, that's yourEm fault. There's soAm much you have to goD through.

Find aG girl, settleD down, if youC want, you canAm⁷ marry.

Look atG me, I amEm old, but I'mAm happyD .

Verse 5

All theG times, that IBm cried, keepingC all the things IAm⁷ knew inside.

It'sG hard, but it'sEm harder to igAm nore itD .

If they wereG right, I'd aBm gree, but it'sC them they know notAm⁷ me now.

There's aG way, and IEm know, that ID have toG go away.

ID know, IC have toG go.