Cat Stevens

Lyrics

6 ContributorsKatmandu LyricsI sit beside the dark
Beneath the mire
Cold grey dusty day
The morning lake
Drinks up the sky

Katmandu I’ll soon be seeing you
And your strange bewildering time
Will hold me down

Chop me some broken wood
We’ll start a fire
White warm light the dawn
And help me see
Old satan’s tree

Katmandu I’ll soon be touching you
And your strange bewildering time
Will hold me down

Pass me my hat and coat
Lock up the cabin
Slow night treat me right
Until I go
Be nice to know
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And your strange bewildering time
Will keep me homeEmbed

Are you ready to embark on a journey to the mystical city of Katmandu? If not, let us take you there through the melodies and lyrics of the legendary musician Cat Stevens. This song, simply titled "Katmandu", is an ode to the capital of Nepal that has captured the imagination of travelers and musicians around the world.

About Katmandu

The song "Katmandu" was released as part of Cat Stevens' album "Mona Bone Jakon" in 1970. This album marked a turning point in Cat Stevens' career, where he shifted from his earlier pop sound to a more mature and introspective style, reflecting his spiritual and philosophical influences. The album was both a critical and commercial success, with "Katmandu" emerging as one of the standout tracks.

The song is a love letter to the city of Katmandu, with its mystical allure and spiritual energy. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the city's sights, sounds, and smells, evoking a sense of wonder and awe. The song's melody is equally enchanting, with its gentle acoustic guitar and mystical-like sound, transporting the listener to a different time and place.

One of the things that makes "Katmandu" so distinctive is its use of Eastern musical influences. There are hints of sitars and other traditional instruments, reflecting Cat Stevens' interest in Indian and Middle Eastern music. This fusion of Eastern and Western styles was a hallmark of Cat Stevens' music at the time and helped to popularize world music in the West.

Another standout feature of "Katmandu" is its use of metaphors and imagery. Cat Stevens masterfully uses language to create a sense of mysticism and wonder, with lines like "Gonna go where the air is fresh and clean" and "Gonna buy some time and do all the things I've dreamed of" evoking a sense of escape and freedom.

"Katmandu" has since become a classic in Cat Stevens' repertoire and is beloved by fans around the world. Its universal themes of wanderlust, spirituality, and freedom make it a timeless song that transcends borders and cultures. Whether you've been to Katmandu or not, this song is sure to take you on a journey like no other.

In sum, "Katmandu" is a masterpiece of world music that captures the essence of a timeless city and inspires the spirit of adventure in all who listen to it. So, put on your walking shoes, pack your bags, and let Cat Stevens take you on a journey to the mystical city of Katmandu.

• Release Date: April 24, 1970
• Artist: Cat Stevens