Hard Headed Woman

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some groovy vibes as we spin "Hard Headed Woman" by Cat Stevens from his iconic album Tea for the Tillerman here at THE ZOO! This track, the second on the album released in November 1970, is a folk-pop gem that captures Stevens’ introspective and melodic style. In a 2020 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stevens, now known as Yusuf, shared that the song’s lyrics have evolved over time. Originally about searching for a strong-willed partner, he reimagined it for Tea for the Tillerman² in 2020, changing the line to “I’ve found my hard-headed woman,” reflecting a sense of fulfillment. He also noted the song’s final verse, which questions the influence of science on humanity—“Will you tell us when to live? Will you tell us when to die?”—feels eerily relevant today, touching on themes of technology and control that resonate with our modern world.

Another cool tidbit comes from Stevens’ performances around the time of the album’s release. During a 1970 show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, he sang a verse of “Hard Headed Woman” that didn’t make it onto the original album, musing about humanity’s search for life in space. He revived this verse for the 2020 reimagining, tying it to contemporary quests like finding life on Mars. Stevens mentioned in the same Entertainment Weekly interview that the song’s folky tune and vivid imagery were inspired by his love for Vincent Van Gogh, making it a sort of musical tribute to the artist’s vibrant, emotive style. This track’s timeless appeal lies in its blend of catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics, perfect for us hippies at heart!

Let’s dive into how Cat Stevens, born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948, in London, kicked off his musical journey. Growing up in the West End, he was surrounded by the buzz of theater and music, which sparked his early interest in performance. As a teenager in the mid-1960s, he adopted the stage name Cat Stevens and burst onto the UK pop scene with hits like “I Love My Dog” and “Matthew and Son.” These early songs, released under Deram Records, showcased his knack for catchy melodies but leaned more toward orchestrated pop than the folk-rock sound he’d later embrace. After a bout with tuberculosis in 1969 nearly derailed his career, Stevens took time to reflect, emerging with a new, introspective style. This pivot led to his 1970 album Mona Bone Jakon, followed by the game-changing Tea for the Tillerman, which skyrocketed him to international fame with its heartfelt lyrics and stripped-down sound.

Stevens’ journey didn’t stop there. In 1977, he converted to Islam, took the name Yusuf Islam, and stepped away from music to focus on philanthropy and education. He returned to recording in 2006 as Yusuf, blending his spiritual insights with his classic sound. You can keep up with his latest work and reflections on his official website, where he shares updates on albums like Tea for the Tillerman² and his charitable efforts. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for personal posts, throwback photos, and tour announcements. Fans also gather at sites like Playing Cat Stevens, which offers guitar tabs and song insights, and on Facebook groups like the “Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam Fan Group,” where Zoo Freaks can connect, share vinyl finds, and celebrate his enduring legacy.