"(Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard" is a song by English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens. It was released as the lead single from his tenth studio album Izitso (1977). It’s a duet with Elkie Brooks.
| "(Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Cat Stevens | ||||
| from the album Izitso | ||||
| B-side | "Land O'Freelove & Goodbye" | |||
| Released | 3 June 1977 | |||
| Length | 2:44 | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Cat Stevens | |||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Cat Stevens singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Lyrics and composition
editThe song begins with a recording of children playing. The synth-laden track[1] features an arrangement of instruments dominated by horns.[2] The lyrics of the song describe nostalgia for school.[3] It was produced by Jim Cregan.[4]
Critical reception
editStereo Review described it as "a model of energy and vitality without a trace of the phony frenzy or fake hysteria that so many other young singers try to pawn off as high spirits."[5]
Commercial performance
edit"Old Schoolyard" reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, his last top 40 placement there to date.[6] In the UK, it reached number 44, Stevens' last chart appearance there until 2004.[7]
In popular culture
editThe song was featured in the opening of Olivia Newton-John's 1978 television special Olivia.[8]
References
edit- ^ "20 Best Cat Stevens Songs: Discover the Classics". 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
- ^ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1977-06-11.
- ^ Hoffmann, Frank; Cooper, B. Lee; Haney, Wayne S. (2014-02-04). Rock Music in American Popular Culture III: More Rock 'n' Roll Resources. Routledge. p. 183. ISBN 978-1-317-95760-7.
- ^ Black Music & Jazz Review. IPC Specialist & Professional Press. April 1979. p. 28.
- ^ Stereo Review. Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. 1976. p. 84.
- ^ "Cat Stevens". Billboatd Database. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ "Cat Stevens". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ Gruner, Oliver; Krämer, Peter (2019-11-22). 'Grease Is the Word': Exploring a Cultural Phenomenon. Anthem Press. p. 78. ISBN 978-1-78527-111-3.