About the song
“Wild World,” penned and performed by the renowned English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, is a poignant and memorable track from his 1970 album *Tea for the Tillerman*. Released as a single in September 1970 under Island Records and A&M Records, the song achieved notable commercial success and remains a defining piece of Stevens’ career. It captured widespread attention for its heartfelt exploration of love and heartbreak, and its evocative lyrics have led to numerous cover versions by various artists, including notable renditions by Maxi Priest in 1988 and Mr. Big in 1993.
The song’s origins are deeply personal. Cat Stevens wrote “Wild World” during his relationship with actress Patti D’Arbanville, reflecting the emotional turbulence of their breakup. The lyrics are delivered from the perspective of someone bidding farewell to a departing lover, expressing both sadness and a sense of bittersweet anticipation about the future. Stevens himself noted in an interview with Mojo that the song’s chord sequence was inspired by Spanish music, which he reinterpreted to evoke the recurring theme in his work of departure and the melancholy it entails.
Upon its release, “Wild World” climbed to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, significantly contributing to the success of *Tea for the Tillerman*. The track played a crucial role in bringing the album to the forefront of FM radio, with Island Records’ Chris Blackwell hailing it as “the best album we’ve ever released.” Its impact was further cemented by a deluxe reissue of *Tea for the Tillerman* in November 2008, which featured the original demo of “Wild World,” offering fans a glimpse into the song’s developmental process.
“Wild World” has become a timeless classic, celebrated for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Stevens’ ability to capture the complexities of human relationships through his music, making it a staple in the repertoire of both listeners and performers alike.
Video
Lyrics
Now that I’ve lost everything to you
You say you want to start something new
And it’s breaking my heart you’er leaving
Baby, I’m greaving
But if you want to leave, take good care
Hope you have a lot of nice things to wear
Then a lot of things turn bad out there
Oh baby, baby, it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby, baby, it’s a wild world
I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
You know I’ve seen a lot of what the world can do
And it’s breaking my heart in two
Because I never want to see you sad, girl
Don’t be a bad girl
But if you want to leave, take good care
Hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware
Beware
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby, baby, it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
Baby, I love you
But if you want to leave, take good care
Hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware
Beware
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
It’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
And it’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world
And I’ll always remember you like a child, girl