"(Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard" is a song by English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens. It was first released by Linda Lewis in February 1975[1] and included on her album Not a Little Girl Anymore (1975). Stevens' version was released as the lead single from his tenth studio album Izitso (1977) on 3 June 1977. It’s a duet with Elkie Brooks.

Lyrics and composition

The song begins with a recording of children playing. The synth-laden track[2] features an arrangement of instruments dominated by horns.[3] The lyrics of the song describe nostalgia for school.[4] It was produced by Jim Cregan.[5]

Critical reception

Stereo 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."[6]

Commercial performance

"Old Schoolyard" reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, his last top 40 placement there to date.[7] In the UK, it reached number 44, Stevens' last chart appearance there until 2004.[8]

The song was featured in the opening of Olivia Newton-John's 1978 television special Olivia.[9]

References

  1. ^ https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/338683/all
  2. ^ "20 Best Cat Stevens Songs: Discover the Classics". 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  3. ^ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1977-06-11.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ Black Music & Jazz Review. IPC Specialist & Professional Press. April 1979. p. 28.
  6. ^ Stereo Review. Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. 1976. p. 84.
  7. ^ "Cat Stevens". Billboatd Database. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  8. ^ "Cat Stevens". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  9. ^ 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.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(Remember_the_Days_of_the)_Old_Schoolyard
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