Yusuf / Cat Stevens: Peace Train Download | MP3
This track is huge!
Peace Train is technically not a nasheed (Islamic song), as it was written before Cat Stevens converted to Islam. The lyrics are however positive and the song was later re-sang as a nasheed by Zain Bhikha, and Yusuf himself.
Yusuf is still touring with this track despite being released in 1971 – that’s got to tell us something about the strength of the song!
His next tour will be in South Africa on November 8th 2017.
Yusuf / Cat has released many different versions of this track over the years, from the original to the blues (watch him sing both). There have also been a number of cover versions recorded by various artists.
Cover versions:
Peace Train – 10,000 Maniacs MP3
Peace Train – Dolly Parton MP3
Peace Train – Tony Melendez
Peace Train – Jann Arden
Nasheeds:
Peace Train – Yusuf Islam (Nasheed version) MP3
Peace Train – Zain Bhikha MP3 | Non-music version
So, why am I referring to him by two names?
His birth name was Steven Demetre Georgiou, and he sang under the artist name ‘Cat Stevens’ back in the 70s. He was a well-known mainstream musician, loved by many around the world.
In 1977, Steven went through a near drowning experience, which prompt his search for religion.
Interestingly Steven was given a copy of the Quran as a birthday present by his brother, who had converted to Judaism. After reading the book, Steven decided to embrace Islam.
The following year he changed his name from Steven Demetre Georgiou to Yusuf Islam, inspired by the story of Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran.
Yusuf then left music in order to focus on his faith. He has done a huge amount of work for charities, and won a number of humanitarian awards including the World Award (2003), Man of Peace award (2004) and the Honorary Award of the German Sustainability Award (2009).
In recent years Yusuf has come back to music, singing under the name ‘Yusuf / Cat Stevens’. His new album is due to release on 15th September 2017.
Why did Yusuf Islam return to music?
Yusuf has been asked why he chose to come back to music in a number of interviews. To which he responds:
“Music has an incredible way of linking us together…”
In his view music and Islam can go hand in hand.
He often speaks about the Guitar and it’s links to Islamic civilisation. Yusuf has now written a book titled ‘Why I still carry a guitar‘ as a response to critics who do not support his decision – It has great reviews, worth a read!
Video
There are a number of videos related to this track – it was hard to pick one!
Here is a live performance from 2016, after a long break from music.
The format of this site is to go through the lyrics of Islamic music, calling out references to Quran and Hadith.
This was not originally written as a nasheed, however the lyrics are brilliant and full of reflection. Let’s take a look.
Yusuf / Cat Stevens – Peace Train Lyrics
Now I’ve been happy lately
Thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun
Oh, I’ve been smiling lately – 1
Dreaming about the world as one – 2
And I believe it could be
Someday it’s going to come
‘Cause I’m on the edge of darkness
There ride the Peace Train
Oh, Peace Train take this country – 3
Come take me home again
Now I’ve been smiling lately,
Thinkin’ about the good things to come – 4
And I believe it could be,
Something good has begun
Oh Peace Train sounding louder
Glide on the Peace Train
Come on now Peace Train
Yes, Peace Train holy roller
Everyone jump upon the Peace Train
Come on now, Peace Train
Get your bags together,
Go bring your good friends, too
‘Cause it’s getting nearer,
It soon will be with you
Now come and join the living,
It’s not so far from you
And it’s getting nearer,
Soon it will all be true
Oh Peace Train sounding louder
Glide on the Peace Train
Come on now Peace Train
Peace Train
Now I’ve been crying lately,
Thinkin’ about the world as it is
Why must we go on hating – 5
Why can’t we live in bliss
‘Cause out on the edge of darkness,
There rides a Peace Train
Oh Peace Train take this country,
Come take me home again
Oh Peace Train sounding louder
Glide on the Peace Train
Come on now, Peace Train
Yes, Peace Train holy roller
Everyone jump upon the Peace Train
Come on, come on, come on
Yes, come on, peace train
Yes, it’s the peace train
Come on now, peace train
Oh, peace train
Links to Quran / Hadith
Links to the Quran and hadith have been numbered above (in purple) and presented below.
1 Oh, I’ve been smiling lately
Despite what some may think, smiling is actually encouraged in Islam. It was common practice of the prophet (pbuh) to smile.
The Prophet Muhammad [] said: “Do not abuse anyone, do not look down upon any good work, and when you speak to your brother, show him a cheerful face.” (Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadith 1889)
2 Dreaming about the world as one
There are many sects of different religious groups around the world – Christians, Jews and Muslims have split into sects.
Islam teaches not to divide the religion, and rather unite as one. God tells Muhammed (pbuh) not to associate with those who break into sects.
“Indeed, those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you (Muhammad) have no part with them in the least: their affair is with God: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they used to do” (Quran 6:159)
3 Oh, Peace Train take this country
The idea of peace ruling over corruption is called out in the Quran.
“God does not love corruption” (Quran 2:205)
“We have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had God willed, He would have made you a single community, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing good. Every one of you will return to God and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed.” (Quran Al-Ma’ida, 48)
4 Thinkin’ about the good things to come
Doing good gives you good – the perfect circle.
“Is the reward for good [anything] but good?” (Quran 55:60)
5 Why must we go on hating
It may be natural to dislike someone at times, however the Quran teaches that these feels should be controlled.
“And do not let ill-will towards any folk incite you so that you swerve from dealing justly. Be just; that is nearest to heedfulness.” (Quran 5:8)
Final Thoughts
This song was released 16 years before I was born, yet I love it!
You can find my rating below. Please leave your own rating using the star system and comment box below.
Lyrics: 10/10
Vocals: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Uniqueness: 10/10
References & Reflection: 9/10
IMH Rating: 49/50
Your Rating 
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