Song Review: Cat Stevens - “King of Trees” (Live, 1974)
Originally released in Japan as a benefit for UNICEF, Cat Stevens’ Saturnight is set for worldwide release May 2.
The lead single is “King of Trees” from the 1974 Tokyo gigs that filled the album. Obviously inspired by Shel Silverstein’s “the Giving Tree” and Dr. Seuss’ “the Lorax,” the track finds Stevens borrowing lyrical structure from Bob Dylan and employing a full band to drive home his environmental lament:
He was the king of trees/keeper of the leaves/deep-green guard of young, love-stained memory/we used to meet by him/far from the hustling town/I loved you/now they’ve come to cut you down, Stevens sung as he delivered a message that sadly remains relevant 51 years down the road.
Ardent in the extreme, “King of Trees,” somehow avoids being overwrought and stands the test of time, even if it isn’t an all-timer. Chalk that up to Stevens’ songwriting chops back then.
Grade card: Cat Stevens - “King of Trees” (Live, 1974) - B-
3/27/25
