Until a few weeks ago, for my entire life, I thought this song was sung by Cat Stevens. Others have told me they thought this supposition was insane and that it sounds nothing like Cat.
However, I truly believe there is something about the song that really imitates Cat. Especially the part that goes: “I wish I had you…to talk to.” That line specifically, the rhythm of it and the cadence of the voice, reminds me very strongly of Cat Stevens’ style.
I never thought it was Cat Stevens, a/k/a Yusuf Islam, but boy, that song is a blast from the past! I haven’t thought about it for years and years and now realize I still remember many of the lyrics.
I don’t think the voice sounds at all like Cat Stevens, but now that you point it out, I do agree that the syncopation of that specific line at the end of the chorus is similar to Stevens’s style.
Fun Fact: R. Dean Taylor was far more successful as a songwriter with the Motown empire than as a singer. Among his compositions was the Supreme’s hit Love Child.
Wow… I thought that song came out before 1970. I was 10 then, and remember my cousin Becky coming to stay with me sometimes when my parents were gone. She would bring her carrying case of 45s-remember those? Plastic tubes with a stack of 45s inside? I wasn’t allowed to have ‘grown up’ music, my records were all Disney type tunes, and I LOVED it when Becky came over with her music! This was one of my favorites, along with ‘A Boy Named Sue’.
Awesome. I’ve always played “(Back Home Again In) Indiana” as fast as possible, and didn’t know there was another one. I’ll try to cook up a little medley for the (few) people listening and see if they can get a little glow behind it. Thanks!
