(Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard
1977 single by Cat Stevens
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"(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.
| "(Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Cat Stevens | ||||
| from the album Izitso | ||||
| B-side | "Land O'Freelove & Goodbye" | |||
| Released | 3 June 1977 | |||
| Length | 2:44 | |||
| Songwriter | Cat Stevens | |||
| Producers | ||||
| Cat Stevens singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
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]
In popular culture
The song was featured in the opening of Olivia Newton-John's 1978 television special Olivia.[9]