The track comes ahead of His Majesty’s coronation in less than two weeks’ time. It is also the name of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ forthcoming album.
Yusuf / Cat Stevens says the message is respectful and does indeed seem to come from a place of advice and goodwill. Yusuf sees Charles as having an opportunity to climb above the pettier world of politicians.
“While politicians bicker and scrum in the basement quarters, somebody upstairs should be watching where those political party goers are taking us. Frankly, democracy needs a bit of dusting.” Yusuf says.
“One of the privileges of being an artist is to express what seems unimaginable and then hang it up there for people to ponder; we can say things others can’t. Sure, I know music can’t necessarily solve the world’s problems, but it can help direct the narrative. I hope a few aspirations in my song, ‘King of a Land’, resonate with His Majesty.
“The major message of the song – and this applies to all those in positions of leadership – is, don’t forget that there’s One above you, and be careful to look out for those who are below you.”
His ten commandments on how to be a good leader can be found below.
Manifesto for a Good King
- Even if you are a King, you are still a servant of God.
- Remove hatred through education and spread peace.
- Feed the hungry.
- We are all humans that make mistakes, so be forgiving.
- Help the sick and homeless.
- Beware of negative people in your circle.
- Everyone has a part to play, teach them to work together.
- Be just and don’t show favouritism.
- Listen to constructive criticism.
- Be a guardian to all faiths, and the precious Earth we all share.
Also released today are the album cover of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ new project and a music video. The artwork has been done by the illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, who said: “Yusuf / Cat Stevens has created a vivid world of the possible. How wonderful to imagine if children ruled the world, how peaceful and just it would be.
“The lyrics immediately conjured a small boy with a paper crown. His kingdom: a little train set with a miniature village. His mission: to ensure that every inhabitant of this little kingdom was free, educated, fed and able to celebrate the possible… of all that should be, could be, would be. The “Land of Woodbee” welcomes everyone to hop on the “Peace Train” and move forward – together – to a better world.”
The news comes ahead of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ anticipated debut at Glastonbury this summer, where he will perform in the ‘legends slot’ on the Pyramid Stage on Sunday.
