The song frames an exchange between a father not understanding a son's desire to break away and shape a new life, and the son who cannot really explain himself but knows that it is time for him to seek his own destiny. Stevens sings in a deeper register for the father's lines, while using a higher one for those of the son. Additionally, there are backing vocals provided by Stevens' guitarist and friend Alun Davies, singing an unusual chorus of simple words and sentences such as "No" and "Why must you go and make this decision alone?"; beginning mid-song, so softly, they are only perceptible with a slight increase in volume towards the end of the song.
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Father and Son
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