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Peace Train
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Peace Train
by Yusuf Islam
Now I’ve been happy lately,
thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be,
something good has begun
Oh I’ve been smiling lately,
dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be,
some day it’s going to come
Cause out on the edge of darkness,
there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country,
come take me home again
Now I’ve been smiling lately,
thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be,
something good has begun
Oh peace train sounding louder
Glide on the peace train
Come on now peace train
Yes, peace train holy roller
Everyone jump upon the peace train
Come on now peace train
Get your bags together,
go bring your good friends too
Cause it’s getting nearer,
it soon will be with you
Now come and join the living,
it’s not so far from you
And it’s getting nearer,
soon it will all be true
Now I’ve been crying lately,
thinking about the world as it is
Why must we go on hating,
why can’t we live in bliss
Cause out on the edge of darkness,
there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country,
come take me home again
“We have developed speed but we have shut ourselves in: machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little: More than machinery we need humanity; more than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.”
Charlie Chaplin
Yusuf Islam is a noteworthy humanitarian, educator and philanthropist who dedicates his life to promoting peace and reconciliation.
“You will not enter heaven until you believe; and you will not believe until you love one another. Should I not guide you to a thing that if you do it will increase love amongst you? Spread “As salam’ (peace be with you)” Muhammad
Belief, Love and Peace for all. “Each one is important and they are all linked closely together. If we want to enjoy peace we should believe and want happiness not just for ourselves but for others as well. These three life-altering things could really change our world, if only people could practice them. Maybe it’s because some, are just not looking for them in the right place, they look everywhere but sometimes forget to look at themselves, in their own hearts, where belief, love and peace begin.” Yusuf Islam
Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens runs three schools: a Primary school, mixed boys and girls; a secondary girls’ school; and a secondary boys’ school. The primary school is supported by the government as a voluntary aided school. The other two are private, fee-paying.
Small Kindness, the humanitarian relief charity headed by Yusuf Islam helps orphans and families and supports various educational projects. The charity was founded in 1999 and was one of the first aid charities to start offering practical support in the Balkans (Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro, Kosova and areas).
In October 2003 Yusuf received the World Social Award for “humanitarian relief work helping children and victims of war”.
On 10 November 2004, Yusuf Islam was presented with a Man for Peace award by the private foundation of former USSR president Mikhail Gorbachev for his “an outstanding contribution to international social justice and peace“.
The Gorbachev Foundation is a socio-economic and political studies center, which organizes the summit every year. Yusuf was honored “For having dedicated the most part of his life in the promotion of peace and reconciliation among peoples and for having condemned terrorism.” The ceremony was held in Rome, Italy and attended by five Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
In 2004 his Small Kindness charity earned the WANGO Humanitarian Award from the World Association of NGOs.
Yusuf Islam was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Gloucestershire for services to education and humanitarian relief on November 4, 2005.
On 4 January 2007, Yusuf Islam was awarded the Mediterranean Prize for Peace in Naples, Italy. He received the award “as a result of the work he has done to increase peace in the world“.
On 25 March 2007, he received the German ECHO “special award for life achievements as musician and ambassador between cultures” in Berlin.
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June 4th, 2007 at 6:10 am
I have always enjoyed that song. And am pleased to learn he is being recognized for his peace efforts.