“Father and Son” is a heartfelt ballad by Irish boy band Boyzone, released in November 1995 as a single from their debut album Said and Done. It is a cover of the classic song originally written and recorded by British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens in 1970. Boyzone’s version introduced the song to a new generation, giving it a polished, pop-oriented arrangement while maintaining the emotional depth of the original.
The lyrics depict a conversation between a father and his son, with the father offering wise advice about life, while the son expresses his desire for independence and personal growth. The song resonates with themes of generational understanding and the bittersweet nature of growing up. In Boyzone’s rendition, lead singer Ronan Keating takes the role of the son, while Cat Stevens’ original fatherly voice is replaced by harmonized backing vocals from the band.
Boyzone’s version is more contemporary, featuring soft acoustic instrumentation, a smooth pop production, and Keating’s emotive vocal delivery. The song was a commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and Australia. In Ireland, it became their fourth consecutive number-one single.