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“Wild World” is a song written and recorded by English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens. It first appeared on his fourth album, Tea for the Tillerman (1970). Released as a single in September 1970 by Island Records and A&M Records, “Wild World” saw significant commercial success, garnering attention for its themes of love and heartbreak, and has been covered numerous times since its release. Maxi Priest and Mr. Big (released in 1988 and 1993 respectively) had successful cover versions of the song.

Stevens developed a relationship with actress Patti D’Arbanville and the two were a pair for roughly two years. Many have speculated that this song was based on or inspired in part by this relationship. Stevens denied this when speaking on The Chris Isaak Hour in 2009, explaining that the song was his own reflection to returning to music after a near-death experience due to complications with tuberculosis. Said Stevens:

“I was trying to relate to my life. I was at the point where it was beginning to happen and I was myself going into the world. I’d done my career before, and I was sort of warning myself to be careful this time around, because it was happening. It was not me writing about somebody specific, although other people may have informed the song, but it was more about me. It’s talking about losing touch with home and reality – home especially.”