" It was important for me to duck out of the fast and furious life I’d been living as a pop star. I was in a different mood. "
- Cat Stevens

In the statement we are examining, the speaker discusses a decision they made to step away from a high-pressure lifestyle associated with being a pop star. They mention feeling the need to change their environment and pace due to a shift in personal mood or mindset. This indicates a desire for a more relaxed and introspective approach to life.

On a deeper level, this quote highlights the importance of self-awareness and responding to one's inner needs, even if it means deviating from an established path that others might view as successful or desirable. The speaker suggests there is value in recognizing when external circumstances are not aligning with internal desires or states of being. This could imply a significant personal growth period where the individual seeks balance and fulfillment over relentless pursuit of fame and success. It also speaks to the idea that happiness and contentment can stem from listening to one's intuition rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Cat Stevens, the author of this quote, is a renowned British singer-songwriter who achieved international fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Known for his soulful voice and poetic lyrics, he later converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam in 1978. Throughout his career, Stevens has been influential not only musically but also through his advocacy for peace and humanitarian causes.