Cat Stevens is referring to threats from philosophical and religious ideas. These are the longer boats that will invade your life and take over. Belief in extraterrestrials, for example, is kind of longer boat that has, in modern times, been responsible for ruined lives and even death.
The gods (lower case), are the beliefs that we hold about what will save us in this life (and the next). Stevens is saying that it would be better to have a real representation of God's handiwork in our lives and to appreciate the mystery of creation than to worship some false image created by man.
The parson represents one set of beliefs. While everyone makes choices to follow someone, people are fallible. Who knows where the parson goes? Be careful who you "drop your pants" for i.e. what belief system you adopt, because it's possible to end up in a very confused state, carried away by the longer boats.
Cat Stevens is referring to threats from philosophical and religious ideas. These are the longer boats that will invade your life and take over. Belief in extraterrestrials, for example, is kind of longer boat that has, in modern times, been responsible for ruined lives and even death.
The gods (lower case), are the beliefs that we hold about what will save us in this life (and the next). Stevens is saying that it would be better to have a real representation of God's handiwork in our lives and to appreciate the mystery of creation than to worship some false image created by man.
The parson represents one set of beliefs. While everyone makes choices to follow someone, people are fallible. Who knows where the parson goes? Be careful who you "drop your pants" for i.e. what belief system you adopt, because it's possible to end up in a very confused state, carried away by the longer boats.