Lyric discussion by snowie0wl 

Cover art for Sad Lisa lyrics by Cat Stevens

I think the lyric is "sad, Li" and not "sadly". The first is an affectionate short name for Lisa and the second is just messed up English.

I agree - my name is Lisa, and my parents and close friends call me Li sometimes, so I just assumed that's what the lyric actually is.

Not Valid

Same here. I always thought it was "Sad, Li". My name is Lisa as well. So they call me "Lee". It makes more sense if the lyric is What's making you sad, Lee? It's more personal, since he is speaking diretly to Lisa. And clearly having a one-sided conversation with her.

I always felt that she was Agoraphobic. (Afraid of leaving her house). But then my name is Lisa, I had Agoraphobia, so maybe I just want her to be like me. It does make sense though. He is the only one who can see her/touch her....

Not Valid

@snowie0wl While your reasoning makes sense, all printed sources of sheet music and even the lyrics on the vinyl cover indicate "Sadly." Cat Stevens had a reputation of being very precise about the lyrics whenever in print.