diff --git a/src/cmp/cmpmain.lsp b/src/cmp/cmpmain.lsp
index e49c9f8e1..abcbff3e1 100644
--- a/src/cmp/cmpmain.lsp
+++ b/src/cmp/cmpmain.lsp
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ coprocessor).")
 (defvar *ld-bundle-flags* "")
 
 (defun safe-system (string)
-  (print string)
+  (format *error-output* "~&;;; Invoking external command: ~A~%" string)
   (let ((result (si:system string)))
     (unless (zerop result)
       (cerror "Continues anyway."