About the song
“Year of the Cat” is a captivating ballad that has enchanted listeners for decades. Released in 1976 by the Scottish singer-songwriter Al Stewart, this evocative song has become a staple of classic rock radio, its mesmerizing melody and poetic lyrics transporting listeners to a realm of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Stewart, a master storyteller, penned the song with inspiration drawn from various sources, including Chinese astrology, the Vietnam War, and his own personal experiences. The song’s opening lines, “The Chinese sailors are superstitious / And they’re afraid of the cat,” set the stage for a narrative that blends historical references with personal reflections.
The song’s melancholic melody, perfectly complemented by Stewart’s emotive vocals, creates an atmosphere of wistful nostalgia. The lyrics, filled with imagery of sailing ships, distant lands, and fleeting moments, paint a vivid picture of love lost and time passing. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Oh, the year of the cat,” serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of memories.
Upon its release in 1976, “Year of the Cat” quickly ascended the charts, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remaining in the top 40 for 16 weeks. The song’s popularity extended beyond the United States, topping charts in numerous countries around the globe. Its success solidified Stewart’s status as a rising star in the folk-rock genre.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of longing and introspection, resonating with listeners who have experienced the bittersweet pangs of love and loss. “Year of the Cat” has become a favorite among fans of classic rock and folk music, its timeless melody and poignant lyrics continuing to touch hearts worldwide.
Beyond its popularity as a classic rock anthem, “Year of the Cat” has also found its place in popular culture, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including “The Big Lebowski”, “Miami Vice”, and “King of the Hill”. The song’s enduring presence in popular culture further cements its status as a classic of the 1970s music era.
“Year of the Cat” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a poetic tapestry of love, loss, and the passage of time. It’s a song that has captivated listeners for generations and continues to be a cherished part of classic rock playlists worldwide. With its mesmerizing melody, evocative lyrics, and timeless message, “Year of the Cat” is sure to remain a beloved classic for many years to come.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- Songwriter: Al Stewart
- Original artist: Al Stewart
- Year released: 1976
- Album: Year of the Cat
- Chart positions:
- Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
- Number 1 in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa
- Genre: Folk rock, soft rock
- Themes: Love, loss, time, nostalgia
Video
Lyrics
On a morning from a Bogart movie
In a country where they turn back time
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre
Contemplating a crime
She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running
Like a watercolor in the rain
Don’t bother asking for explanations
She’ll just tell you that she came
In the year of the cat
She doesn’t give you time for questions
As she locks up your arm in hers
And you follow ’till your sense of which direction
Completely disappears
By the blue tiled walls near the market stalls
There’s a hidden door she leads you to
These days, she says, I feel my life
Just like a river running through
The year of the cat
While she looks at you so cooly
And her eyes shine like the moon in the sea
She comes in incense and patchouli
So you take her, to find what’s waiting inside
The year of the cat
Well morning comes and you’re still with her
And the bus and the tourists are gone
And you’ve thrown away your choice you’ve lost your ticket
So you have to stay on
But the drum-beat strains of the night remain
In the rhythm of the newborn day
You know sometime you’re bound to leave her
But for now you’re going to stay
In the year of the cat
Year of the cat