Al Stewart – “Year of the Cat” Lyrics Meaning

“Year of the Cat” is a lyrical journey of mystery and romance. Set in an exotic, timeless place, it tells the story of a chance encounter that leads to an unexpected, enchanting adventure. The song, drenched in cinematic imagery, paints a picture of a man swept away by a mysterious woman. It captures the essence of fleeting moments and decisions that change our lives forever. The songwriter’s message is clear: life is unpredictable and filled with magical moments that can transport us into a world of wonder, if only for a short while. This song is not about a specific person; instead, it’s an ode to those serendipitous experiences that define our lives.

Ever wondered about the mystique wrapped in Al Stewart’s classic “Year of the Cat”? Let’s unravel the enigma together in a journey through its lyrics and the story behind them.


“Year of the Cat” Lyrics Meaning

“Year of the Cat” begins like a scene from an old movie, immediately setting a tone of nostalgia and intrigue. “On a morning from a Bogart movie, In a country where they turn back time” – these lines transport us into a world where time and reality seem fluid, suggesting a story about to unfold.

The protagonist strolls through a crowd, like Peter Lorre, an actor known for playing characters with mysterious motives. This comparison hints at a sense of anticipation and uncertainty.

The entrance of the mysterious woman “out of the sun in a silk dress running, Like a watercolor in the rain,” introduces an element of surreal beauty and unpredictability. She’s an enigma, a fleeting vision that captures the protagonist’s fascination. The phrase “Don’t bother asking for explanations” suggests that some experiences in life are beyond rational understanding – they are to be felt and experienced rather than questioned.

The chorus, “In the year of the cat,” is a metaphorical reference, possibly alluding to the Chinese Zodiac where each year is associated with an animal. The cat, not being a part of the traditional Chinese Zodiac, might symbolize something unique, elusive, and enchanting – much like the woman in the song.

As the story unfolds, the protagonist is led through a hidden door by the blue-tiled walls near the market stalls. This imagery is rich and vivid, painting a picture of a hidden, almost magical world that exists parallel to our everyday reality. The line “These days, she says, I feel my life, Just like a river running through, The year of the cat” suggests a sense of surrender to the flow of life and events, much like a river meanders through landscapes.

The latter part of the song sees the protagonist waking up to a new reality. The line “Well morning comes and you’re still with her” indicates that what might have started as a fleeting encounter has now transformed into something more lasting. The realization that “you’ve thrown away your choice you’ve lost your ticket” could symbolize the protagonist’s acceptance of this unexpected turn in his life’s journey.

Finally, the song closes with the lines, “But the drum-beat strains of the night remain, In the rhythm of the newborn day.” This beautifully captures the essence of the song – the lasting impact of fleeting moments and the way they continue to echo in our lives, long after they’ve passed.

The Story Behind “Year of the Cat”

“Year of the Cat” was born out of Stewart’s deep appreciation for storytelling and his ability to create vivid, cinematic images through his lyrics. The song’s intricate details and references to classic films suggest a nostalgia and a longing for the past. This perspective is crucial in understanding the song’s essence – it’s a bridge between reality and the romanticized world of movies and history.

Stewart’s state of mind during the writing process was one of introspection and curiosity. He was exploring different cultures and historical periods, which is evident in the song’s references to a country “where they turn back time” and the imagery of market stalls and blue tiled walls. This song is not just a recount of a personal experience but a tapestry of various influences and interests that Stewart was immersing himself in.

Moreover, “Year of the Cat” reflects a universal theme – the unexpected turns our lives can take and the mysterious people we meet along the way. It speaks to the human experience of being swept away by moments that defy logic and explanation. In writing this song, Stewart tapped into a common longing for adventure and the unknown, a desire to be taken away from the mundane aspects of life into something more magical and undefined.

In conclusion, “Year of the Cat” is more than just a song about a romantic encounter. It’s a reflection of Al Stewart’s imaginative mind, his love for history and storytelling, and his ability to capture the fleeting, enigmatic moments that make life intriguing and unpredictable.