The Year Of The Cat

Al Stewart's 'The Year Of The Cat' is a captivating song that transports listeners into a dreamlike narrative filled with vivid imagery and cultural references. The song opens with a scene reminiscent of a classic Bogart movie, setting a nostalgic and timeless tone. The mention of Peter Lorre, a famous actor known for his roles in film noir, adds a layer of intrigue and mystery. The protagonist encounters a mysterious woman who appears 'like a watercolor in the rain,' suggesting an ephemeral and almost surreal presence. This woman, who refuses to offer explanations, embodies the enigmatic allure of the 'Year of the Cat,' a reference to the Vietnamese zodiac, which symbolizes a year of mystery and unpredictability.

As the song progresses, the protagonist is led by this woman through a labyrinthine journey, losing his sense of direction and control. The blue-tiled walls and hidden doors evoke a sense of an exotic, far-off place, enhancing the song's mystical atmosphere. The woman's life, described as 'a river running through,' suggests a sense of constant movement and change, further emphasizing the transient nature of their encounter. The use of incense and patchouli adds to the sensory richness of the song, creating a vivid, almost tangible experience for the listener.

In the final verse, the protagonist finds himself still with the woman as morning comes, having 'thrown away [his] choice and lost [his] ticket,' indicating a surrender to the moment and the inevitability of staying in this dreamlike state. The 'drumbeat strains of the night' blending into the 'rhythm of the new-born day' symbolize the merging of past and present, night and day, reality and fantasy. Although the protagonist knows he will eventually have to leave, for now, he remains captivated by the allure of the 'Year of the Cat,' a metaphor for a period of enchantment and self-discovery.