Cat Scratch Fever
Motörhead
The Wild Allure of 'Cat Scratch Fever'
Motörhead's 'Cat Scratch Fever' is a high-energy rock anthem that delves into the primal and instinctual aspects of human desire. The song's lyrics are filled with metaphors and innuendos, using the concept of 'cat scratch fever' as a euphemism for an uncontrollable, almost animalistic attraction. The repeated phrase 'cat scratch fever' suggests a kind of infectious, irresistible urge that takes over the narrator, making him act in ways that are both thrilling and reckless.
The song opens with a sense of mystery and anticipation, as the narrator expresses his excitement about the arrival of this feverish feeling. The lines 'I don’t know where they come from, but they sure do come / I hope they’re coming for me' capture the uncontrollable nature of this desire. The mention of the doctor and the lack of a cure further emphasize that this 'fever' is something beyond rational control, something that must be experienced rather than treated.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more explicit in their depiction of sexual desire. The imagery of making the 'kitten happy with the tongue and the hand' and the kitten waving her tail at the narrator are clear metaphors for sexual acts and flirtation. The song celebrates this raw, unfiltered passion, portraying it as a natural and exhilarating part of life. The driving rhythm and aggressive guitar riffs of the music complement the lyrics, creating an overall sense of urgency and intensity that mirrors the feverish emotions described in the song.