Inspiration and its cinematic use

Music has the power to transport us to different moments and places, and one song that has left a lasting mark in the history of music is Year of the Cat by Al Stewart. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating story behind this song and how the author found inspiration to compose it. Furthermore, we will unveil in which movie this iconic melody was used, providing details about the title, director, and lead protagonist.

The story of “Year of the Cat”

“Year of the Cat” is a song written and performed by British singer-songwriter Al Stewart. It was released in 1976 as part of his album of the same name. The song stood out for its smooth melody and evocative lyrics that transport listeners on a journey through time and imagination. The blend of sophisticated instrumentation and Al Stewart’s distinctive voice made the song an instant hit and a enduring favorite in popular music.

Inspiration for the song

The inspiration behind “Year of the Cat” came from multiple sources in Al Stewart’s life. The song unfolds in a dreamlike setting, where the protagonist finds himself in a strange and mysterious city during the “Year of the Cat.” The lyrics are infused with a sense of adventure and romance, making it irresistible. It is said that Stewart was partly inspired by his experiences traveling in Morocco and also by the classic film “Casablanca.” The song captures the essence of the movie, with its period ambiance and romantic narrative.

The song in the movie

“Year of the Cat” by Al Stewart was used in the film “The Killing of a Chinese Bookie,” directed by John Cassavetes and starring Ben Gazzara in the lead role. This 1976 dramatic thriller tells the story of a nightclub owner who becomes entangled in the world of organized crime. The choice of “Year of the Cat” for the movie’s soundtrack adds an element of elegance and mystery to the plot, contributing to the film’s unique atmosphere.

“Year of the Cat” by Al Stewart is a song that has captivated listeners worldwide with its timeless charm and evocative storytelling. The inspiration behind the song, combining the influence of real travels and cinematic elements, demonstrates the versatility of music as an artistic medium. Its inclusion in the film “The Killing of a Chinese Bookie” adds another layer of cultural relevance to this song, making it a milestone in both music and cinema. The song remains a unique auditory experience that continues to resonate with contemporary generations.

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

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Alistair Ian Stewart / Peter John Wood

Year of the Cat lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc