In 1976, Al Stewart released the song that would become the defining hit of his career and one of the most enduring soft rock classics of the decade.
"Year of the Cat" captivated listeners with its enigmatic lyrics, cinematic storytelling, and unforgettable melody, eventually becoming a staple on classic and soft rock radio stations.
Many fans may not know that this song was inspired by one of the most famous films of all time.
The idea for the song "Year of the Cat" came to Stewart after watching «Casablanca» , the legendary 1942 romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The singer imagined what might happen if a traveler met a mysterious woman in a strange city, creating a story that captured the same sense of romance, intrigue, and suspense that made Casablanca famous.
«One evening they turned on a movie.« Casablanca"» , "And I thought, 'In the morning in a Bogart movie. In the land where time turned back.' Sounds like a good start," Stewart said. The Strange Brew publication. «"But I need a line for a title. I had a girlfriend who had a book on Vietnamese astrology. Although in Chinese astrology it was the year of the rabbit, in Vietnamese astrology it was the year of the cat. I don't know much, but I know a good song title, and here it is.".
The result was one of the most memorable songs of the 1970s.
Built on lush piano, soaring saxophone, and richly detailed lyrics, «Year of the Cat» unfolds like a film, telling the story of a mysterious encounter through vivid scenes and imagery.
The song, which appeared on Stewart's self-titled album, became his biggest commercial success, helping him reach a wider audience outside the folk scene where he had previously built his reputation.
Part of the song's enduring appeal stems from the fact that Stewart never fully explained each line of lyrics, allowing listeners to interpret them for themselves.
«"I thought, firstly, I want to write something completely different, something that hadn't existed in pop music before, and secondly, I just wanted to use language that hadn't existed before," Stewart said. Goldmine publication. «"If I can write about original concepts using original language, that's what interests me. That's what I wanted to do. I didn't want to repeat what's already been done.".
This mystery has fueled debate among fans for decades, who still argue about what exactly the song means and who the woman in the story represents.
Musically, the track also stands out for its ambitious arrangement, highlighted by a memorable saxophone solo by Phil Kenzie and elegant piano work that gives the song a cinematic feel.
Over the years, "Year of the Cat" has remained one of the defining songs of the soft rock era, regularly appearing on classic rock playlists and radio stations around the world.
Nearly 50 years after its release, the song continues to transport listeners to a world of mystery and romance, proving that inspiration from one of cinema's greatest films can sometimes lead to the creation of a timeless musical classic.
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This article was originally published by Parade on June 2, 2026, in the Entertainment section. Add Parade to your list of recommended sources by clicking here.