In the October 1998 issue of Guitar World magazine, Brian Setzer's solo from Stray Cat Strut ranked #92 on the "Top 100 Guitar Solos of All Time" list.
Brian Setzer later played this song with his new band, The Brian Setzer Orchestra. The band played the song during a recorded concert, and was released on "The Ultimate Collection".
This song was sampled in popular Green Day song "Hitchin' a Ride".
In 2006, the ska punk band Reel Big Fish covered the song for a compilation entitled Go Cat Go! A Tribute to Stray Cats.
It is also featured as a playable track in Guitar Hero: On Tour.
Stray Cat Strut
Stray Cats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Black and orange stray cat sittin' on a fence
I ain't got enough dough to pay the rent
I'm flat broke but I don't care
Stray cat strut, I'm a ladies cat
I'm a feline Casanova, hey man that's that
Get a shoe thrown at me from a mean old man
Get my dinner from a garbage can
Don't go crossing my path
I don't bother chasing mice around
I slink down the alleyway looking for a fight
Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night
Singin' the blues while the lady cats cry
"Wild stray cat, you're a real gone guy"
I wish I could be as carefree and wild
But I got cat class and I got cat style
I don't bother chasing mice around
I slink down the alleyway looking for a fight
Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night
Singin' the blues while the lady cats cry
"Wild stray cat, you're a real gone guy"
I wish I could be as carefree and wild
But I got cat class and I got cat style
The Stray Cats' hit "Stray Cat Strut" is a catchy, bluesy tune with a playful and cheeky tone. The song is essentially about a stray cat who is down on his luck and doesn't have much money, but still manages to live life on his own terms. The opening lines set the scene with a black and orange stray cat perched on a fence, while the lyrics describe the cat strutting confidently and carefree despite his circumstances.
The cat describes himself as a "ladies' cat" and a "feline Casanova," suggesting that he is a ladies' man in the cat world. He even manages to get his dinner from a garbage can, showing his resourcefulness and independence. The chorus warns others not to "cross his path," which can be interpreted both literally and figuratively.
The second half of the song sees the cat continuing to live life on his own terms – he doesn't chase after mice, but instead looks for a fight, howling at the moon and singing the blues while lady cats cry over him. He acknowledges that while he wishes he could be carefree like a wild cat, he still has "cat class and cat style," implying that he values his own sense of dignity and self-respect.
Overall, "Stray Cat Strut" presents a fun, lighthearted look at life from the perspective of a stray cat. The song's playful lyrics and catchy guitar riff have made it a classic rockabilly hit that endures to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Black and orange stray cat sittin' on a fence
There's a stray cat with black and orange fur perched on a fence.
I ain't got enough dough to pay the rent
I'm broke and can't afford to pay rent.
I'm flat broke but I don't care
Although I'm broke, I'm not bothered by it.
I strut right by with my tail in the air
I walk confidently with my tail held high.
Stray cat strut, I'm a ladies cat
I walk with a certain swagger, charming all the lady cats.
I'm a feline Casanova, hey man that's that
I'm a smooth operator when it comes to the ladies.
Get a shoe thrown at me from a mean old man
Sometimes people get angry when they see me around and throw things at me.
Get my dinner from a garbage can
I have to resort to eating from the trash because I can't afford anything else.
Don't go crossing my path
Don't mess with me or there'll be consequences.
I don't bother chasing mice around
I have bigger things to worry about than rodents.
I slink down the alleyway looking for a fight
I prowl the dark alleyways, searching for trouble.
Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night
Sometimes I howl at the moon, especially when it's warm outside.
Singin' the blues while the lady cats cry
I feel down sometimes, especially when the lady cats reject me.
"Wild stray cat, you're a real gone guy"
People recognize me as a wild and free spirit.
I wish I could be as carefree and wild
Sometimes I envy those who can live without worries or constraints.
But I got cat class and I got cat style
Even though I have my problems, I still have my natural elegance and grace.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN SETZER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@samanthaphipps4767
Black and orange stray cat sittin' on a fence
I ain't got enough dough to pay the rent
I'm flat broke but I don't care
I strut right by with my tail in the air
Stray cat strut, I'm a ladies cat
I'm a feline Casanova, hey man that's that
Get a shoe thrown at me from a mean old man
Get my dinner from a garbage can
Don't go crossing my path
I don't bother chasing mice around
I slink down the alleyway looking for a fight
Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night
Singin' the blues while the lady cats cry
"Wild stray cat, you're a real gone guy"
I wish I could be as carefree and wild
But I got cat class and I got cat style
I don't bother chasing mice around
I slink down the alleyway looking for a fight
Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night
Singin' the blues while the lady cats cry
"Wild stray cat, you're a real gone guy"
I wish I could be as carefree and wild
But I got cat class and I got cat style
@MarcBaggett1
My Dad passed away yesterday . This was his favorite song. He would always play it when he was cooking, cleaning or working. I love you Dad.
@Night_Visionz
I’m so sorry, he had great taste! :) Rest In Peace. ❤️
@MarcBaggett1
@@Night_Visionz Thank you
@Night_Visionz
@@MarcBaggett1 you’re welcome!
@torpedo58
May God Bless!!!❤🙏
@danitaharris9919
Bless your heart 💔🎸🎶🎵🥰 May he rest in peace 🙏🕊️💖🌠
@sawdust6968
i dont care how old or young you are this song is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.
@izo9885
It really is a timeless song!
@pikachuketchup9783
Ikr I'm only 11
@sydnieoliviarayne2077
I’m only 8 and this is for my dance so that’s why I’m here and I love this song