The Handwritten Lyrics To “Stray Cat Strut” Brian Left On A Diner Napkin

April 1, 2025

It was a rainy evening in the summer of 1981 when Brian Setzer, the lead singer and guitarist of the Stray Cats, found himself sitting alone in a small diner on the outskirts of New York City. The diner’s neon sign flickered in the downpour, casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the chilly air. Brian had just come from a rehearsal, feeling both excited and frustrated. The band was trying to make a name for themselves in the rockabilly scene, but it wasn’t easy. They were far from the limelight, playing in small venues and sometimes struggling to get enough gigs to pay the bills. Yet, deep down, Brian knew they had something special; he felt the music calling to him, begging to be brought to life.

As he sipped on a cup of coffee, the smell of fried food wafted around him. He grabbed a napkin from the table and, with a sense of urgency, began to scribble down lyrics that had been spinning in his mind. Each line flowed effortlessly, born from his love of the streets and the characters he observed around him. With every word he wrote, he poured his heart into that napkin, capturing the essence of a stray cat’s life—full of adventure, independence, and a hint of loneliness. The lyrics spoke of swagger and attitude, a celebration of being true to oneself even when the world feels overwhelming.

Little did Brian know, that simple diner napkin would change the trajectory of his career. After finishing the song, “Stray Cat Strut,” the band played it at their next gig. The crowd responded with wild enthusiasm, singing along and dancing, as if they had known the tune forever. That performance marked the beginning of something extraordinary. They recorded the song and soon it became a hit, soaring up the charts and catching the attention of music lovers everywhere. Suddenly, the struggles of being an unknown band melted away, and the Stray Cats found themselves at the center of a growing rockabilly revival.

As the weeks turned into months, Brian and the Stray Cats found themselves on stages they had once only dreamed of. They toured across the country, and even internationally, sharing their love for rockabilly music with fans who adored their infectious energy. Brian often reflected on that rainy night in the diner, feeling grateful for the inspiration that struck him. The lyrics on that napkin weren’t just words; they were a reminder of his passion and resilience in the face of hardship. It was a testament that sometimes, dreams can bloom from the most unexpected places.

Over time, “Stray Cat Strut” became not only a hit song but an anthem of independence for many. Fans related to the idea of embracing one’s own path, even if it meant facing the challenges of the unknown. Brian found himself not just as a musician, but as an inspiration for countless others who dared to follow their passions. The journey taught him that no matter how far one falls, perseverance and love for what you do can lead to incredible heights.

Years later, as he performed the song in front of thousands, Brian smiled as he thought back to that napkin in the diner. It was a symbol of hope, creativity, and determination. That rainy evening became a pivotal moment in his life, and he cherished it dearly. Each note played was a reminder that the spirit of a stray cat—restless yet free—lives on in every artist willing to chase their dreams, one lyric at a time.