
“Cat Size”: The Raw, Reflective Roar of a Rock and Roll Pioneer
To speak of Suzi Quatro is to speak of a seismic shift in rock music. Before her, the notion of a leather-clad, bass-slinging female fronting a hard-rocking band was virtually unheard of. She didn’t just break barriers; she obliterated them with a snarling charisma and an undeniable stage presence that left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music. Among her impressive discography, a particular track from her second album stands out for its surprising depth and personal resonance: “Cat Size.”
Released in 1974 on the album “Quatro,” “Cat Size” wasn’t one of Suzi Quatro‘s massive global chart-topping singles like “Can the Can” or “Devil Gate Drive,” which both hit number one in the UK and Australia. However, the album “Quatro” itself was a commercial success, reaching the Top 150 in the US and peaking at number one in Australia. While “Cat Size” wasn’t released as a major single in most territories, it was notably featured as the B-side to the single “Keep A-Knockin'” in the US in 1974. Its true significance lies not in its chart performance, but in its revealing glimpse into the soul of an artist who often projected an impenetrable, tough-as-nails exterior.
The story behind “Cat Size” is deeply personal, penned by Suzi Quatro herself in collaboration with her then-husband and guitarist, Len Tuckey. Quatro has often spoken of this song as one of her favorites, one where she “wrote her story.” Unlike many of her more boisterous, Chinnichap-penned hits, “Cat Size” offers a moment of introspection, a raw and vulnerable reflection on her journey and identity. It speaks to the arduous climb to the top, the sacrifices made, and the challenges faced as a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated industry. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has “paid all my childhood dues” and now faces a “mountain much steeper to climb,” battling the feeling of being “just one of the crowd” despite her undeniable impact.
At its heart, “Cat Size” is a declaration of self-discovery and defiance. The repeated refrain, “Good-bye, good-bye blind eyes, I’m gonna find me a cat’s eye,” signifies a powerful shift in perspective. A “cat’s eye” implies clear vision, acute perception, and the ability to see through deception or superficiality. It’s a metaphor for awakening to one’s true self and purpose, shedding the naive or “blind” ways of the past. For a woman who was constantly challenging norms and expectations, this song articulated a deeply felt need to remain authentic and to forge her own path, regardless of external pressures or societal judgments. It was a testament to her inner strength and resilience, a private moment shared with the listener amidst the glam rock fanfare.
For those of us who grew up watching Suzi Quatro storm stages and television screens, “Cat Size” holds a special, almost intimate, place. It reminds us that even the most formidable figures have moments of vulnerability and profound self-reflection. It’s a song that invites us to look beyond the leather jumpsuits and electric performances, into the mind of a woman who was not only a phenomenal musician but also a profound thinker. The gently plucked guitar and smoky jazz piano elements, a departure from her usual hard rock sound, underscore the reflective mood, allowing Suzi Quatro’s distinctive voice to carry the weight of her personal journey.
Listening to “Cat Size” today is like unearthing a treasured letter from a bygone era, a message from an icon speaking directly to our own experiences of navigating life’s challenges. It reinforces the timeless appeal of Suzi Quatro, not just as a rock ‘n’ roll queen, but as a genuine artist whose music continues to resonate with its honesty and powerful spirit. It reminds us that true strength often comes from within, from the clarity of vision that allows us to find our own “cat’s eye” and illuminate our path forward.