The Ultimate Hard Rock Riff: Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever”
Shifting gears from the acoustic melancholy of folk-country, we dive headfirst into the raw, unapologetic roar of hard rock with Ted Nugent’s signature song, “Cat Scratch Fever.” Released in May 1977 as the title track of his third solo studio album, the song is a primal slab of guitar-driven rock and a definitive anthem of the era’s hedonistic attitude.
Commercial Success and Status
The song and its accompanying album marked a high point in Nugent’s early solo career. The album Cat Scratch Fever clawed its way to Number 17 on the US Billboard 200 chart and went multi-platinum. The single, “Cat Scratch Fever,” was Nugent’s first major hit, peaking at Number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977, cementing his reputation as “The Motor City Madman” and one of rock’s most ferocious guitarists.
The Story and Meaning
The genius of “Cat Scratch Fever” lies in its central, instantly recognizable guitar riff. Simple, aggressive, and undeniably catchy, it is the rhythmic engine that drives the track. The song’s composition is a testament to Nugent’s pure, unadulterated hard rock aesthetic: blistering solos, heavy blues influence, and a raw, garage-rock energy.
Lyrically, the song is as straightforward and provocative as its title suggests. While “cat scratch fever” is a real, albeit rare, infectious disease, Ted Nugent repurposed the phrase into a thinly veiled metaphor for intense, overwhelming sexual desire—or “lust”. The lyrics are full of aggressive, macho posturing, openly celebrating a wild, rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
I make the pussy purr with the stroke of my hand They know they gettin’ it from me They know just where to go when they need their lovin’ man
Nugent took over lead vocal duties on this track (a role often filled by Derek St. Holmes in the band’s early years), delivering a signature snarl that perfectly matched the song’s raucous energy. For better or worse, the track defined the “party hard” culture of 1970s arena rock and became a template for generations of heavy metal and hard rock bands to follow.
The song is not without its controversy, given the explicit nature of its themes, but its musical impact is undeniable. “Cat Scratch Fever” remains a staple of classic rock radio, a testament to the primal, irresistible power of a perfect, loud, and greasy guitar riff.