In John Denver's song "Yellow Cat," the lyrics depict a sense of loneliness and desolation during the late December period, with the anticipation of the New Year not bringing any hope or change. The setting is described as a small two-room walk-up apartment, where time seems to drag on slowly. The singer finds solace in the company of his lady's yellow cat, as there is no one else to talk to. The rain adds to the melancholic atmosphere, constantly playing on his mind. The lyrics also mention raindrops falling on plastic roses in a window box, symbolizing the fleeting and fragile nature of beauty and hope. The street lights shining through the blinds create a somber ambiance, bringing back memories of an empty bed and a past relationship that has ended. The wind rustling the papers in the street below and the misty sky contribute to a feeling of disarray and confusion. A crystal wineglass on a table represents a shattered relationship, stained with scarlet marks that imply turmoil. The jug and broken plate symbolize the absence of love and the loss of his lady. The singer reflects on the wine that is gone, just like his relationship, and longs for the ability to remember the words that were said. Overall, "Yellow Cat" conveys a sense of isolation, emotional turmoil, and nostalgia for lost love. The song explores themes of loneliness, regret, and the melancholy that comes with the passage of time and the fading of hope.
