On the Border

The Zoo Crew is spinning "On the Border" by Al Stewart, a track from his 1976 album Year of the Cat, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its cinematic storytelling. This song, with its haunting Spanish guitar and poetic lyrics, carries a depth that resonates decades later. In a BBC interview, Stewart revealed that the song’s first verse draws from the Basque Separatist movement in Spain, while the second verse references the Rhodesian crisis, specifically pointing to Robert Mugabe’s actions. He noted, “The hand that sets the farms alight has spread the word to those who’re waiting on the border,” a line that proved eerily prescient when, 30 years later, Mugabe’s forces burned white-owned farms in Zimbabwe. The song’s Spanish guitar, a standout feature, was played by Peter White, who was initially hired as a pianist. Stewart shared that producer Alan Parsons suggested adding Spanish guitar, and White, stepping into a studio for the first time, delivered the iconic solo despite never having recorded guitar before.

Another layer of trivia comes from fan interpretations shared online. Some, like a commenter named Juan Medina on Songfacts, have speculated the song could evoke the Rif War in Spanish Morocco, while others tie it to Franco’s 1936 uprising in Spain, showcasing how Stewart’s layered lyrics spark diverse connections. Stewart himself, in a 2016 interview with The Strange Brew, tied the song to a quote from British Prime Minister Edward Heath about civilians being on the frontline of modern conflicts, a theme that resonates with events like the Paris attacks. Fans on Reddit have praised its enduring appeal, with one user recalling hearing it at a beach party, feeling transported back in time. The song’s vivid imagery, like “the fishing boats go out across the evening water,” paints a scene so immersive it’s no wonder it remains a fan favorite over “Year of the Cat” for some.

Al Stewart, born Alastair Ian Stewart on September 5, 1945, in Glasgow, Scotland, began his musical journey far from the polished folk-rock of “On the Border.” Raised in Bournemouth, Dorset, after his father’s death in a plane crash, Stewart taught himself guitar, even taking lessons from a young Robert Fripp of King Crimson fame. By the mid-1960s, he was immersed in London’s vibrant folk scene, sharing a flat with Paul Simon and performing alongside emerging talents like Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix, whom he once introduced at a nightclub. His first break came in 1966 with a Decca Records single, “The Elf,” which sold fewer than 500 copies. Undeterred, he signed with Columbia Records and released his debut album, Bedsitter Images, in 1967, a collection of introspective songs that hinted at his storytelling prowess. Stewart’s early work leaned heavily on acoustic folk, but his 1973 album Past, Present and Future marked a shift toward historical narratives, a style he’d refine into the chart-topping sound of Year of the Cat.

Stewart’s career, spanning over 20 albums, reflects his love for history, literature, and wine, the latter earning him recognition as an award-winning connoisseur. His official website, alstewart.com, offers a deep dive into his discography, tour dates, and song histories, including fan-compiled lyrics and guitar tabs. Fans can connect with him on Facebook, where he shares tour updates and engages with his community, though he’s less active on Instagram and X, where posts focus on live performances. The Al Stewart Fans Facebook Group is a lively hub for Zoo Freaks-like devotees, with thousands discussing his songs and sharing concert memories. Fan sites like alstewart.com’s fan section provide detailed song analyses, making it a treasure trove for those obsessed with tracks like “On the Border.” Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Stewart’s music and its rich backstory invite endless exploration.