Words by Isy Connor
After completing her sold-out ‘Early Twenties’ tour across the UK and EU, for the release of her new album ‘Early Twenties’, about navigating life through your early adulthood, Cat Burns released her rendition of Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus.
It is a fitting way to end the tour, representing the struggles of navigating through your early adulthood. ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ is about a high school outcast who secretly loves a girl but feels unworthy of her attention. By the song’s end, she surprises him by showing interest despite his insecurities.
Everyone has an individual viewpoint on songs when they listen to them; over time, the way a song resonates with you and your perception of the song may transform. But Cat shifts the focus from rebellion to self-acceptance. For her, this song is about the societal constraints of feeling like you have to fit in whilst coming to grips with who you are and figuring out your place in the world. Whether it’s your sexuality or the fact that you’re different and may not fit into ‘social norms’, you fight to repress it out of the fear of being judged, yet you eventually come to accept that that’s who you are. Which is something people of all ages may relate to, but more so during early adulthood, teenage years through early twenties. “Teenage Dirtbag has always felt like a bit of a queer anthem to me, even if it wasn’t meant to be.”
“It’s a song for all the misfits, and I’ve put my own unapologetic spin on it. Same attitude, but with a vibe that’s true to my story.”
Cat’s version of the song has more acoustic instrumentation and vocal harmonies compared to the original, which relied on heavier instruments using lots of distortion to create more of a rock sound.
Both performers use a similar make-up of instruments. However, Wheatus employs deeper, heavier tones to convey a grungier sound. Brenden (the lead vocalist) sings in a harsh, aggressive tone. whilst Cat opts for a lighter, more melodic arrangement. Singing in a confident yet softer tone and employing vocal harmonies and acoustic, lighter-sounding instruments. This gives the song a fresh, lighter, more energetic sound than the original by Wheatus, but the underlying attitude of the song remains unchanged.
Cat Burns has given new life to a beloved classic by recreating Teenage Dirtbag through her own lens, providing a refreshing yet true homage that highlights her artistry and relatability. Cat’s cover of Teenage Dirtbag gives a classic personal spin, converting a story about teenage angst and insecurity into a message of self-acceptance and inclusivity. With its acoustic tones and distinct perspective, the song not only exhibits Cat’s vocal and artistic breadth but also her ability to connect with people of all ages. This nuanced and inspiring take on the original solidifies Cat’s reputation as an ardent supporter of people addressing life’s struggles.
