Lyric discussion by linangel85 

Cover art for Murder (Or a Heart Attack) lyrics by The Old 97s

"And when he says "leaving myself open to a murder or a heart attack" it meant my uncle was either going to kill him or he was going to have a heart attack from being so nervous about losing the cat."

To me it sounds like he means that someone might come in his house and kill him or scare him, but he's leaving the back door open so the cat can come inside easily.

"And I may be leavin' myself open To a murder or a heart attack But I'm leavin' the back door open 'Til you come back, 'til you come back"