
Cats have been featured in numerous songs across various genres, showcasing their unique personalities and charm.
The song "What's New Pussycat" by Tom Jones is a classic example, released in 1965 and reaching the top of the charts.
Many artists have been inspired by the feline form, including Tom Jones, who was attracted to cats' independence and mystery.
Some songs, like "Kitty Cat" by Harry Nilsson, even feature cats as the main subject, highlighting their playful and mischievous nature.
Songs from Cats
The Jellicle Cats have inspired some amazing music over the years. "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" is the iconic opening number from the stage version of "Cats", where we meet the Jellicle tribe for the first time.
If you're looking for some more cat-themed tunes, you're in luck! There's a wide range of songs out there that celebrate our feline friends. "Sometimes I'm Alone (Lonely Cat)" by The Kiffness is a great example of this.
You might recognize "We are Siamese" from the classic Disney movie Lady and the Tramp. It's a fun and catchy tune that's sure to put a smile on your face.
Smelly Phoebe Buffay
Smelly Phoebe Buffay was a character from the TV show Friends, played by Lisa Kudrow. She performed a song called "Smelly Cat", a humorous ode to a malodorous feline. The song's intentionally awkward melody and absurd lyrics made it a standout. Despite its quirks, "Smelly Cat" has become a pop culture phenomenon.
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Specific Songs
Cat songs are a delightful genre, with many artists creating music inspired by our feline friends. Some examples include The Kiffness's "Sometimes I'm Alone (Lonely Cat)" and Lady and the Tramp's Disney movie soundtrack featuring "We are Siamese".
Benjamin Britten, a renowned composer, wrote "For I Will Consider My Cat Jeoffry", showcasing the connection between music and our pets.
Composers like Rossini and Helge Schneider have also contributed to the world of cat-themed music with "Duo des chats" and "Katzenklo" respectively.
Strut" by Stray Kids
"Strut" by Stray Kids is a song that draws inspiration from a similar theme as "Stray Cat Strut" by the Stray Cats. The band's name was also inspired by a cat, with lead singer Brian Setzer mentioning a cat sticker on his guitar and the cartoon "Top Cat" as influences.
The Stray Cats admired cats' wild and feisty nature, which is reflected in the lyrics of their song.
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Taylor Swift - Macavity (Film Version)
Taylor Swift's performance in the film version of "Cats" is a memorable one, especially in the song "Macavity".
Taylor Swift, a self-proclaimed cat lady, brings her playful and fierce energy to the role.
The song "Macavity" is about a devious and sly mystery cat, played by Idris Elba, who can get away with myriad crimes.
Growltiger's Last Stand
Growltiger's Last Stand has undergone significant changes since its inception. The original London production featured a different duet for Growltiger and Griddlebone, based on an unpublished Eliot poem, "The Ballad of Billy M'Caw".
The song has been criticized for its racial undertones, with the original lyrics using the ethnic slur "Chinks". This was later replaced with the word "Siamese".
Growltiger's Last Stand originally involved the cast using "Asian accents" to portray the Siamese cats. This aspect of the song was eventually removed.
The 1998 video version of the show cut the entire scene featuring Growltiger.
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Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were characters in their own right in the original London production, singing their eponymous song as a duet.
Their song was rewritten for the Broadway production, where they were portrayed as puppets being magically controlled by Mr. Mistoffelees.
The Broadway version of the song was faster and more upbeat, alternating between vaudeville-style verses and a "manic patter" section.
Eventually, the song was rewritten again to allow Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer to sing their own song as full characters.
Rum Tum Tugger
The Rum Tum Tugger is a character in the musical Cats that has undergone some interesting changes over the years. He was reworked in the 2014 London revival to be a breakdancing street cat, with a rap musical number.
This new version of the character was also used in the 2015 Australian tour and 2015 Paris production. However, the 2016 Broadway revival and subsequent productions went back to the original character.
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The 2016 Broadway revival brought new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, which incorporated more hip hop and cool jazz elements. Blankenbuehler's choreography for the solo numbers, including "The Rum Tum Tugger", was significantly different from the original.
His choreography for the ensemble numbers, on the other hand, didn't stray too far from the original by Lynne.
The Old Gumbie
The Old Gumbie Cat is a fascinating character in the world of music and theater. It's a song from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats", based on T.S. Eliot's poem.
This song portrays Jennyanydots, a seemingly lazy cat who organizes mice and cockroaches into productive groups at night. The song adds depth to the character, highlighting the secret industriousness of this 'Gumbie Cat'.
The musical "Cats" achieved incredible global success, making this song a part of theatrical history.
Everybody Wants to Be Aristocrat
The song "Everybody Wants To Be a Cat" from Disney's 1970 animated film "The Aristocats" is a jazzy, upbeat tune that celebrates the carefree and independent nature of cats.
The song was performed by Scatman Crothers, Phil Harris, and others, giving it a lively and playful vibe.
It's a Disney classic that captures the fun-loving spirit of the film and resonates with both children and adults alike, suggesting that cats are the epitome of cool.
The song's nonchalant attitude is reminiscent of the Aristocats' own carefree nature, making it a fitting tribute to the film's feline stars.
The Siamese
The Siamese is a breed of cat that has made a lasting impression in popular culture.
The Siamese Cat Song by Peggy Lee is a memorable number from Disney's Lady and the Tramp (1955).
It introduces the mischievous Siamese cats, Si and Am, in the movie.
The song remains a classic due to its catchy tune and Lee's distinctive performance.
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18. Stray Strut
The Stray Cats' "Stray Cat Strut" is a rockabilly hit from 1981 that reached No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
This song solidified the Stray Cats as key figures in the rockabilly revival movement.
Song Themes
Many songs about cats explore the theme of feline companionship. "Sometimes I'm Alone (Lonely Cat)" by The Kiffness and "I Love My Cat" by The Salteens are two examples of songs that celebrate the bond between humans and their feline friends.
The idea of cats being solitary animals is also a common theme in cat songs. Benjamin Britten's "For I Will Consider My Cat Jeoffry" and Rossini's "Duo des chats" both acknowledge the cat's independent nature.
Some songs, like "Ojos de gata" by Los Secretos, focus on the beauty and allure of cats. The song's title, which translates to "Eyes of a Cat", suggests a fascination with feline features.
The contrast between a cat's playful and mischievous side is another theme present in cat songs. "Meow Meow Meow" by Redheat and "Pussycat Meow" by Deee-Lite both capture the playful, whimsical nature of cats.
The idea of a cat's mysterious or enigmatic nature is also explored in some songs. Helge Schneider's "Katzenklo" and Ateez's "The black cat nero" both hint at the cat's elusive and hard-to-understand personality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the main singer in Cats?
Grizabella, the main character in Cats, is the musical's most iconic singer, known for her powerful performance of the hit song "Memory". Her haunting vocals bring depth and emotion to the story.
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