Ten purrfect songs about cats

As a lifelong cat enthusiast who has shared her home with numerous feline companions, I must say that this list of songs about cats is a delightful journey through the rich tapestry of our feline friends’ impact on popular culture. From the virile Tommy to the clever Cleopatra’s Cat, each song captures a different aspect of the complex and often enigmatic nature of cats.

In a way that might seem familiar, I’ll express that times have changed dramatically since my childhood days. It wasn’t about being superior; it was just a different era. For example, our TV options were limited to merely three channels. If we wanted to enjoy our favorite tunes anytime, we had to pedal our bikes to the record store and buy a 45 single. Yet, there could have been aspects where things were more advantageous back then.

I was raised in a household with diverse political views; my mother identified as a Democrat, while my father was a Republican. We were encouraged to engage with individuals across the political divide. However, those times of open dialogue seem distant now. Nowadays, we tend to crush anyone who disagrees with us rather than respectfully discussing our differences.

Don’t worry, I will not say another word about politics. Today, I am talking about cats and dogs.

Ten songs about cats that rock

It’s true that my affection for both cats and dogs has been a constant in my life. However, I understand that keeping them together might not be allowed anymore. When I encounter a dog while out walking, if the situation appears suitable for both the dog and its owner, I will happily interact and play with it. As for cats, whether they seem stray or feral, I’ll make an effort to approach them for some affectionate moments. Throughout my life, I’ve been a proud pet parent to both dogs and cats, and I remain a fervent admirer of them.

As a music enthusiast, I originally planned to express my affection through composing approximately twenty tunes – ten for canine companions named Fluffy, and ten for feline friends known as Fido. The aim was to highlight how both dogs and cats have significantly influenced contemporary music. However, it quickly became evident that the number of dog-themed songs far outweighed those dedicated to our feline friends. Not only are there more well-known tracks, but also numerous obscure ones. Consequently, I decided to separate them, starting with a tribute to our cats. They deserve love and recognition too!

To clarify, these are songs specifically themed around cats, not any slang or cultural references to cool, hip, or jazz cats. Squeeze’s “Cool For Cats” is not about felines, and while Al Stewart’s “Year of the Cat” may have some vague cat association, it appears to be based on The Maltese Falcon story instead. No songs are related to Nashville cats, cat scratch fever, or meow-themed jewelry, despite my personal fondness for such ideas.

No. It has to be a song about a cat. An actual cat. Except…

Many tunes (even those meant for dogs) often playfully employ dual interpretations when they reference cats. They cleverly exploit the ambiguity present in the symbolic representation. Therefore, it could be a literal cat, or it might symbolize something greater. If you have any queries about this concept, I encourage you to discuss it with your high school English teacher. I’m confident she would enjoy the opportunity to engage with you on this topic.

As a lifelong cat owner and avid music lover, I must say that modern rock songs about cats have always fascinated me. From their diverse styles to their unpredictable nature, these tunes are anything but ordinary. They mirror the complexities of our feline friends, who can be both purringly affectionate and viciously clawing at any moment. And that’s exactly what makes them so intriguing – their wildness and mystery. Unlike dogs and their straightforward melodies, cats are enigmatic creatures that keep us guessing. Their songs are a testament to this, capturing the essence of these elusive felines perfectly. So sit back and prepare yourself for an exploration into the world of rock’s feline-themed gems – it’s going to be a wild ride!

“WALKIN’ MY CAT NAMED DOG” by Norma Tanega (1966)

“Me and my cat named Dog – Are walkin’ high against the fog – Singin’ the sun, singin’ the sun”

It’s quite apt that Norma Tanega’s first composition came about due to her New York apartment being pet-unfriendly, leading her to adopt a cat she named Dog. This was a feline living in a canine’s world, though times have changed significantly for cats since then. Regardless of its unusual origin, the lighthearted tune and offbeat lyrics seem perfectly fitting for a cat that doesn’t mind if you find it peculiar. If you’re a fan of “What We Do in the Shadows”, you might recognize Tanega from her second best-known song, “You’re Dead.”

“LUCIFER SAM” by Pink Floyd (1967)

“Lucifer Sam, my ever-present Siamese feline companion, is a mystery I can’t quite put into words. He’s always there with me, never leaving my side.”

As a devoted fan, I’d like to reminisce about the extraordinary Syd Barrett era. He was the mastermind behind it, pouring his soul into the lyrics, melody, and guitar work. Richard Wright’s ethereal keyboard melodies and riffs added an extra layer of cosmic depth. It was during the golden age of progressive rock, where music was not just music, but a journey through space and time.

“PHENOMENAL CAT” by The Kinks (1968)

“Once upon a time, far in the past – In a world inhabited by foolish young lads – There resided an extraordinary feline – This cat adored spending its days immersed in pleasure.”

The album “The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society” stands out for its exceptional quality. The tune’s simplicity reminiscent of nursery rhymes harmonizes beautifully with a captivating story about a magical feline creature that journeys across the globe. The alluring flute introduction, actually a mellotron, leads into Ray Davies’ singing, and later, Dave Davies takes over as the cat in the narrative.

Several critics believe that Ray playfully satirizes the kind of psychedelia Syd Barrett aimed for with Pink Floyd, and it seems likely to me that this is true. Ray often had a mischievous side, much like many cats I’ve encountered.

”STRAY CAT STRUT” by The Stray Cats (1981)

“A scruffy black and orange cat is perched on a fence – It’s short on cash, struggling to cover its rent – Broke as can be, yet unbothered – It walks confidently, tail held high.”

Perhaps Brian Setzer’s timeless cat song showcased a blend of styles, although neo-swing was still prominent. However, the roots of blues-influenced rock were evident in his work at this stage. The arrangement featured only guitar (by Setzer), double bass (Lee Rocker), and drums (James McDowell, also known as Slim Jim Phantom) for a minimalistic feel. Dave Edmunds served as the producer.

Among “Bad Company” by Bad Company from the record called “Bad Company,” this is one of the scarce instances in rock music – a song, an artist, and an album all sharing the same title, disregarding the “strut” element temporarily.

“MACEO” by Jane’s Addiction (1988 – sort of)

“My cat’s name is Maceo – He’s a little man in a cat’s body”

Initially, the song was intended for the band’s first album titled “Nothing’s Sacred.” However, it was taken off due to reports that it was too pop-oriented. Surprisingly, “Jane Says” ended up on the album instead, which became a massive hit. Despite my preference for “Jane Says,” I can’t comprehend why “Maceo” would be deemed more pop than “Jane Says.” Given Perry Farrell’s distinctive, high-pitched, somewhat discordant vocals that resemble a cat’s meow, one might question the classification. The vocals are layered over a rhythm provided by drummer Stephen Perkins and Dave Navarro’s grungy guitar melodies, creating an intriguing blend of sounds.

1997 saw the arrival of the song on the “Kettle Whistle” album, with the assistance of none other than Maceo Parker, a renowned jazz saxophonist who shares his name with the cat Maceo. It’s worth mentioning that Farrell has also sung about dogs, as demonstrated in Porno for Pyro’s “Dogs Rule the Night.”

“TOMMY THE CAT” by Primus (1991)

“Tommy the Cat said, ‘It feels like just yesterday!’, as he stepped back to dislodge something potentially stuck in his large throat.”

So commences the thrilling tale of Tommy, a remarkably lively feline, and another captivating cat who crossed his path in O’Malley’s Alley. The music, featuring Les Claypool’s funky bass lines and Larry LaLonde’s mesmerizing guitar riffs, adds an exciting vibe to the story. Interestingly, while Claypool handles most of the singing, Tom Waits lends his distinctive voice to the titular character. As expected, Waits delivers a very convincing feline performance.

“CLEOPATRA’S CAT” by Spin Doctors (1992)

“Cleopatra’s cherished feline managed to get hold of Julius Caesar’s dress shoes – A tense situation, indeed, it seemed – He then confronted Mark Antony, saying, ‘My cat, belonging to Cleopatra, is more intelligent than I am'”

Let’s move on to the most catty cat song of them all, a tune that stirred controversy back in 1992 due to its negative portrayal of black cats as symbols of evil, much like they were believed to be messengers from the devil. This single was quite different from “Two Princes,” being an instrumental piece featuring scat jazz with cryptic lyrics that were difficult to decipher. It was the first release from the follow-up album to Spin Doctors’ hit debut.

30 years after its initial release, Chris Barron, the lead vocalist, admitted they made an error by putting out this song at that particular moment. Back in the day, Rolling Stone Australia even ranked it as one of the top 30 regrettable decisions in rock music history. However, I must say I’ve always had a soft spot for this tune. I enjoyed it back then, and I still do. As they say, a cat can be many things – reviled, loved, silly, cool – all at once, and that seems fitting for this song too.

“FAT CAT KEEPS GETTING FATTER” by Squirrel Nut Zippers (1998)

“In time, every dog gets their moment in the sun – That’s an old saying, but it doesn’t always hold true. Around here, there seems to be a well-fed, lazy cat who enjoys more luck than some.”

Referring to the last studio album by SNZ that featured their original lineup (disregarding the Christmas album released in late ’98), this particular work showcases Katharine Whalen’s seductive vocals and Chris Phillips’ impressive, rhythmic drumming. The majority of the energy throughout the songs is provided by cornet player Je Widenhouse amidst the sparse verses.

As a gamer, let me share my thoughts on a symbolic take, although I promised to steer clear from such interpretations at first. However, if you’ve ever encountered an in-game character resembling a “persistently growing cat,” you’d understand the song’s literal resonance. It’s not just cool; it’s as captivating and intriguing as our feline friends themselves.

“PLEA FROM A CAT NAMED VIRTUTE” by Weakerthans (2003)

As a seasoned cat owner, I can’t help but notice that my feline friend seems to be losing interest in playtime these days. It reminds me of a time when I was just as young and energetic, yet found myself growing weary of the simple joys that once brought me immense pleasure.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase that as: Unlike the other tunes in this playlist, this isn’t a track about a feline friend. Instead, it’s a song that puts you in the paws of a cat, experiencing its thoughts and feelings. Despite its catchy pop punk beat, it’s undeniably the most melancholic tune on the list. The Canadian band Weakerthans crafted this song cycle as an exploration of grief and mental health issues, aiming to delve deep into these complex themes.

The song, sung by a cat attempting to lift its owner from deep despair, carries an incredibly moving tone. Despite the owner’s humorous yet troubling promises of a bird-filled feast for friends and warnings about prolonged depression leading to hand bites, it’s the cats’ instinctual problem-solving skills that shine through.

“NINO” by the Linda Lindas (2022)

“I have a cat – His name is Nino – He’s a savage cat – Killer of mice and rats”

Beth Salazar owns a cat, and she composed a tune dedicated to him. It’s not the top modern rock group in the nation who are making songs for canines; we’ve moved far beyond Norma Tanega’s feline called “Dog.”

Next time, the dogs will get their day.

2024-08-03 16:01