Cats have been a beloved subject in music for decades, inspiring countless songs across genres. From the playful melodies of children’s movies to the sultry lyrics of pop songs, cats have played a significant role in shaping the musical landscape.
In this blog post, I’ll explore the influence of cats on song creation and dive into some of the most iconic cat-inspired songs throughout history.
Whether you’re a cat lover or a music enthusiast, this post is sure to pique your interest in the fascinating intersection of music and feline culture.
15 Songs About Cats
Cat People (Putting Out Fire) by David Bowie
This song, written for the film “Cat People,” is about the primal, feline side of human nature. The lyrics describe a mysterious, powerful being who is part-human, part-cat, and who seduces and destroys those who cross her path.
Year of the Cat by Al Stewart
This song, released in 1976, is named after the Chinese zodiac sign for the year 1975. The lyrics describe a romantic encounter between the narrator and a woman who is both elusive and captivating, much like a cat.
Everybody Wants to Be a Cat from The Aristocats
This catchy song from the 1970 Disney movie “The Aristocats” celebrates the freedom and fun of being a cat. The lyrics suggest that everyone would like to experience the carefree and playful lifestyle of a feline.
Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats
This 1981 hit by the Stray Cats is a rockabilly tribute to the cool, confident attitude of stray cats. The lyrics describe a cat who struts down the street with a self-assured swagger.
Macavity: The Mystery Cat from the musical Cats
This song, from the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats,” is a tribute to a mysterious, mischievous feline character named Macavity. The lyrics describe Macavity as a master criminal who always manages to evade the authorities.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens
This classic song, originally recorded in the 1930s, was made famous by The Tokens in 1961. While the lyrics don’t explicitly mention cats, the song’s title and the line “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight” suggest a connection to the feline world.
The Cat Came Back by Harry S. Miller
This song tells the humorous tale of a man who tries repeatedly to get rid of a pesky cat, only to find it returning each time. The lyrics describe the cat as resilient and unshakeable, with a mischievous personality.
Cats (the whole musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber
This legendary musical, based on the poetry of T.S. Eliot, is a celebration of all things feline. Each song introduces a different cat character, with their own unique personality and backstory, making the musical a true tribute to the versatility and complexity of cats.
The Siamese Cat Song by Peggy Lee (in Lady and the Tramp)
This song, featured in the Disney classic “Lady and the Tramp,” is a playful ode to the mischievous nature of Siamese cats. The lyrics describe the cats as sly and cunning, with a talent for causing trouble.
Phenomenal Cat by The Kinks
This whimsical song by The Kinks tells the story of a cat who dreams of a better life beyond his humble surroundings. The lyrics describe the cat’s daydreams of traveling the world and experiencing new adventures.
My Cat’s Name Is Maceo by Jane’s Addiction
This punk-inspired song is a tribute to the singer’s beloved cat, Maceo. The lyrics describe the cat’s unique personality and quirks, making it a heartfelt tribute to the special bond between humans and their feline companions.
Scales and Arpeggios from The Aristocats
This delightful song from “The Aristocats” is a playful lesson in music theory, as the feline characters practice their scales and arpeggios. The lyrics describe the joy and discipline of practicing music, with a feline twist.
Black Cat by Janet Jackson
This sultry song by Janet Jackson uses the image of a black cat as a symbol of mystery and seduction. The lyrics describe a woman who is irresistible and dangerous, much like a black cat.
Alley Cat by Bent Fabric
This upbeat instrumental tune from the 1960s is a celebration of the playful, carefree lifestyle of alley cats. The melody is catchy and cheerful, making it a favorite of cat lovers everywhere.
Lovecats by The Cure
This quirky love song by The Cure uses cats as a metaphor for the ups and downs of romantic relationships. The lyrics describe the joys and frustrations of being in love, with a playful nod to the unpredictable nature of cats.
How Cats Inspire Musicians
How Cats Have Inspired Music Over the Years
Cats have been a source of inspiration for musicians for centuries. In fact, one of the earliest known pieces of music inspired by a cat is “The Cat Fugue,” also known as “Fugue in G Minor,” composed by Domenico Scarlatti in the 18th century. The piece was inspired by Scarlatti’s pet cat, Pulcinella, who would walk across the keyboard while he was playing.
Another composer who was inspired by cats was Antonio Sacchini, who wrote an opera called “Calliroe” in 1767. The opera features a duet between a cat and a mouse, and the music was said to be inspired by Sacchini’s pet cat.
How Cats Inspire Music Of Different Genres
Cats continue to inspire musicians of all genres today. For example, French composer Maurice Ravel was inspired by cats when he wrote his piece “L’enfant et les sortilèges” (“The Child and the Spells”). The piece features a cat singing a duet with a squirrel, and the music perfectly captures the playful and mischievous nature of cats.
Cats have also been a source of inspiration for classical pianists. Frederic Chopin, for example, was known to have a cat named Attila who would sit on his shoulder while he played. Chopin’s music is said to have been influenced by the grace and elegance of cats.
The Science Of Why We Love Songs About Cats
Cats have been inspiring musicians for centuries. From classical compositions to modern pop songs, feline references are a common theme in music. But why do we love songs about cats so much? Is there a scientific explanation for our fascination with these furry creatures?
Research suggests that our love for cats is not just a cultural phenomenon but also rooted in biology. Studies have found that the sound of a cat’s purr can have a calming effect on humans, reducing stress and anxiety. This may explain why we find cat-themed music so soothing and enjoyable.
Moreover, cats have become a popular topic on the internet, with countless videos and memes dedicated to them. This has led to an increased interest in cat-related content, including music.
Musicians have capitalized on this trend by incorporating cat themes into their songs, tapping into the public’s love for all things feline.
One musician who has taken this concept to the next level is David Teie, a composer who specializes in creating music for cats.
Teie’s compositions are based on scientific research into feline vocalizations and behavior, with the aim of creating music that cats will enjoy. His music has been shown to have a calming effect on cats, reducing stress and anxiety in shelter cats and even improving their sleep quality.
Our love for songs about cats is likely due to a combination of biological and cultural factors. The calming effect of a cat’s purr, combined with the popularity of cats on the internet, has made them a popular theme in music. With musicians like David Teie taking the concept to new heights, we can expect to see more cat-themed music in the future.
How Cats Inspire Music of Other Cultures
Cats have been a source of inspiration for music in various cultures around the world. From ancient Egypt to modern-day jazz, cats have been a symbol of power, fertility, and improvisation in music. This section explores how cats inspire music of other cultures.
Artistic Inspirations
Cats have inspired many artists and musicians throughout history. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as sacred animals and were often depicted in art and music.
One of the most famous cat goddesses in ancient Egypt was Bastet, who was associated with fertility and protection. Music was an important part of the worship of Bastet, and many songs and hymns were written in her honor.
In modern times, cats continue to inspire musicians and artists. Jazz musicians, in particular, have been inspired by cats.
The improvisational nature of jazz music is often compared to the playful and unpredictable nature of cats. Many jazz musicians have written songs about cats or have used cats as a theme in their music.
Cultural Significance
Cats have played a significant role in many cultures around the world. In ancient Egypt, cats were believed to have magical powers and were often mummified and buried with their owners.
In Japan, cats are considered to be good luck and are often depicted in art and literature. In many cultures, cats are associated with femininity and are believed to have a calming effect on human emotions.
In music, cats are often used as a symbol of power and improvisation. In jazz music, for example, the cat is often used as a metaphor for improvisation. The cat’s ability to move quickly and unpredictably is seen as a reflection of the improvisational nature of jazz music.
Ethnomusicologists have studied the role of cats in music and have found that cats are often used as a symbol of human nature. Cats are seen as independent and self-sufficient animals, which reflects the human desire for freedom and autonomy.
In many cultures, cats are also associated with mystery and the unknown, which reflects the human desire for exploration and discovery.
Folklore
Cats have been a significant part of folklore in many cultures around the world. They have inspired stories, myths, and legends that have been passed down for generations. In this section, I will explore the mythology and symbolism of cats in different cultures.
Mythology
In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped and considered sacred animals. The goddess Bastet was often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat. It was believed that cats had the power to protect their owners from evil spirits.
In Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja was often associated with cats. They were considered her sacred animals and were believed to have the power to protect their owners from harm.
In Japanese mythology, the Maneki-Neko, or beckoning cat, is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It is believed that if the cat is waving its left paw, it is inviting customers, while if it is waving its right paw, it is inviting wealth and good fortune.
In Celtic mythology, cats were believed to be able to cross between worlds and were associated with the Otherworld.
Symbolism
Cats have also been used as symbols in different cultures. In Chinese culture, cats are a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
In Hinduism, the goddess Shasti is often depicted with a cat, which is a symbol of fertility and motherhood. In Islam, cats are considered clean and are often kept as pets.
In some cultures, cats are also associated with witchcraft and magic. In medieval Europe, cats were often associated with witches and were believed to be their familiars. In some African cultures, cats are believed to have magical powers and are often used in rituals.
Overall, cats have played a significant role in the folklore of many cultures. They have been associated with mythology, symbolism, and magic, and have inspired stories and legends that have been passed down for generations.
How Cats Are Used In Advertising Jingles
Cats have been used in advertising jingles for decades. They have inspired musicians to create catchy tunes that stick in people’s minds. In fact, cats have become a staple in advertising, especially for cat-related products, such as cat food and cat litter.
One of the most famous jingles featuring a cat is the Meow Mix jingle. The jingle features a catchy tune and the famous line “Meow, meow, meow, meow.”
The jingle has been used in various Meow Mix commercials over the years and has become a cultural icon.
Another example of a cat-inspired jingle is the Friskies jingle. The jingle features a playful tune and the line “Friskies, it’s the way to go.” The jingle has been used in various Friskies commercials and has become synonymous with the brand.
Cats have also been used in jingles for non-cat-related products. For example, the Purina jingle features a cat meowing in the background, adding a playful element to the jingle. The jingle has been used in various Purina commercials and has become a recognizable tune.
Final Thoughts
Cats have been an inspiration to many musicians throughout history. From classical composers to modern-day artists, felines have played a significant role in shaping the music industry.
One of the main reasons cats inspire musicians is their independent and mysterious nature. Cats are known for their aloofness and can be difficult to read, which can be intriguing to artists looking for inspiration. Additionally, their grace and agility are often mirrored in the fluidity and rhythm of music.
Another reason cats inspire musicians is their ability to evoke emotions. Many composers have written pieces inspired by the sounds and movements of cats, capturing their playfulness, curiosity, and even their mischievousness.
Finally, cats have become a cultural icon, appearing in countless songs and music videos. Their popularity has even led to the creation of entire genres of music, such as cat-themed pop songs and cat-inspired electronic music.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Cats Inspire Music
Who Are Some Musicians that Have Been Inspired by Cats
Many musicians have been inspired by cats, including Taylor Swift, who played Bombalurina in the 2019 film adaptation of Cats. Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of the musical Cats, was also inspired by cats. He based the characters in the musical on T.S. Eliot’s book “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.”
What Is the Significance of Grizabella in The Musical Cats
Grizabella is a character in the musical Cats who is shunned by the other cats because of her age and appearance. She sings the famous song “Memory,” which has become a classic in musical theater. Grizabella represents the idea that even those who are rejected by society can still find redemption and acceptance.