If you’ve gone on the internet, you’ll notice it’s mostly full of cat videos. So why not also fill all of our songs with cats too? That’s what the artists mentioned in this list must have had in mind when making these songs.
1. “The Alley Cat Song” by David Thorne
This song was written by Bent Fabric and is more of a private conversation where he wishes his mother was alive to listen to him singing. The words of the chorus relate to that bittersweet quality that people have when they think about someone they truly loved and the pain they feel because they miss them.
2. “Pads, Paws and Claws” by Elvis Costello
This song tries to capture a relationship that has gone sour. It appeared back in 1989 and was immensely popular. Elvis Castello is more of a feline tormentor and tries to give information about how he lives his miserable life.
3. “Copycat” by Garry U.S. Bonds
Garry U.S. Bonds is one of those rare singers who has been active since 1956 and continues to be a part of the music scene. He has many songs under his belt and most of his music falls in the rock and roll and rhythms genre.
This specific song is aimed at people who imitate others instead of creating their own work. The lyrics tell all such copycats that they won’t last long if they refuse to change their ways.
4. “Cool Cats” by Squeeze
This song is more like a journal of the unfortunate or rather unsuccessful events in the life of Squeeze. The main character in this song tries different things he sees on T.V to come across as a “Cool Cat” and impress the ladies but most of his endeavors end in failure. The song is a light-hearted take and has an enduring appeal despite the unfortunate circumstances.
5. “Tom Cat” by The Rooftop Singers
Tom Cat was released in 1992 by the renowned band, Rooftop Singers. They were an American progressive folk-singing trio but the music was heavily influenced by jazz and blues. The group consisted of Lynne Taylor and Erik Darling as vocalists and Bil Svanoe as the guitarist.
The song in question is a detailed commentary of the writer’s old dog, named Tom Cat, who is feared by all cats in the neighborhood. The singable tune made it very popular when it first came out.
6. “Nashville Cats” by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Nashville Cats is a song that was released in November 1966 by the popular American Rock band, The Lovin’ Spoonful. Being part of the ‘Hums of The Lovin’ Spoonful’ album, the song described cats in a lovable and funny way. The lyrics pay tribute to the playful and funloving nature of cats.
7. “I Happen to Like Cats” by Granger Smith
Granger Smith describes life when you are surrounded by cats and things you love – in his case these are artwork, pillows, and cat gym. He talks about being covered in cat hair as he sits down and sings with other singers about his feline friends. This song became very popular back then and won the hearts of many people, even those who did not have pet cats!
8. “Mean Eyed Cat” by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash narrates the story of a person who gives money to a woman to do some shopping but she spends it on her things and leaves a note that she is gone. He later goes to town trying to find her by all means. The train that the woman boards is shown as a symbol of freedom and escape by the woman.
9. “Honky Cat” by Elton John
Released back in 1972, this song is a club favorite. Elton John seems to be referring to his partner, Taupin, who once lived in a small village without electricity. The song suggests the Taupin got more support from people from town than his people who actually tried to prevent him from achieving his dreams.
10. “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” by David Bowie
It brings out a story where a woman that has been sexually aroused turns and becomes a panther afterward. It acknowledges the fact that we are human beings and have different courtship rituals. This means that we need to be touched, cared for, and love just as we have food and shelter as basic needs.
11. “Look What the Cat Dragged In” by Poison
‘Look What the Cat Dragged In’ is a debut studio album by the American metal band, Poison, and was dropped in 1986. Even though it didn’t become successful initially, it garnered success over time and appeared at number 3 on the Billboard in the US in 1987.
12. “Stray Cat Strut” by The Stray Cats
Being the third single from American Stray Cats, this particular song was released in April 1981. During that time, it topped at number 11 on the chart.
This cat song also ended being the dopiest in the USA topping at number 3 on the hot 100 on Billboard. The song received lots of airplay on TV channels back then.
13. “Cats In The Cradle” by Ugly Kid Joe
This song was released in 1974 by Harry Chapin. It was among the songs that topped the Billboard US top 100 in Dec 1974. What’s more, the song also was given a Gold Certification by RIAA. The chorus of the song starts by pointing at the cats in the rocker, which shows that these precious creatures have a place in our society and are cared for and respected.
14. “Alley Cat” by Bent Fabric and His Piano
This cat song which is sometimes regarded as “Alleycat” is one of the well-known instrumental songs that become popular because of the effort of the composer Bent Fabric and pianist Danish. The song was released in 1962. During the 5th Grammy Awards, the song won an award for becoming the best Rock and Roll Recording.
15. “The Siamese Cat Song” by Peggy Lee
Featured in the Disney animated film of 1955 titled Lady and Tramp, the “Siamese Cat Song” depicts two Siamese cats named Am and Si. The two cats are shown destroying a lady’s house in an attempt to eat a pet fish before colluding to break out the milk of an infant. As a cartoon song, lyricist Peggy Lee tries to show that cats are a part and parcel of our lives even if they give us a hard time once in a while.
Summary
Here you have a compilation of some of the most endearing songs about cats. You will enjoy the references in some songs if you are a cat parent. Some songs also use the word ‘cat’ to signify other things. All in all, the songs are worth a listen. Hope you enjoy them!
