The Cat With The Cream
Belle and Sebastian Lyrics

Sitting at the old kitchen table
The singer is seated at the kitchen table and reflects on his life.

Peace and health and dreams
The singer is looking for comfort, safety, and goals in life.

Stretching out in the darkness
The singer is trying to determine his way and purpose in life.

Mother's up the stairs with her ageing new boyfriend
The artist's mother is upstairs with her new, older boyfriend.

Cathy's staying in to make sure nothing happens
Cathy is staying in (likely to keep an eye on the artist and his mother) and to prevent anything bad from happening.

All aboard the freak parade
The singer feels like he's becoming part of something odd or bizarre, but in a fun way, like a parade.

I cover up my head and pray
The singer is trying to escape from his problems and fears, and is resorting to prayer for comfort and guidance.

I'm praying for the light
The artist is seeking clarity, hope, and brightness in his life.

Down amongst the old city chambers
The artist is likely in a government building or other old, governmental setting in the city.

Men in frocks debate all the policy changes
Politicians, in their formal dress, are discussing changes to governmental policies.

Everybody bet on the boom and got busted
Everyone placed their bets on what they thought was a period of growth, but they were left financially ruined.

Everybody bet and in the government trusted
Everyone placed their faith and trust in the government, but they were let down and ruined financially.

Grubby little red MP
This government figure is unmoral and unappealing, likely with leftist political leanings.

Yellow flapping hopelessly
This government figure is failing and floundering at his task, playing a loser or contemptible role.

Tory like the cat with the cream
This politician is like a cat with a bowl of cream, enjoying privileged treatment, likely from having conservative political views.

I studied you in history
The artist has researched and learned about this politician's previous actions and policies.

I studied in the library
The artist has read up on history, including past political events and significant figures.

In days of old when knights were bold
The singer is referencing an era in which chivalry was prized and knights were the ultimate show of bravery and honor.

They'd settle it with swords and shields
In that era, conflicts and disagreements between knights would be fought with physical strength and weapons.

It's settled by the king
In that era, the king or royal figure would have ultimate authority in settling disputes.

Praying for a friend is contagious
When the artist prays for his friend, it inspires others to do the same for their loved ones.

'Specially when it comes at the old kitchen table
There's a sense of togetherness in praying at the kitchen table, as it becomes a shared moment of hope and support.

Listening for the swoosh of his quickening paces
The singer is eager and expectant for the arrival of someone who continues to grow in purpose and determination.

Watching for the smile on the bravest of faces
The artist is looking ahead to see the smile on a face that demonstrates bravery and strength.

How I wish you'd read to me
The singer wishes for someone to read something captivating and imaginative.

Verses rich in swallows and trees
The singer wants to read something that's natural and refreshing, evocative of birds and trees.

To get me though the night
The singer is looking to be soothed and calmed during a difficult, nocturnal time.

Waiting at the old kitchen table
Patiently waiting for something or someone to arrive at home.

Listening for my code, listening for my instructions
The artist is waiting for an important message or task to be assigned to them.

Surely now I'm here, I am destined for greatness
The singer feels a sense of purpose and positive ambition now that they've arrived here.

I want to be the Queen pulling kids out of rivers
The singer desires to be someone strong and compassionate, rescuing others from danger and hardship.

I'm praying for the cat with the cream
The artist is praying for someone who already has an abundance in life, especially material goods or power.

It's settled by the king
In this case, decisions and actions would be taken under the rule of the highest authority.