The Rum Tum Tugger
Cats Lyrics


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The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
If you offer me pheasant I'd rather have grouse
If you put me in a house I would much prefer a flat
If you put me in a flat then I'd rather have a house
If you set me on a mouse then I only want a rat
If you set me on a rat then I'd rather chase a mouse

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
And there isn't any need for me to shout it
For he will do as he do do
And there's no doing anything about it

The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore

When you let me in, then I want to go out
I'm always on the wrong side of every door
And as soon as I'm at home, then I'd like to get about
I like to lie in the bureau drawer
And I make such a fuss if I can't get out

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat

And there isn't any need for you to doubt it
For he will do as he do do
And there's no doing anything about it

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast

My disobliging ways are a matter of habit
If you offer me fish then I always want a feast
When there isn't any fish then I won't eat rabbit
If you offer me cream then I sniff and sneer
For I only like what I find for myself
So you'll catch me in it right up to my ears
If you put it away on the larder shelf

The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing
The Rum Tum Tugger

Doesn't care for a cuddle
But I'll leap upon your lap in the middle of your sewing
For there's nothing I enjoy like a horrible muddle

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
And there isn't any need for me to spout it

For he will do as he do do





And there's no doing anything about - t it!

Overall Meaning

The Rum Tum Tugger is a playful, mischievous, and unpredictable feline. He defies expectations and does not conform to standard cat behavior. His preferences are arbitrary, he wants what he wants, and he will not be satisfied until he has it. The song's repetition, strong rhythm, and catchy tune capture the essence of his wild, impulsive, and energetic character.


The Rum Tum Tugger's capricious behavior highlights the idea that cats are enigmatic creatures that cannot be tamed or easily understood. He likes to be in control of his environment and does not like restrictions or expectations. Despite his challenging personality, there is something captivating and liberating about his unapologetic behavior, and the song illustrates this by emphasizing his independence.


The Rum Tum Tugger's lyrics are a reflection of T.S. Eliot's eccentric and unusual style. The song has been performed in numerous stage productions, and it remains a popular and memorable component of Cats. It has also inspired various adaptations, including a children's book, a television series, and a film.


Line by Line Meaning

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
This cat is very curious and not easily satisfied.


If you offer me pheasant I'd rather have grouse
I prefer one thing over another, even though they are similar.


If you put me in a house I would much prefer a flat
I want something different than what is offered.


If you put me in a flat then I'd rather have a house
I always seem to want something other than what I am given.


If you set me on a mouse then I only want a rat
Even when I get what I want, I quickly become dissatisfied and want something else.


If you set me on a rat then I'd rather chase a mouse
I am constantly changing my mind and desires.


And there isn't any need for me to shout it
My behavior is well-known and obvious to everyone.


For he will do as he do do
I am stubborn and willful, and I do what I want.


And there's no doing anything about it
No one can change my behavior or desires.


The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore
I can be frustrating and boring to be around because of my constantly changing preferences.


When you let me in, then I want to go out
I often want what I can't have, and what I have is never good enough.


I'm always on the wrong side of every door
I seem to be perpetually unsatisfied and unhappy with my surroundings.


And as soon as I'm at home, then I'd like to get about
I am always looking for something new and different to explore.


I like to lie in the bureau drawer
I have strange and unpredictable preferences - I might like something one day and not the next.


And I make such a fuss if I can't get out
When I don't get what I want, I will complain and make a big deal out of it.


And there isn't any need for you to doubt it
My behavior is so consistent that no one could possibly question it.


The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast
I am not just curious, but my behavior can be stubborn and difficult to deal with.


My disobliging ways are a matter of habit
My behavior is so ingrained that it is like a bad habit I can't break.


If you offer me fish then I always want a feast
I always want more than what is offered or available to me.


When there isn't any fish then I won't eat rabbit
If I can't get what I want, I won't settle for anything else.


If you offer me cream then I sniff and sneer
I am very particular about what I like, and I won't accept anything less.


For I only like what I find for myself
I am very independent and want to find things for myself, rather than having them given to me.


So you'll catch me in it right up to my ears
I will often get myself into trouble or difficult situations because of my stubbornness and independence.


If you put it away on the larder shelf
I will go to great lengths to get what I want, even if it means going against the wishes of those around me.


The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing
I am very clever and resourceful, and will use these traits to get what I want.


The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle
I am not interested in affection or being close to others; my independence is more important to me.


But I'll leap upon your lap in the middle of your sewing
Even though I don't care for cuddles, I will still seek attention and affection from those around me when it suits me.


For there's nothing I enjoy like a horrible muddle
I thrive in chaos and confusion, and will often create these situations for myself as a way to challenge myself and satisfy my curiosity.


And there isn't any need for me to spout it
My behavior is so well-established that there is no need to explain or justify it to anyone.


And there's no doing anything about - t it!
No one can change me or my behavior, and I will always remain stubbornly independent.




Contributed by Samantha S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Louke Yu

It's fun to focus on the background
0:30 Tugger kicked a soccer ball and almost hit Misto. Then Misto was angry at him.
0:35 Skimble tried to comfort Misto and 0:41 told Munkustrap what Tugger had done. But Misto was still so mad that he decided to teach Tugger a lesson. Skimble failed to stop him so he told Munkustrap again(0:50). He probablely thought Misto was going to blast Tugger
Fortunely, Misto did nothing but walk to Tugger and call him a terrible bore.
1:03 As Misto returned, Skimble was like "Hurry up!" But later Misto sat on the pipe on left side
2:00 Rumple was excited to see Bomba dance with Tugger
2:08 Skimble and Rumple wanted to see what would Tugger do, and as he said "no" Rumple was surprised
2:29 Misto was slapping at a tree (I'm not sure what it is)
3:33 Bomba was horny
3:43 Skimble seemed disgusted with Tugger's dance. But, look at Misto, he acted just like Tugger's fangirls. Though he pretended to be indifferent at 3:51



All comments from YouTube:

Yuni101

Rum Tum Tugger is totally that cat who will sit on your keyboard while you're typing and push things off shelves and tables for fun.

Brenna Thilburg

He he he

Martina Wolf

No question about it

Jane Doe X

Don't they all ?

Catherine McDonald

"Oh hey - I see you're busy. Would be a shame if someone sat on your keyboard" ... rolls around on keyboard meowing

NevadaCountyMusic

heck yeah he would be lol

25 More Replies...

TheJellFreak

The great thing about this stage performance is, that even in songs that are clearly about one character like Tugger, the other cats have such distinct personalities and are not some random cats but have charming, distinct interactions and expressions of their character... it builds up to a wonderful picture of the entire group. I just love Jellylorums shocked face when Tugger gives the older ladies a kiss, or Demeters annoyed strike at him... all the little pieces fit neatly together... that's something the movie lacks

Ashlynn Heller

You just described why I love this show.

Monica Segovia

They all keep their personalities even through the synchronized singing and dancing portions, which means they also keep their opinions about what's happening or who showed up. It's awesome!!

Dragontooth Flamehair

The movie lacks a lot. But this IS Cats.

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