Ratcat formed in 1986 in Sydney and were a mainstay of that city's live music scene until they were eventually signed to Waterfront Records where they released a self-titled EP, several singles ("I Think I Love You", "Baby's Got A Gun") and their debut album, This Nightmare in 1989. Another EP, Killing Joke, and another single, "Saying Goodbye" followed.
In 1990, the band signed to the rooArt label. Their first release for their new label was a 6-track EP called Tingles. A combination of budget pricing and catchy A-side "That Aint Bad" saw the Tingles EP reach #1 on ARIA's alternative charts, and shortly afterwards, the top of the Australian national chart. The band's subsequent album, Blind Love and the singles "Don't Go Now" both reached #1. Their next single "Baby Baby" and a follow-up album Insideout sold well, but not to the extent of their previous successes. The band sporadically played live shows over the next few years and released another album Easyrider in 1997.
Ratcat reformed in 1998 to play at the Homebake Festival with new bassist Nic Dalton (formerly of The Lemonheads) and again in 2006 to play a support slot on the Psychedelic Furs Australian tour.
http://www.myspace.com/ratcat
THE WORLD
Ratcat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The world is getting smaller.
each day I'm getting taller.
The globe is spining faster around,
as I am getting older all in time.
The meek are getting stronger,
the tall are getting shorter.
The building are all burning down,
Hold on to, give it away.
Hold on to, give it away.
The world is getting smaller,
each day Im getting taller.
The globe is spinning faster round,
as armagedon closer all the time.
The clock is ticking faster,
as time becomes the master.
Time for us to all think fast,
if this world is ever going to last.
Hold on to, give it away. (*4)
Need some bread, to get fed.
I need some money, to get my honey,
anything her little heart desires.
I need some loot, my new suit.
I need some cash, to get some ... has
anybody seen were I put my cash.
Easy come. Easy go. (*6)
The lyrics of Ratcat's song "The World" depict a world that is rapidly changing and deteriorating as time goes by. The singer notes that the world is getting smaller, possibly in reference to the increasing globalization we experience in modern times. The phrase "each day I'm getting taller" could be interpreted as the singer's personal growth or perhaps a statement about human evolution. The line "the meek are getting stronger, the tall are getting shorter" could be a commentary on the changing power dynamics in society. Meanwhile, the buildings are all burning down, possibly referencing the devastating effects of climate change or global conflict.
The chorus focuses on the idea of holding on to something, while also giving it away. This could be interpreted as a call for unity and sharing resources. The lyrics continue to describe the fast ticking clock of time, and the need for people to start thinking about how to address the issues facing our world if we want it to survive.
The last stanza breaks away from these intense themes and focuses on the singer's personal needs for bread, money, and a new suit. The lyrics end with the phrase "easy come, easy go," which could be interpreted as the singer resigning himself to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is getting smaller.
The world is becoming more connected and globalized.
Each day I'm getting taller.
As time goes by, I am growing and maturing.
The globe is spinning faster around,
The pace of life is increasing.
As I am getting older all in time.
As time passes, I am growing older and more experienced.
The meek are getting stronger,
Those who are weak or disadvantaged are becoming more powerful.
The tall are getting shorter.
Those who are powerful or privileged are becoming less so.
The buildings are all burning down,
The world is facing destruction and chaos.
Before the call the city skys is black.
The world is at the brink of destruction and disaster.
Hold on to, give it away.
We should hold onto what is important and valuable, while also being generous and giving to others.
The clock is ticking faster,
Time is running out and moving quickly.
As time becomes the master.
Time becomes a dominant and controlling force over life.
Time for us to all think fast.
We need to act quickly and make wise decisions in order to save our world.
If this world is ever going to last.
We need to take action in order to preserve our world and prevent its destruction.
Need some bread, to get fed.
I need money in order to survive and meet my basic needs.
I need some money, to get my honey,
I need money in order to provide for my loved one and fulfill their desires.
Anything her little heart desires.
I want to give my loved one everything they want and make them happy.
I need some loot, my new suit.
I need money in order to buy a new suit and look good.
I need some cash, to get some ... has.
I need money to obtain something desirable or valuable.
Anybody seen were I put my cash.
I have lost my money and need help finding it.
Easy come. Easy go.
Money and possessions can come and go easily in life.
Contributed by Jake D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@geetee4459
Never minded Ratcat's teenage girl style pop. But with this song I got some respect for them as they merged a new style into their stuff. Still can't stop tapping my feet as I hear the melody. Were there many Aussie songs with a rap before this? (even though it was 10 years after stuff like Blondie or Sugarhill Gang) I'd never heard this kind of indy-pop-rap-fusion before.
@zzgrom
I bought this song on cassette. Very catchy. The B-side was good too.
@downshammi
lol havent seen this since about 94 i been looking fo it for a while thanks for uploading please someone upload the aussie moving idiot box
@VicBaric1973
No worries. It is a rare clip.