Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
Scatman Crothers/Liz English/Phil Harris/Thurl Ravenscroft Lyrics
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Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at
Tell me, everybody's pickin' up on that feline beat
'Cause everything else is obsolete
A square with a horn
Makes you wish you weren't born
Every time he plays
But with a square in the act
To the caveman days
I've heard some corny birds who tried to sing
Still a cat's the only cat
Who knows how to swing
Who wants to dig a long-haired gig stuff like that?
When everybody wants to be a cat
A square with a horn
Makes you wish you weren't born,
Every time he plays
Oh riki-tiki-tinky
With a square in the act
You can set music back to the Caveman days
Everybody wants to be a cat
Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at
When playin' jazz he always has a welcome mat
'Cause everybody digs a swingin' cat
Everybody, everybody
Everybody wants to be a cat
Hallelujah
Everybody, everybody
Everybody wants to be a cat
Everybody, everybody
Everybody wants to be a cat
Everybody, everybody
Everybody wants to be a cat
The song "Everybody Wants to Be a Cat" from the Disney movie "The Aristocats" is a playful and fun-filled number that portrays the unique appeal of cats. The lyrics suggest that everyone wants to be a cat, as cats are the only animals who know where it's at. They "pick up on that feline beat" that is deemed to be superior to everything else that is "obsolete". The song contrasts the uninspiring, old-fashioned music played by a square with a horn with the exciting, free-spirited jazz music played by cats.
The lyrics suggest that even birds who try to sing come across as corny, whereas cats swing effortlessly. The song even suggests that people would prefer to "set music back to the caveman days" than listen to poor renditions of square music. The song is catchy and entertaining, and the lyrics highlight the charm and allure of cats.
Overall, the lyrics of the song celebrate the uniqueness of cats and portray their carefree, easy-going, and entertaining nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody wants to be a cat
Everyone desires to be a cat
Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at
The cat's intuition and independent nature makes it the most aware creature
Tell me, everybody's pickin' up on that feline beat
The musical style of cats is becoming popular among everyone
'Cause everything else is obsolete
Other styles of music do not compare to cats' beat
A square with a horn
A musician who doesn't know how to swing
Makes you wish you weren't born
Their music is unbearable
Every time he plays
Whenever they perform
But with a square in the act
If there is an untalented musician on stage
You can set music back
Their lack of skill can bring the music down to primitive times
To the caveman days
To an era when music was basic and simple
I've heard some corny birds who tried to sing
I've listened to some bad singers
Still a cat's the only cat
Despite this, cats are still the most skilled and praised musicians
Who knows how to swing
They have the necessary qualities to make music enjoyable
Who wants to dig a long-haired gig stuff like that?
Who wants to listen to other styles of music that do not compare to cats' tunes?
When everybody wants to be a cat
When everyone wants to emulate the qualities that make cats the best musicians
Oh riki-tiki-tinky
A joyful and jazzy expression
When playin' jazz he always has a welcome mat
The cat's jazz style is always accepted and celebrated
'Cause everybody digs a swingin' cat
Everyone loves a talented and groovy cat musician
Everybody, everybody
All types of people
Hallelujah
An expression of joy and enthusiasm
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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