Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
Cat In The Window
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And he's watching all the birds go passing by
He'd love to fly out the window
Go where the wind goes
And so would I
Like that cat in the window
Who keeps wishing for some wings to take a ride
I'd love to glide to a rainbow
And if I could fly
You wouldn't find me hangin' around
Watching the birds go by
Yes the cat in the window
Has a tear in his eye
I should leave today, fly away
Why should I stay like the cat in the window
Who keeps watching the birds
Go by from the window
If I could fly though
You won't find me
Don't even try to
The Turtles' song "Cat In The Window" is about the desire for freedom and adventure, as seen through the eyes of a cat sitting in a window. The first verse discusses the cat's longing to fly out the window and explore the world beyond. The cat wishes for wings to take it on a ride through the clouds and beyond the rainbow. The second verse then shifts to the singer, who imagines doing the same thing as the cat, flying away to experience new things. The singer encourages the idea of leaving like the cat in the window, despite the possibility of feeling sad or conflicted, in order to seek out new experiences.
The lyrics effectively convey a sense of restlessness and a desire to break free from the norm. The cat in the window is used as a metaphor for the singer's own struggles with feeling trapped and wanting to explore new possibilities. The mention of the tear in the cat's eye adds an element of sadness to the song, but ultimately the message is one of hope and the pursuit of adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a cat in the window
A cat is observed in a window.
And he's watching all the birds go passing by
The cat in the window is eagerly observing all birds that pass by.
He'd love to fly out the window
The cat in the window desires to fly out of its current location.
Go where the wind goes
The cat in the window wants to follow the wind's path as it travels.
And so would I
The artist also desires to have the freedom to follow the wind's movements, like the cat.
Like that cat in the window
The singer is referencing the cat in the window to further emphasize their desire for freedom.
Who keeps wishing for some wings to take a ride
The cat in the window constantly dreams of having wings to be able to take flight and experience freedom.
I'd love to glide to a rainbow
The artist would enjoy gliding to a rainbow, as it represents something beautiful and unattainable that they wish to see.
Off where the clouds go dancing by
The artist desires to follow the clouds as they move gracefully through the sky.
And if I could fly
The artist is presenting a hypothetical situation in which they have the ability to fly.
You wouldn't find me hangin' around
If the singer had the ability to fly, they would not be stationary, but rather would move through the air freely.
Watching the birds go by
The artist is contrasting their stationary state with the freedom of movement that birds possess.
Yes the cat in the window
The singer is again referencing the cat in the window.
Has a tear in his eye
The cat in the window is experiencing sadness or longing, as it cannot fly away like it desires.
I should leave today, fly away
The singer is contemplating taking action and leaving their current state behind to experience freedom.
Why should I stay like the cat in the window
The artist is questioning their decision to remain stationary like the cat when they have the desire for freedom.
Who keeps watching the birds
The cat in the window is still observing the birds, wishing it could join them in their freedom.
Go by from the window
The cat is stationed at the window, which limits its freedom and ability to join the birds.
If I could fly though
The singer is still presenting a hypothetical situation in which they have the ability to fly.
You won't find me
If the artist had the ability fly, they would not be found stationary or confined to a specific location.
Don't even try to
The artist is presenting a strong declaration of their desire for freedom and refusal to be bound to a stationary state.
Writer(s): Bonner, Gordon
Contributed by Jayden C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@65motowngirl
First time hearing this song by The Turtles. Good job. Although my sentimental memories are with the 1967 Petula Clark version.
@academicjock
Great harmonies! Love it ... and still love Petula Clarke's original.
@joeclark5521
Great song, The Turtles did a great job but I love Petula Clark's version.
@Hklbrries
THOUGHT I remembered this song from my childhood but nobody else ever admitted to hearing it so I almost thought I made it up (you know how kids are). Glad I found it here - proves I haven't lost it! :-)
@mikeyenfield
Petula. Clark had a hit with it in the USA in 1967
@luizgustavo1d458
Musica maravilhosa!
@maxwellraboin5345
whenever I hear this song, I think of my cat right at the window each time I approach my parents house
@MikeAcousticMusic
I'm learning this soon 😅
@jarrodbarkley9061
Love this!
@213mrclean
I like this one its nice