Ravenscroft was also the vocalist of the song "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" in the Christmas television special based on the Dr. Seuss classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, although his name was accidentally left off of the credits, leading many to believe (erroneously) that the cartoon's narrator, Boris Karloff, sang the song. He also sang "No Dogs Allowed" in the Peanuts animated motion picture Snoopy Come Home.
His voice is also heard in many Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions. He also provided narration on the original Pirates of the Caribbean vinyl recording, as well as singing several pirate-themed songs.
Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat
Thurl Ravenscroft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody wants to be a cat
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'Cause everything else is obsolete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
But with a square in the act
You can set music back
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 (Oh riki-tiki-tinky)
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
If you want to turn me on
Play your horn don't spare the tone
And blow a little soul into the tune
Let's take it to another key
Modulate, and wait for me
I'll take a few ad-libs and pretty soon
The other cats will all commence
Congregatin' on the fence
Beneath the alley's only light
Where every note is out of sight
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
Thurl Ravenscroft's song 'Ev'rybody Wants To Be A Cat' is a playful and upbeat tune that highlights the appeal of feline life. The lyrics suggest that everyone wants to be a cat because it seems as if they know what they want and how to get it. According to the lyrics, cats possess an innate sense of confidence, coolness, and an affinity for jazz music. The opening lines "Everybody wants to be a cat/Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at" indicate that cats are special because they have a natural sense of rhythm and style.
The song cheekily states that if you want to be cool, you have to be a cat. Cats, the song suggests, are completely in tune with themselves and their surroundings. By contrast, people who don't possess feline qualities, such as those who fumble with their musical instruments, are referred to as squares. The song implies that listening to a ‘square with a horn playing’ can seriously hurt your ears but when a cat is playing, it is a completely different story, the effortlessly cool sound puts you in a trance-state.
The lyrics then express the cat's ability to have fun and enjoy life. According to the words, cats are not interested in dwelling on their problems, their focus is living in the moment and having fun. References to the long-haired performers highlight this, letting us know that they are trying too hard to prove themselves.
Overall, the song "Everybody Wants to Be a Cat" celebrates the qualities that make cats unique and admired, such as their coolness, sense of fun, and musical ability.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, little lady, let me elucidate here
Let me explain this to you in a clear and concise manner.
Everybody wants to be a cat
People desire to be like a cat, as it is a cool and confident animal.
Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at
Cats are self-assured and know what they want out of life.
Tell me, everybody's pickin' up on that feline beat
Everyone is attracted to the smooth and soulful quality of jazz music.
'Cause everything else is obsolete
Other styles of music are unexciting and old-fashioned.
A square with a horn
A person who lacks rhythm and creativity, and plays a boring instrument like a trumpet.
Makes you wish you weren't born
Their playing is so painful to listen to that you might as well not exist.
Every time he plays
The moment this person starts playing, it sends shivers down your spine.
But with a square in the act
If someone who lacks rhythm is part of the ensemble, it can ruin the whole performance.
You can set music back
Their playing is so bad that it literally sets music back a few centuries.
To the caveman days
Their playing is so primitive that it makes you feel like you're back in the Stone Age.
I've heard some corny birds who tried to sing
I've heard some terrible singers who thought they were good.
Still a cat's the only cat
Even though there are many bad singers out there, cats are still the best.
Who knows how to swing
Cats have a natural sense of rhythm and can really get into the groove of a jazz piece.
Who wants to dig a long-haired gig stuff like that?
Who wants to listen to boring, pretentious music that's all show and no substance?
When everybody wants to be a cat
Everyone wants to be cool and trendy like a cat.
Oh riki-tiki-tinky
A playful and whimsical phrase that adds to the fun and jazzy vibe of the song.
If you want to turn me on
If you want to impress me and get me excited,
Play your horn don't spare the tone
Play your instrument with all your heart and soul, and really let the notes ring out.
And blow a little soul into the tune
Infuse your music with your own personal flair and passion.
Let's take it to another key
Let's switch up the melody and try something new.
Modulate, and wait for me
Change the key of the music, and I'll join in when it's time.
I'll take a few ad-libs and pretty soon
I'll add in a few improvised notes, and before you know it,
The other cats will all commence
The other musicians will start playing along with me.
Congregatin' on the fence
Gathering together and playing in a cool and casual spot.
Beneath the alley's only light
In a dimly lit spot where the music can really shine.
Where every note is out of sight
Where the music is so good that you can't help but close your eyes and really get into it.
Everybody wants to be a cat
Everyone wants to be cool and confident like a cat.
Hallelujah
An expression of joy and excitement.
Everybody, everybody
Everyone, without exception.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Floyd Huddleston, Al Rinker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@katiefedele1813
If your party isn't this lit, don't invite me.
@KaylaJohnson1995
Katie Fedele time to get some cats lmao
@wat3rg0ddess
If I go to a party....there has got to be a cat who plays the trumpet or I'm out. XD
@sengler1991
Right 😂
@enoch3874
"That's not real music and I'm just shouting and screaming but that's how your supposed to at an anarchist meeting " what? I cant like aristocats and discharge at the sametime?
@russia4823
Well then come over my guy the party’s I throw are completely like dis
@Angelnychole
So when you hear the cats late at night yowling and fighting. They’re really just singing
@anothernuzzle2818
Or having sex
@inkstar7521
You’re just not cat enough to hear the music
@kylemendoza8860
@@anothernuzzle2818
In the cat world is not really a difference between the two.