The Rum Tum Tugger (from Cats)

ugaimes

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Has anyone here seen the Broadway show "Cats"? If not, you're missing a real treat!
I want to share the lyrics to a song from the play called "Rum Tum Tugger." How many of us have cats who act EXACTLY like this??? Enjoy




The Rum Tum Tugger
The second cat we are introduced to is "The Rum Tum Tugger," a playful prankster that the female cats find extremely attractive. Tugger explains how fussy he can be: he wants what he doesn't have, and doesn't want what's offered to him. The one thing that he does enjoy is being the center of attention, which he is throughout the number.

The Rum Tum Tugger
ALL:
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat

RUM TUM TUGGER:
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, I would 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

ALL:
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat

RUM TUM TUGGER:
And there isn't any need for me to shout it

ALL:
For he will do as he did do

RUM TUM TUGGER:
And there's nothing doing about it

ALL:
The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore

RUM TUM TUGGER:
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

ALL:
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat

RUM TUM TUGGER:
And there isn't any need for you to doubt it

ALL:
For he will do as he did do

RUM TUM TUGGER:
And there's no doing anything about it

ALL:
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast

RUM TUM TUGGER:
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

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

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

ALL:
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

RUM TUM TUGGER:
And there isn't any need for me to spout it

ALL:
For he will do as he did do

RUM TUM TUGGER:
And there's nothing doing about it!
 

jennyr

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For those who don't know, all the lyrics in 'Cats' come from a book of poetry, T S Eliot's 'Book of Practical Cats' where you also find such wonderful poems as 'McCavity the Mystery Cat', 'Gus, the Theatre Cat' and 'The naming of Cats'. For anyone who hasn't read it and is a cat lover, I strongly recommend it. He also called all black and white cats 'Jellicle cats' and wrote a poem about a colony of them in the middle of London.
 
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ugaimes

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T.S. Eliot was a huge cat-lover and several himself. Sorry, I should have mentioned the wonderful roots of "Cats", the play
. Andrew Lloyd Webber did a phenomenal job of adapting it for the stage!
 

jennyr

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Here is an excerpt from The Jellicle Song

Jellicle Cats are black and white,
Jellicle Cats are rather small;
Jellicle Cats are merry and bright,
And pleasant to hear when they caterwaul.
Jellicle Cats have cheerful faces,
Jellicle Cats have bright black eyes;
They like to practise their airs and graces
And wait for the Jellicle Moon to rise.

Jellicle Cats develop slowly,
Jellicle Cats are not too big;
Jellicle Cats are roly-poly,
They know how to dance a gavotte and a jig.
Until the Jellicle Moon appears
They make their toilette and take their repose:
Jellicles wash behind their ears,
Jellicles dry between their toes.
 
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ugaimes

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Jenny, you have excellent taste!
 

jennyr

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I love 'Practical Cats' - I was given my first copy of it when I was ten. And when I grew up I began to really like all of TS Eliot - I did my graduation project on him in High School. I once recited the whole of 'McCavity' at a school concert!
 

save_adopt

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I absolutely loved it when we went to see it with my school, i had the songs in my head for weeks
 

rapunzel47

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It came to Vancouver in the late 80s. We saw it then. I'll never forget it. Magical.
 

captiva

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I loved Cats! My hubby slept through it and I NEVER let him forget it. He reminded me that he had an awful cold. Would love to see it again if I could have found someone to go with.
 

bigkittendaddy

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I saw cats when they came thru Medford the 1st week in June. It was great. I never have been a big fan of poetry per se but I will have to get the Elliot Practical Cats.
: king:
 

peachytoday

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I loved Cats. I saw it twice. Thanks for the lyrics.

Amy, I love your cats name as I LOVED Les Miserables. I saw that twice and bought the CD.
 

bren.1

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I love Cats, too. Great show. Now I'll be singing the Rum Tum TUgger in my head all day.
 
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ugaimes

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Originally Posted by peachytoday

I loved Cats. I saw it twice. Thanks for the lyrics.

Amy, I love your cats name as I LOVED Les Miserables. I saw that twice and bought the CD.
Thank you
I'll let Eppie and Cosy know- they love a compliment
. If I ever get a boy cat, he's going to be named Val Jean or Marius!
 
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