The Old Gumbie Cat
Andrew Lloyd Webber · Cats [1981]
Her coat is of the tabby kind with tiger stripes and leopard spots
All day she sits beneath the stairs or on the steps or on the mat
She sits and sits and sits and sits and that's what makes a Gumbie cat
That's what makes a Gumbie cat
But...
When the day's hustle and bustle is done
Then the Gumbie cat's work is but hardly begun
And when all the family's in bed and asleep
She tucks up her skirts to the basement to creep
She is deeply concerned with the ways of the mice
Their behavior's not good and their manners not nice
So when she has got them lined up on the matting
She teaches them music, crocheting and tatting
I have a Gumbie cat in mind, her name is Jennyanydots
The curtain cord she likes to wind and tie it into sailor knots
She sits upon the windowsill, or anything that's smooth and flat
She sits and sits and sits and sits, and that's what makes a Gumbie cat
That's what makes a Gumbie cat
But...
When the day's hustle and bustle is done
Then the Gumbie cat's work is but hardly begun
She thinks that the cockroaches Need employment
To prevent them from Idol and wanton destroyment
So she's formed from that lot of disorderly louts
A troop of well disciplined helpful Boy Scouts
With a purpose in life and a good deed to do
And she's even created a beetles tattoo!
FOR SHE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW!
Thank you my dears
The Old Gumbie Cat
Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Old Gumbie Cat' serves as a pivotal moment within the 1981 musical Cats. This recording highlights the composer's ability to craft distinct character voices within a cohesive ensemble work. The song introduces a specific feline persona, contributing to the rich tapestry of personalities that define the Jellicle tribe. As part of the album's broader narrative, the track exemplifies Webber's signature melodic style, blending theatrical flair with accessible pop sensibilities. The composition stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of his stage compositions, showcasing how individual numbers can anchor the emotional arc of a larger production. This piece remains a notable song in his extensive catalogue of theatrical music, reflecting the composer's mastery in creating memorable, character-driven melodies that resonate with audiences decades after the show's premiere.