Lyrics The Rum Tum Tugger - Andrew Lloyd Webber, "Cats" 1981 Original London Cast, Paul Nicholas

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.
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 MESTOFFELEES:
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!