The Rum Tum Tugger (Rock song)

"The Rum Tum Tugger" is an upbeat, high-energy rock song introducing the titular Rum Tum Tugger and establishing him as the charismatic rockstar of the tribe. He is the second featured character we are introduced to.

Context
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious cat" - he wants to be the centre of attention and interrupts Jennyanydots' applause. The kittens adore him, joining in and copying his moves, while the older cats hang back and disapprove of his "disobliging ways". He is a rebellious rockstar, revelling in the attention, be it positive or negative.

Depending on the production, some combination of Mistoffelees, Munkustrap and Alonzo describes Tugger as "a terrible bore", distancing themselves from the younger cats joyfully dancing along. Bombalurina calls him "a curious beast", and flirts with him, however he literally drops her explaining "I only like what I find for myself". She brushes it off and continues to dance for his attention.

During the dance break, Tugger usually runs into the audience, interacting with people (kissing a lady's hand, polishing a bald head with his tail, showing off his bottom, ruffling hair, etc.), then he selects a girl in the front row and asks her to dance with him. At this point, Tugger has been known to get up to all kinds of mischief, and so the actor takes the opportunity to improvise in character. He then leaps back onstage in time for the final chorus.

As the song comes to a close, Tugger takes position centre stage, surrounded by adoring kittens hanging on his final words. One of the kittens (usually Etcetera or Rumpleteazer) is so over-excited by his presence that she gets carried away screaming, until he physically quiets her, which allows him to sing his final line.

After his applause, Tugger is just about to get into a lively reprise of his anarchic song, when Grizabella appears and disrupts the upbeat mood.

Music
"The Rum Tum Tugger" is a flashy funk rock number, with strong rhythmic gestures and a heavy pop beat. It is mainly set to a 4/4 meter, occasionally flitting to 2/4, and has a tempo of 120 beats per minute. The song is composed in the key of A major. Tugger's vocals span from D4 to D6 (falsetto).

The orchestra begins playing a reprise after the song has ended, only to be interrupted by Grizabella's motif as she enters for the first time.



Lyrics
 The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat 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 then I'd 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 the mouse

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat And there isn't any call for me to shout it For he will do As he do, do And there's no doing anything about it

The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore! When you let me in then I wanna go out I'm always on the wrong side of every door And as soon as I get home then I like to get about I like to lie in a bureau drawer But I make such a fuss if I can't get out

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat And there isn't any use for you to doubt it For he will do As he do, do And there's no doing anything about it

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast 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

(No)

So you'll catch me in it right up to my ears If you put it away on the larder shelf

The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle But I'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing For there's nothing I enjoy like a horrible muddle

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 And there isn't any need for me to spout it For he will do As he do, do And there's no doing anything About About About About it

International Versions

 * Chinese
 * Czech
 * Dutch
 * French
 * German
 * Hungarian
 * Japanese
 * Norwegian
 * Polish
 * Portuguese
 * Russian
 * Spanish

Audio

 * "The Rum Tum Tugger" from the 1981 London cast recording


 * "The Rum Tum Tugger" from the 1983 Broadway cast recording


 * "The Rum Tum Tugger" from the 2019 movie soundtrack

Music Video
In 1985, a music video for "The Rum Tum Tugger" was filmed. It was the first ever music video created for a Broadway show.

Credits:
 * Starring: Terrence V. Mann as Rum Tum Tugger
 * With: Charlotte d'Amboise (Cassandra), Jane Bodle (Demeter), Paige Dana (Etcetera), Denise DiRenzo ("Greycat" swing), Marlene Danielle (Bombalurina), Dodie Pettit ("AJ" swing), Valerie C Wright (Victoria)
 * Executive Producer: The Schubert Organization
 * Production Company: Creative Concepts/New York
 * Director: Jeff Lee
 * Producers: Lou Vetter, Richie Vetter, Lou Fusaro
 * Director of Photography: Michael Negrin
 * Editor: David Seeger (Today Video/New York)
 * Music Engineer: Joe Arlotta
 * Choreography: Thom Reed, Michael Scott Gregory
 * Makeup: René Clemente