The Song of the Jellicles

The Song of the Jellicles is a song often conflated with the Jellicle Ball, but it is the first, sung section of the dance number, describing the behaviors and mannerisms of a Jellicle cat.

Lyrics
Jellicle cats come out tonight Jellicle cats come one come all The Jellicle moon is shining bright Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball

Jellicle cats are black and white

Jellicle cats are rather small

Jellicle cats are merry and bright

And pleasant to hear when we caterwaul

Jellicle cats have cheerful faces

Jellicle cats have bright black eyes

We like to practice our 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

We know how to dance a gavotte and a jig

Until the Jellicle moon appears

We make our toilette and take our repose

Jellicles wash behind their ears

Jellicles dry between their toes

Jellicle cats are white and black

Jellicle cats are of moderate size

Jellicles jump like a jumping jack

Jellicle cats have moonlit eyes

We're quiet enough in the morning hours

We're quiet enough in the afternoon

Reserving our terpsichorean powers

To dance by the light of the Jellicle moon

Jellicle cats are black and white

Jellicle cats, as we said, are small

If it happens to be a stormy night

We will practice a caper or two in the hall

If it happens the sun is shining bright

You could say we had nothing to do at all

We are resting and saving ourselves to be right

For the Jellicle moon and the Jellicle Ball!

Jellicle cats come out tonight!

Jellicle cats come one come all!

The Jellicle moon is shining bright,

Jellicles come to the Jellicle ball!

Jellicle cats come out tonight,

Jellicle cats come one come all,

The Jellicle moon is shining bright,

Jellicles come to the Jellicle ball