The Naming of Cats

The second musical number in the show, "The Naming of Cats" introduces us to the concept of a Jellicle Cat, having just heard so much about them in "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats".

Context
Rather than sung, the number is recited in unison by the cast. In some productions, many of the cast leave the stage and make intense eye contact with members of the audience as they recite the lyrics.

"Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" ends abruptly, as Asparagus interrupts:

There's a man over there, with a look of surprise As much as to say, well, how about that?

Munkustrap adds:

Do I actually see with mine own very eyes A man who's not heard of a Jellicle Cat?

The cats are at first suspicious and reluctant to allow the audience in their Domain. But then at this, the entire ensemble gathers to quietly, intensely, explain in unison about The Naming of Cats. They explain to their human visitors who they are and reveal that cats have three different names: the one the family uses daily,a more dignified name and a secret name. The contemplation of these secret names keep the felines deep in thought.

Many of the names of the ensemble characters are drawn from the names mentioned in the poem; in fact very few of the names mentioned are not attached to a character in at least some productions.

Lyrics
The naming of cats is a difficult matter It isn't just one of your holiday games You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter When I tell you a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES

First of all, there's the name that the family use daily Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill-Bailey All of them sensible, everyday names

There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter But all of them sensible everyday names

But I tell you a cat needs a name that's particular A name that's peculiar, and more dignified Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?

Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo or Coricopat Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum Names that never belong to more than one cat

But above and beyond there's still one name left over And that is the name that you never will guess The name that no human research can discover But the at himself knows, and will never confess

When you notice a cat in profound meditation The reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name


 * His ineffable effable
 * Effanineffable

Deep and inscrutable singular Name.