The Moments of Happiness

The Moments of Happiness is the first number in act 2 of Cats. It begins slowly, as the cast gradually make their way onstage, often through the auditorium, playing with the audience as they go. Eventually Old Deuteronomy begins to sing, trying to explain the philosophy behind the tribe's customs. the song is quiet and reflective. The mystical twins, Coricopat and Tantomile, channel Old Deuteronomy's energy into Jemima, who explains the concept in far simpler language, singing "Moonlight, turn your face to the Moonlight".

The entire ensemble are onstage for this number, including Gus in his old form, ready to be introduced, and Grizabella hides on the edge of the stage.

Lyrics
The moments of happiness. ..

We had the experience but missed the meaning

And approach to the meaning restores the experience

In a different form, beyond any meaning

We can assign to happiness. ..

The past experience revived in the meaning

Is not the experience of one life only

But of many generations - not forgetting

Something that is probably quite ineffable

Moonlight, turn your face to the moonlight

Let your memory lead you

Open up, enter in

If you find there the meaning of what happiness is

Then a new life will begin

Moonlight, turn your face to the moonlight

Let your memory lead you

Open up, enter in

If you find there the meaning of what happiness is

Then a new life will begin