The Song of the Jellicles

"The Song of the Jellicles" is a song describing the attributes, behaviour and mannerisms of a Jellicle Cat. It is often conflated with "The Jellicle Ball", but it is the first, sung section of the overall dance sequence.

Context
Following the Macavity scare, only Old Deuteronomy and Munkustrap remain onstage. They survey their surroundings for any sight of Macavity, but he is nowhere to be found. Slowly, Victoria and Jemima/Sillabub emerge from their hiding places at the opposite ends of the stage - both still scared and on guard for Macavity.

Old Deuteronomy is now convinced that it was a false alarm. Together with Victoria, Jemima/Sillabub and Munkustrap, he calls for the Jellicles to come out of hiding so that the Ball can begin. One by one, the cats make their way back to the stage, all the while describing and celebrating what makes 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 would 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

International Versions

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

Audio

 * "The Song of the Jellicles" and "The Jellicle Ball" from the 1981 London cast recording


 * "The Song of the Jellicles" and "The Jellicle Ball" from the 1983 Broadway cast recording