Rum Tum Tugger

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, I would 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 a mouse

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
And there isn't any need for me to shout it

For he will do as he do do
And there's nothing doing about it

The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore
Terrance Mann as the Rum Tum Tugger

When you let me in, then I want to go out
I'm always on the wrong side of every door
And as soon as I'm at home, then I'd like to get about
I like to lie in the bureau drawer
And I make such a fuss if I can't get out

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
And there isn't any need 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
Rum Tum Tugger from Cats the London production

Rum Tum Tugger from Cats the London production

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
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 upon 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 it!

The Rum Tum Tugger available on Cats: the complete original Broadway cast recording

Paul Nicholas originated the role in London in 1981.
Terrence Mann was the first to play the Rum Tum Tugger on Broadway.
John Partridge portrayed him in the video.
Stephen Bienskie played the role on Broadway. I was lucky enough to see him on March 29, 2000 :-)

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Cats the musical & cast photos © copyright The Really Useful Group Ltd.
Musical score by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Lyrics based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, additional words by Trevor Nunn & Richard Stilgoe
Meditative Cat graphics & all text descriptions © copyright 2000-2005 Catresea Ann Canivan