The Meaning Behind The Song: What’s New Pussycat? by Tom Jones
Tom Jones was already a successful singer in the United Kingdom when he released “What’s New Pussycat?” in 1965. The song became a hit in both the UK and the US. It is a fun and upbeat song, but what is the meaning behind it? Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
The lyrics
The first step in understanding the meaning behind any song is to take a closer look at the lyrics. “What’s New Pussycat?” is a quirky song with playful lyrics. It is about a man who tries to keep up with the latest fashion, music, and culture in order to impress a woman. However, the woman in question is always one step ahead of him. She is “always changing cats” and can’t be pinned down.
The song has a tongue-in-cheek tone. While the man in the song is trying to impress the woman, he is also poking fun at himself. He knows that he can’t keep up with her ever-changing tastes and he finds the whole situation amusing.
The music
The music of “What’s New Pussycat?” is just as important as the lyrics when it comes to understanding its meaning. The song has a fun and upbeat melody that immediately gets stuck in your head. The use of brass instruments gives the song a playful feel. It’s almost like the music is laughing along with the lyrics.
The upbeat music helps to reinforce the playful tone of the song. It makes it clear that this is a fun song, not to be taken too seriously.
The cultural context
When “What’s New Pussycat?” was released in 1965, pop culture was going through some major changes. The 1960s were a time of rapid cultural change, particularly in terms of fashion and music. The youth of the day were rejecting the conservative values of their parents and embracing a more liberal and experimental culture.
The man in the song is trying to keep up with these changes, but he just can’t quite get there. He’s a little bit older and a little bit more conservative than the woman he’s trying to impress. This makes him seem out of touch.
The playful tone of the song is a reflection of this cultural shift. Pop music was becoming more lighthearted and fun, with an emphasis on dancing and having a good time.
The legacy of the song
“What’s New Pussycat?” has remained a popular song in the years since its release. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Neil Diamond, Ray Conniff, and Engelbert Humperdinck.
The song’s popularity is a reflection of its timeless appeal. It captures a moment in time, but it also speaks to something universal. We’ve all felt out of touch at some point in our lives, and we’ve all tried to impress someone by keeping up with the latest trends.
In conclusion, “What’s New Pussycat?” is a fun and upbeat song with a playful tone. It pokes fun at the idea of trying to keep up with ever-changing trends in order to impress someone. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
