And We Do This Everyday

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of Cat Valley, a place that once knew peace but was shattered by a "Great War." The surviving Cataurs, a species that seems to blend feline and human traits, now cope with this past trauma through elaborate, almost ritualistic performances. Their daily lives are dedicated to a pageant-like competition, a vibrant display of "pageantry and zeal" meant to "cover up the pain." This routine, a constant striving for validation, is their chosen method of healing and moving forward. The central tension arises from the competition for a sash, awarded by someone named Johnny, which represents recognition and perhaps a return to normalcy or victory. Different Cataurs showcase their unique talents – yarn ball fights, piano playing, singing, and even wearing an excessive number of hats – all in pursuit of this singular prize. The lyrics highlight a shared purpose, "And we do this every day!," underscoring the relentless, almost Sisyphean nature of their efforts to find meaning and solace in these performances. A striking element is the juxtaposition of the Cataurs' earnest, almost childlike dedication to their performances with the implied past devastation. The introduction of Dayvin, who "glues wigs on people's heads all day" because "it pays the bills," offers a glimpse into a more mundane, perhaps less glamorous reality that supports these elaborate displays. This detail grounds the fantastical world, suggesting that even in a place of past catastrophe, survival and the pursuit of joy require practical, sometimes "gross," labor. Ultimately, the lyrics are effective because they use the absurd and the whimsical to explore profound themes of trauma, coping, and the human (or Cataur) need for recognition. The relentless repetition of "And we do this every day!" transforms a potentially bleak existence into a testament to resilience, where the daily grind of performance becomes the very fabric of their healing and community. The ambiguity of Johnny's role and the ultimate winner leaves the focus on the process, the shared effort, and the enduring spirit of the Cataurs.