Song Meaning
These lyrics paint a picture of Siamese cats recently arrived in a new home, driven by an insatiable curiosity. They immediately set out to explore their surroundings, their instincts kicking in when they spot a fish in a tank. The narrator notes their intention to 'investigate' any novelty, setting up a primal scene where the fish is viewed not as a pet, but as a potential meal. The cats' approach is described as 'carefully,' suggesting a calculated predatory instinct rather than random aggression.
The central tension lies in the juxtaposition of domesticity and wildness. The cats are in a 'new house' where they 'will stay,' implying a settled, domestic environment. Yet, their immediate thought upon seeing the fish is about consumption, a raw, instinctual drive. This is further emphasized by the shift to a baby crying, which the narrator immediately connects to feeding time. The lyrics suggest a natural order where hunger dictates action, whether for cats or babies.
The most striking craft element is the almost detached, observational tone used to describe potentially violent or unsettling events. The idea of 'dividing amicably' a meal, while perhaps intended to be lighthearted, carries a dark undertone when applied to the fish. Similarly, the baby's cry is immediately reframed as a signal for sustenance, linking the feline and human experiences through the fundamental need to eat. The repetition of 'milk' at the end reinforces this primal connection.
What makes these lyrics effective is their ability to evoke a specific, slightly unsettling domestic scene through simple, direct language. The narrator's voice is matter-of-fact, presenting the cats' predatory nature and the baby's needs with equal, unblinking clarity. This creates a subtle, almost uncanny mood, highlighting the underlying animalistic drives that persist even within a seemingly safe, human environment.