Everybody wants to be a cat
Because a cat's the only cat
Who knows where it's at

Tell me
Everybody's pickin' up on that feline beat
'Cause everything else is obsolete
Strictly high-button shoes!

A square with a horn
Makes you wish you weren't born
Ever'time he plays
But with a square in the act
You can set music back
To the cave man days
Cha-cha-ba-dum-bo-day

I've heard some corny birds who tried to sing
Still a cat's the only cat
Who knows how to swing
Who wants to dig a long-haired gig and stuff like that?
When everybody wants to be a cat

A square with a horn
Makes you wish you weren't born
Ever'time he plays
Oh, a-rinky-tinky-tinky

With a square in the act, you can set music back
To the cave man days
Oh, a-rinky-tinky-tinky

Yes, everybody wants to be a cat
Because a cat's the only cat
Who knows where it's at

While playin' jazz you always has a welcome mat
'Cause everybody digs a swingin' cat
(Oh boy fellas, lets rock this joint!)
(Haha groovy cats!)

If you want to turn me on
Play your horn, don't spare the tone
And blow a little soul into the tune

Let's take it to another key
Modulate, and wait for me
I'll take a few ad-libs and pretty soon

The other cats will all commence
Congregatin' on the fence
Beneath the alley's only light
Where every note is out of sight

Everybody, everybody, everybody wants to be a cat! (Hallelujah!)
Everybody, everybody, everybody wants to be a cat! (I'm telling you!)
Everybody, everybody, everybody wants to be a cat! (Yeah!)
Everybody, everybody, everybody wants to be a cat! (Mmm)
Everybody, everybody, everybody wants to be a cat! (Hallelujah!)
Everybody, everybody, everybody wants to be a cat