Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (thing)

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a play written by Tennessee Williams produced for the first time in 1955. It deals with a dysfunctional family contending with hidden deceptions and hypocrisy. Directed by Elia Kazan it won a Pulitzer Prize and the Drama Critic Award in the same year.

Unlike his previous plays, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof presents characters that are easier to identify with, being less condescending and aloof in contrast. Homosexual undertones apart, most characters are human and portray characteristics that one recognises as part of oneself. Although sexuality was merely implied, the play was criticised for being sensational and scandalous, however the majority of criticism received was favourable and described the play as “a powerful work of art”.

MGM subsequently released a screen production of the play, featuring Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman amongst others, and while keeping most of the script intact, twisted the ending into a terribly disappointing happy-ending.

This cat's on a hot tin roof
Drinkin' that whiskey, 96 proof
Don't need no doctor, don't feel no pain
My legs are just two steps ahead of my brain

This cat's on a hot tin roof
This cat's gonna shake it loose
This cat don't get the blues
'Cause this cat's shakin' on a hot tin roof

This cat's been out on the town
I'm the cat's meow, I'm the king with a crown
My head is spinnin' and I got the shakes
I can't stop now 'cause I got no brakes

This cat's on a hot tin roof
This cat's gonna shake it loose
This cat don't get the blues
'Cause this cat's shakin' on a hot tin roof

There ain't no point in holdin' me down
I'll kick and I'll scratch and I'll howl
Hey hound dog, get outta my way
'Cause this cat is on the prowl

This cat's on a hot tin roof
Jumpin' up and down like a long neck goose
Shimmy and shake, baby you can't fail
Rockin' so hard that it's off the scale

This cat's on a hot tin roof
This cat's gonna shake it loose
This cat don't get the blues
'Cause this cat's shakin' on a hot tin roof