'Skimbleshanks The Railway Cat' Geoffrey Garratt | Cats The Musical

[@TheShowsMustGoOn]

Want to watch more Cats? Look no further! bit.ly/3bintJ4

[@cactusman07pim]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jaydonallbright5720]

P 4:59 ​@@cactusman07pim

[@miwahayashi3370]

😊

[@mrkitloin]

I know the coat and watch are clever costuming to make him look like a stationmaster but I choose to believe that the humans put a tiny costume on him because he’s on the train so much

[@starpearl6099]

1yr late but i love this and now this is the only truth there is

[@MilesL.auto-train4013]

_yes_

[@nyctoph0bia613]

I also like to think that Bustopher Jones is wearing little cat clothes

[@ninarances9074]

It reminds me of a cat that would walk and stay inside of my school building quite often. Students and staff would call it "The Campus Cat" and I saw a picture of the cat wearing a mini school jersey. It was so cute!

[@choryllis6646]

I mean it fits with human behavior.

[@puppyhowler]

i love how the song before this is a sad song about two cats lamenting over their glory days, meanwhile, skimble comes in like "I LIVED ON A TRAIN"

[@monicasegovia6176]

And according to him he was the only reason that train even functioned 😂

[@kidragakas]

I don’t think he even cared about being the Jellicle choice, just having fun 😂

[@HunterPhenomMakoy]

Cuz trains are the cure for sadness lol

[@b.d6642]

Scientists have found that if you develop depression after watching gus the theatre cat the cure is listening to skimbleshanks the railway cat

[@alansmithee419]

@@b.d6642 legitimately when I watched Cats when it was free on KZbin last week I was surprised by how sad Gus the Theatre Cat actually made me, and then Skimble came in and I didn't care anymore. Kind of similar to what happened when I watched Dr Who during lockdown. Oh no Tennant's regenerating :( *Matt Smith's face appears* :)))))))

[@aidencastle]

When you think about it, Skimbleshanks is the happiest cat of them all living the life he wanted. That's why this is one of my favorite songs, such joy expressed from it.

[@classicalheroes8910]

he literally made it seem like it would be a tragedy if he were to go

[@coryman125]

It's probably my favourite scene in the whole musical tbh- everyone just has such big smiles the whole time, and all the kittens are following him around and mimicking his dances, and it's honestly so adorable :D

[@CouchSpud91]

I also get the sense that Deuteronomy only mentioned him to lighten things up after their run-in with Grisabella, like "Yeah, this is bumming everyone. Let's bring out the fun cat that gets everyone in a good mood again." It would explain the sudden tone shift from the two numbers.

[@Duothimir]

@@CouchSpud91 I get a similar vibe from the Pekes and the Pollicles, like it was one of those performances they'd practice all year with the kittens to perform for Deut's entertainment. Gotta show him the little ones are honing their acting chops!

[@cute-bbh913]

THIS

[@nekocake846]

Whenever I feel bad I come here to watch Skimbleshanks and I feel a little bit better bc Skimbleshanks won't let anything go wrong

[@emperorcringe-son4023]

Yet he delayed the train

[@nekocake846]

@@emperorcringe-son4023 And still nothing went wrong

[@acardboardbox8285]

More or less

[@ezelfrancisco1349]

Not even the click-track of his movie counterpart

[@teslagirl1]

Best comment about this number EVER. You know, I do this, too. Sometimes when I feel sick or sad I run to Skimbleshanks and the other cats...but always first to him...and that triumphant little leap picks me up again. He's been my friend through surgeries and recoveries, through loss and navigating the new world after loss and he never let anything go wrong during any of my travels. When I find my little compartment on the train each time, I always think of Skimbleshanks.

[@Omnywrench]

Between this Skimbleshanks and the movie version, they have a complete outfit between them

[@erickcalmet]

the movie version is mario bros...

[@theshockinglyeloquentdog9945]

that made me chuckle

[@TygR3]

And complete nudity

[@Conzdunchad]

Do not mention that movie business in my presence 😂😂😂

[@mavemave1174]

@@erickcalmet I agree with you

[@THEtomh]

Don't mess with him or you'll get Skimble-shanked.

[@jasonparker3925]

@@midishine7953 works on many levels

[@TDIdialgagirl]

Macavity appears Skimbleshank: [Pulls out a tiny switchblade]

[@acardboardbox8285]

That’s why the movie version was actually good. Skimbleshank wouldn’t be happy if his song was ruined

[@TrainsAndTheatricals]

Has Skimbleshanks ever heard of Thomas The Shank Engine? (See what I did there?)

[@Annahg78]

😂🤣

[@alicehannibal2580]

Headcanon: Skimbleshanks is the cool grandad to all of the kittens, a total kitten at heart and always making messes with them to annoy Jennyanydots

[@friday8644]

that's actually really cute!

[@CouchSpud91]

You can see how the kittens are all eager to jump into the number and help him out with it, mimicking his moves the whole time. Even some of the older cats like Bombalurina and Munkustrap were quick to jump in on the train stunt and Deuteronomy is grinning ear to ear the whole time.

[@marallenrondez2606]

It's also a headcanon that Skimbleshanks doesn't visit often since he's at the railroad often and all the other cats are just really excited to see him, Old Deuteronomy included.

[@pearllamb7232]

I headcannon him as the father of Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer but I like this too.

[@birchwood5889]

Actually I saw Jenny in the background

[@Jay-ih9jp]

I just love the section where all the kittens just crowd around him as he describes what it's like on a train, and they're all so excited and watching him with these big eyes. And then he says "The guard looked in politely, and would ask you very brightly, do you like your morning tea--" and the kittens all joyfully interrupt like "Weak or strong!!!" Skimbleshanks looks so caught off guard but the kittens have heard this story thousands of times and he always tells it the same yet they're all so excited to hear it again and again and... I dunno that's just so real and wholesome.

[@callanightshade8079]

Because it's kind of like grandpa telling his grandchildren all the stories of life in the old days lol. That's the vibe I get from that one lol

[@Kafaldsbylur]

It's even more wholesome to look at the grown cats in the back. Munkustrap is practically leaping over Old Deut to take part in the response.

[@kytrensol9777]

Lmao, sounds like me with my granduncles.

[@noahh6186]

I absolutely adore the ego he expresses. He's a cat who feels not just in charge of one owner, but an entire train, including the driver and all the passengers. And rightfully so, since the train won't leave without him. Between the music, the lyrics, and how Geoffrey Garratt delivers the performance, you can absolutely tell that this cat feels like he's royalty from a faraway land when he visits the other cats to tell them about his travels.

[@maxphilpott9677]

Its even better becuase the train would 100% leave without him but he completely believes it wouldnt

[@ValentinoMarino11]

@@maxphilpott9677Isn’t the conductor Skimbleshanks’ owner? That’s why every time he gets on the train leaves

[@mrgwaed2852]

This is the perfect example of what cats is really about. And it is about cats. I always like to see the subtext of what the actual cat talking about itself is. Skimble shanks does not run the train and where everybody knows skimble shanks the train cat, the train can totally take off without him. Cats have this air of self importance and so from the cat's perspective yes that is his train nothing goes on on that train that he doesn't know about and that he doesn't allow he prances up and down it all day and night being loved by the passengers thinking he owns it just like a cat would.

[@mandyeosphantasmas1202]

Yeeeees

[@Dreigonix]

Cuuuute. XD

[@ichigowayix8924]

I'd never thought of it that way !! You're totally right !

[@MYLAR.]

i just know his owner is the train conductor or one of the guards and they bring him on the train because the people riding love him. i love train cats

[@afoolishfopdoodle3284]

I like to think that Skimbleshanks is taken care of by the train's conductor or something so the train won't leave without him

[@maritimebard]

23 years later this version still SLAPS

[@silmarien1383]

Did you come from Sideways?

[@ezelfrancisco1349]

@@silmarien1383 Assume everyone who says this song slaps (both movie and this version) watches Sideways

[@CarnivoreMomma]

@@ezelfrancisco1349 No lie detected here. This song still Slaps!

[@supernovaskies5044]

24 and Skimble has become the conductor of every train ever.

[@possums154]

i was about to disagree because Ii forgot who Sideways is, but in the split second between clicking reply and registering your comment i remembered. you're very correct

[@mayle2010]

I still can't get over how much better the stage costumes look over the movie. This was my absolute favorite musical as a child, I would rent the VHS from the library to watch it!!

[@jenkzkh]

That movie sucked!! The cast and costumes here are so much better

[@AjaMonique]

Omg, I couldn't even finish it, it was so bad! They need a do over!

[@annakaro9081]

Not only that, but with the junkyard as their only backdrop, there is more to look at than in the movie where they had several different locations. Their faces are always expressing something, even when they are at the back of the crowd and barely visible. There are many small movements and interactions that make me feel like I don't have enough eyes to see all of it and need to watch it again.

[@InchonDM]

@@annakaro9081 I think the idea they were shooting for in the movie was that the different locations are all imagined, not real -- you can see that best in the movie's version of Skimbleshanks, where Steve McRae goes straight from tapdancing on a big piece of wood that just turns into a train rail partway along. I don't know if there was a better way to visually show that, though, but if that was the intention then it's a cute idea for how to make use of the greater visual power you get in film.

[@annakaro9081]

@@InchonDM That's great, but I'm a bit confused on why you decided that I don't know that.

[@jenkzkh]

I wonder if he knows how many of us are still his fans after 23 years

[@cute-bbh913]

HELLO MEEE i was 5 when i saw cats for the first time and i'm still here KSKSKSKS

[@athenagreen5390]

I admit, this is the only song where both versions slap.

[@amp-le4699]

True

[@ilikericepudding5575]

Agree

[@HunterPhenomMakoy]

A song so awesome even the film couldn’t screw it up.

[@roselover411]

They had no choice because of the terrifyingly strange time signature. It's in 13/8, which means 13 beat per measure which is basically never done so it's impossible to improv it. In order to have the cats tap-dancing to it, they had to keep to the rigid time signature or it literally could not be done.

[@alansmithee419]

@@roselover411 Similar problems didn't seem to trouble them in other songs. The real reason was the actor for Skimble was a dancer and was like "oh no just give me a click track it's what I'm used to anyway."

[@Mcflymad421]

Champagne casting was this film - Never had a better Skimbleshanks, Munkustrap or Rum Tum Tugger since

[@paulw858]

I quite loved Steven McRae as Skimbleshanks and Robbie Fairchild as Munkustrap in the 2019 film. I also enjoyed the 2019 film a lot. I am alone in this world. :(

[@Mcflymad421]

@@paulw858 I enjoyed the new film and I did appreciate Robbie Fairchild but I just wish I'd of been older so I could have seen the original cast and the original show setting

[@kimberlylware950]

Indeed!! I love this one!! I would love to see it on the big screen.

[@greenetea6035]

Steven McRae is a joy anywhere I see him. And a fantastic dancer

[@sugarland588275]

Michael Gruber and Johnny Partridge??? THE BEST

[@LaLaBrave]

There's always just so much to love about this. The fact that this only starts because everyone just wants Skimble to tell a story they've all clearly heard a million times about his days on the train, the kittens and adolescents following him around, mimicking his movements and building a giant fake train, Old Doot and Skimble's reaction when the train falls apart, Munkustrap helping Old Doot join in on the dancing. I could go on literally forever all the love, care and background details I keep spotting every watch through.

[@annemarie4305]

I love that even though Tugger is just laying around watching all this go down, he still sings the chorus with the rest of the ensemble. And he watches everything with his head darting around like an actual cat watching birds fly around outside.

[@FelineFurKin]

Oh yeah, no one’s too cool for Skimbleshanks.

[@WeShareTheSameAffliction]

Didn't notice that until you pointed it out!

[@piratesswoop725]

Where is he during this number?

[@annemarie4305]

@@piratesswoop725 up on a set piece stage left

[@Sky-co2gs]

My favorite part is him doing the train horn motion around 2:20 😂

[@Ayden_B]

Miss Saigon: They landed a helicopter on stage Cats: They made a TRAIN on stage

[@vicentehizon6202]

Phantom of the Opera: THEY DROPPED A CHANDELIER ON STAGE

[@Ayden_B]

@@thesuperherojuice8164 it was...a joke, bro

[@rosenherzs]

@@thesuperherojuice8164 bro they’re cats

[@aswarmofcrabs]

@@rosenherzs what did they say? It got deleted

[@eileenconway2966]

Everyone in 2019: they did surgery on a grape

[@ivypatty]

I love how they portray Skimbleshanks as the grandpa who's getting older but his energy masks his lack of flips because his dramatic flare upkeeps his performance so well!

[@flickcentergaming680]

I have never seem this musical (and Im mad about it now), but I think we can all agree the Skimbleshanks is that one uncle who has a gigantic model train set in his basement that he lets all his nieces and nephews play with.

[@Xhalph]

I like how at 3:07 Skimble mimes catching a mouse and then gives it to Old Deut, who plays along. "Why thank you, young man. I'll save this for later."

[@DrakonIL]

And when he says the line "Only stopping now and then to catch a flea," Cassandra mimes picking a flea off of Alonzo and then eats it LMAO. They're all so cute.

[@horsetuna]

Train food is expensive. Gotta pack a lunch

[@houndandhandbag]

@@DrakonIL Oh I never noticed! Thanks for the catch!

[@winterwithawhyknudsen5166]

THE WAY HE JUST RUNS SO PROUDLY TO HIM

[@dennisdrozdov1424]

​@@DrakonILActually, the cat in front of Cassandra was *Tumblebrutus*

[@doublepipe.]

Can we all appreciate how happy Old Deutheronomy is at 4:42-4:50? His legs may be tottery and he must walk slow but he still has the time of his life running and playing around with the younger kittens.

[@PastaBakeMilkShake]

The little kick and the guided steppy steps!

[@houndandhandbag]

And Munkustrap runs right up to help him!

[@Shenorai]

This song seems to bring out the kitten in everybody. Even Old Deuteronomy looks so eager to join in on the dancing.

[@PastaBakeMilkShake]

Old Deut in this version is phenomenal, but in this song particularly it's so wholesome to see him do a little kick and get guided along with a grin on his face and his little steppy steps.

[@The-bi5ry]

It gives me such PURE JOY when they sing "SKIMBLE WHERE IS SKIMBLE?!"

[@dawnofmoon6967]

My sister: Have you been listening to Cats lately? Me: No Also Me: SKIMBLESHANKS THE RAILWAY CAT-

[@oliviaweaver5874]

I did this to my mom, and she gave me the weirdest looks. So worth it 😁

[@Whiskers4169]

THE CAT OF THE RAILWAY TRAIN

[@memecreamdreamteam7052]

I bet all the passengers love skimble :) silly little kitty sometimes stops for scratches but mostly he likes to watch the conductors and engineers and everybody work.

[@oliviaweaver5874]

I bet all the children that go on the train pet him and love him so

[@sadeknight9112]

I love the implication that he was just peeing all over everyone’s luggage when everyone was looking for him.

[@pearllamb7232]

Or he was stealing things.

[@sadeknight9112]

@@pearllamb7232 with that leg lift? I don’t think so

[@HunterPhenomMakoy]

@@sadeknight9112 they made out like he wasn’t supposed to be doing that so I was wondering that too. Probably not peeing but spraying maybe.

[@Helgatwb]

Given the general feel of the song, it's much more likely that he was sleeping.

[@Ol_Lochy]

Skimble would never

[@dd3636-j1r]

He is born to play Skimbleshanks. Perfect cast!

[@downtown82]

This wasn’t his real voice though.

[@dd3636-j1r]

@@downtown82 I know. Still, he has the perfect acting skills and face expressions for the character!

[@TrainsAndTheatricals]

@@downtown82 if it is not his real voice, who was the voice of Skimble?

[@cryptikkcries]

@@TrainsAndTheatricals i think they meant the accent?

[@greentiger332]

I wanna turn this song into an animated cartoon where we keep switching from a real-world perspective to Skimbleshanks' perspective. In RW, everything is running normally with people acting as they usually would in any situation, but then it switches to the cat's POV and everyone is hyperfocused on Skimble, singing his praises for all the work he's doing keeping everyone on task. We keep switching back and forth like throughout the song, during the line where "the passengers all frantic to a man" in RW is only one or two people curious about the delay, but to Skimbleshanks everyone is literally tearing the train apart trying to find him, or when "he wouldn't approve of hilarity and riot so the folks are very quiet" the cat thinks everyone would be having a destructive party without him on board, but in reality everyone is sleeping because it's 1 in the morning.

[@puppyhowler]

dude that would be amazing!

[@catrinasidhe4645]

You should do it

[@ilikericepudding5575]

Hey can i help you? I am an animator too, i think it could be a lot of fun :)

[@MissOnePiece]

Please do it

[@ezelfrancisco1349]

I think your idea should be applied to every song in this musical

[@Ngamotu83]

Maybe it's just me, but the look on Victoria's face when Rumpelteezer sneezes, is adorable.

[@danletko]

2:40 you’re so right

[@BrightWulph]

The sneeze was apparently a welltimed accident during a take of this number, everyone loved it so much that they included it in the final version.

[@elizabethcoen]

I agree! Victoria’s expression seems to say “Oh, bless you.” Rumpelteezer’s reaction to her sneeze says “Whoops, meant to do that!”

[@ketaminepoptarts]

lmao she looks just like a real cat does when someone sneezes

[@Whiskers4169]

I think it’s the makeup The makeup makes them all look cute in a way

[@starlightexpressfan]

Heck yeah train dad

[@hollyamble9551]

Train dad 🤣

[@franziskasanders3943]

@@hollyamble9551 Skimbleshanks the Railway Dad

[@lactaseprime9505]

He prefers “locomotive paterfamilias”

[@rosenrot234]

Still love that Tugger is just chilling. He's hidden a tad but he's up at the top right.

[@tellmefast]

I never noticed him. But, I love how other main cats are in other main cats segments.

[@moseyonover733]

The lyrics of this song (and the poem it's based on) are so cute and capture the personality of a stern but affectionate little busybody cat so well. Like, he he seems so fond when he talks about the people in the sleeper car and how he's keeping them out of mischief and safe from mice.

[@kawaii33366]

I love that the older cats love watching him tell the story to the younger cats. When they all participated and went 'woo woo!' the older cats chuckled at how endearing it is.

[@philleW12]

The 6 dislikes are all from Macavity´s different accounts.

[@CrazyAlienLady051]

Macavity and his henchman lol.

[@philleW12]

@@CrazyAlienLady051 I might mention Mungojerrie, I might mention Griddlebone

[@TheWolfsHowl666]

Can we just appreciate Munk helping his father join the fun at 4:45?

[@davwalsr]

Sideways is so right- this song absolutely does slap.

[@monicasegovia6176]

Munkustrap is my favorite character, he's so protective, so happy to see others having fun, so willing to do stuff and join in on their little stunts and dances. He's just a joy

[@cosinex8361]

I just love the way Tumblebrutus is just sitting athe front of the train holding the light. He looks like he is having so much fun

[@imawalrus368]

Did you see Cassandra pick a flea off of him? I've seen this so many times, and I can always find new stuff going on in the background hahaha!

[@RosesTeaAndASD]

​@I'm a walrus That's the best part - watching it again to see something else you missed🙂

[@munkumunks]

He’s here for a good time. I respect that

[@vixxendeer1802]

It's so interesting to see what the other cats do in the background. Half the time I'm surprised to find Tugger sneaking about back there or the caring expressions Munkustrap gives the cats as he sits beside Old Deuteronomy.

[@enoradesmots3544]

I love that Rum Tum Tugger is kind of hidding in the decor, like he's watching and singing, but doesn't join the dance, he looks like a kid spying on the party it's so cute!! I love this song

[@sadwasdead5065]

i am so glad that i am not the only one who sees this as the embodiment of pure joy. he is literally perfect, flawless, the ideal etc etc. i cry when i think about him.

[@tori_the_rat]

this song fills me with such a child like joy it makes me so happy

[@ianfortuna9385]

Join the club my friend because this song always gets me in the same energy it’s so contagious

[@AnselmSelze]

Love how everybody is so happy and entertained here, ever such mysterious and dignified cat as Cassandra. Skimbleshanks is this funny, lovable uncle at every family meeting.

[@sbrownproductions]

I named my childhood cat Skimbleshanks because I liked trains growing up. She was my best friend.

[@jessya775]

"Memory" might be the best song on the musical. But this is my favourite, no question

[@EmperorAnimates777]

this is my fourth favorite, it's such as jam

[@rebeccah4732]

it literally gets me everytime how excited old deut is to be involved in the younger cats' lives and stories. he's just so happy to be there. what a king. i love hhim.

[@themepark9037]

i love that cassandra, coricopad and tantomile are joining in the fun here

[@rose-ui6hk]

i love all the kittens trying to copy skimble's moves the whole time

[@ed6431]

This is my 2 year old's favourite song from Cats he tries to dance in time and loves the whoo whoos 😂

[@ed6431]

@@purestrangeness1839 I love Rum Tum Tugger the best - it's all so varied 😁

[@Seal0626]

Impressive for a 2 year old,it's in 13/8!

[@ed6431]

@@Seal0626 he tries, it's more of a constant wiggles, foot stomp, arm flail but he's getting better at putting them in the right order 😂

[@stephaniemoura3214]

THAT'S SO CUTE!

[@Eva-cy6kc]

I can't blame your two year old, the whoo whoos are so adorable!

[@notoriouswhitemoth]

Going through the book this was honestly the poem I found most fun to read, because it's where the observational humor has probably aged best: juxtaposing a cat who's fussy and impossible to please, technology that's always fussy and impossible to please, and travel - when people are generally at our most fussy and impossible to please

[@TheHealerIzAwesome]

Old Deuteronomy taking that invisible mouse from Skimbleshanks is just like when your three year cousin gives you playdough spaghetti and you pretend to eat it.

[@aeryn6275]

Ahh I love his physicality so much! He is so incredibly different than all of the other cats in every aspect of him, from his dialect to the way he moves to the way he expresses himself to his story. My favorite cat, and Geoffrey Garratt is the only true Skimbleshanks in my mind!

[@Whiskers4169]

The best part is he never breaks character throughout the musical He always moves a bit more mechanical then anyone else

[@mokithepepe2454]

makes me think that he isnt actually related to the other cats but just goes with the train and everyone he meets just loves him and adopts him as one of their own

[@itamarolmert3549]

That bit of choreo at 4:36 has been haunting me since I saw the recording

[@roros-reverie]

This song never fails to give me chills. The instrumental reminds me so much of a real-life speeding steam train. I guess it's the bpm combined with the little "horn" noises every now and then. It paints pictures in my mind. ALW is a true genius.

[@Camilla550]

2:40 Victoria’s shocked face after Rumpleteazer sneezes is so funny! 😂

[@thetunebella6675]

lol Imagine if she did not mean to sneeze and that was a real sneeze😂

[@CrazyAlienLady051]

Coronavirus

[@kytrensol9777]

​@@thetunebella6675it was apparently a well-timed accident during the filming process, and they liked it so much that they decided to keep it in the final cut.

[@Hinatachan360]

I was happy to see the elusive Exotica singing next to Jellylorum. Also, Skimbleshanks has one of the cutest cat faces of all the cast. 😻😸

[@minno.4509]

I’ve been trying to figure out her name for so long I wonder why you only see her for such a short time in certain shots

[@MeganAllen1738]

@@minno.4509 she was a special cast member

[@waterwater8911]

This is the best song of the entire show but I can never fully appreciate it within its context bc it immediately follows the most depressing song of all time

[@95021105]

The little elbow patches 💕

[@b.d6642]

Asparagus: having and existential crisis and reflecting on how his glory days are over Everyone else: hey let's go see skimble!

[@jaydee6574]

gotta love old t trying to keep up the pace and even getting so excited that he started to dance with skimble

[@oliviaweaver5874]

I love the little kick he did before Skimble's twirl

[@michaelshanks6932]

For obvious reasons, this is one of my favorites...

[@GreenFanBoy]

Shimbleshanks doesn't know the hell he is supposed to be doing, he's just having fun.

[@catcoaster]

Finally a full Skimbleshanks performance! Absolutely adore this song, always brings a smile to my face :)

[@florencegosselin1924]

munkustrap this is an official intervention, you need to stop looking like you're hopelessly in love with everyone. we're all concerned for you

[@ianhimmelstein5915]

4:48 I love how happy Old Deuteronomy looks when he is having fun

[@AjaMonique]

When everyone was obsessed with Memory, this was my favorite!

[@nkbujvytcygvujno6006]

Lyrics: Skimbleshanks the railway cat The cat of the railway train There's a whisper down the line at eleven thirty-nine When the Night Rail's ready to depart Saying, "Skimble, where is Skimble? Has he gone to hunt the thimble? We must find him or the train can't start" All the guards and all the porters And the station master's daughters Would be searchin' high and low Saying, "Skimble, where is Skimble? For unless he's very nimble Then the Night Rail just can't go" At eleven forty-two with the signal overdue And the passengers all frantic to a man That's when I would appear and I'd saunter to the rear I'd been busy in the luggage van Then he gave one flash of his glass-green eyes And the signal went 'All clear' They'd be off at last for the northern part of the Northern Hemisphere Skimbleshanks, the railway cat The cat of the railway train You might say that by and large It was me who was in charge Of the Sleeping Car Express From the driver and the guards To the bagmen playing cards I‘d supervise them all, more or less Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces Of the travelers in the first and the third He establishes control by a regular patrol And he'd know at once if anything occurred He would watch you without winking And he saw what you were thinking And it's certain that he didn't approve Of hilarity and riot so that folk were very quiet When Skimble was about and on the move You could play no pranks with Skimbleshanks He's a cat that cannot be ignored So nothing went wrong on the Northern Rail When Skimbleshanks was aboard It was very pleasant when they'd found their little den With their name written up on the door And the berth was very neat with a newly folded sheet And not a speck of dust upon the floor There was every sort of light, you could make it dark or bright And a button you could turn to make a breeze And a funny little basin you're supposed to wash your face in And a crank to shut the window should you sneeze Then the guard looked in politely and would ask you very brightly "Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?" But I was right behind him and was ready to remind him For Skimble won't let anything go wrong When they crept into their cosy berth And pulled up the counterpane They all could reflect, that it was very nice To know that they wouldn't be bothered by mice They can leave all that to the railway cat The cat of the railway train Skimbleshanks, the railway cat The cat of the railway train Skimbleshanks, the railway cat The cat of the railway train In the watches of the night, I was always fresh and bright Every now and then I'd have a cup of tea With perhaps a drop of Scotch while I was keepin' on the watch Only stopping here and there to catch a flea They were fast asleep at Crewe and so they never knew That I was walkin' up and down the station They were sleeping all the while I was busy at Carlisle Where I met the station master with elation They might see me at Dumfries if I summoned the police If there was anything they ought to know about When they got to Gallowgate there they did not have to wait For Skimbleshanks would help them to get out And he gives you a wave of his long, brown tail Which says "I'll see you again" You will meet without fail on the Midnight Rail The cat of the railway train The cat of the railway train

[@cute-bbh913]

THANK YOU

[@CarnivoreMomma]

Thank you! You are hero.

[@KaelaCeleste]

I watch this a few times a week just to feel something

[@nicolemiller7760]

This song definitely has the most joyous energy to it; so much so, this is the one time Old Deuteronomy busts a move in the whole show 4:42 😆

[@jamesedenart]

My favorite is how even the reserved Cassandra isn't above jumping in and having fun with everyone else.

[@MrNoUsername]

Me being a railway enthusiast: Yeah I'm kind of a skimbleshanks myself 🚂

[@extensioncordgaming8266]

I think my teacher's worksheet put it the best, "Skimbleshanks An older cat who lives at a trainstation, he is like an uncle to the other cats."

[@trevorminton6084]

I gotta say, every single actor put everything they had into these performances, but the details for skimbleshanks are my favorite. Specifically the way he moves when he walks around. He keeps his torso perfectly steady while his legs go all over the place, just like spmeone thats used to standing on unsteady ground like a train.

[@brambleberryproductions1235]

This was a regular watch for me and my family, before we all fell apart. I feel so safe and happy. Skimbleshanks, Mangojerri+Rumpleteaser, and all the cats...I can trust them. I'm glad it's here.

[@StartingToBeBetter]

IT STILL RINGS IN MY EAR! I LOVE THIS.

[@oliviaweaver5874]

It's such a catchy song! I like to think of this song when I'm bored or sad, and I immediately feel better :)

[@Lena-fc9ce]

ngl, i kind of miss the tapping. the only number in the movie that made me feel anything but horror

[@raptirboy180]

But you cant beat that accent

[@possums154]

@@raptirboy180 truthhhhhhh

[@Nova-bh1rx]

I used to love this musical as a kid, I would always ask to watch it because of the adrenaline rush every time of the jump scares happened. But this has to be my favorite song by far.

[@joannagodfrey5111]

I love this song, it reminds me of all the times I've travelled on the night train from London to Fort William

[@bulaluigi]

I feel like Skimbleshanks is the cat who makes sure you don't sleep in past 5am, and is always following you around the house (i.e. my cat)

[@Lwhale.3797]

To be an ensemble in this cast must’ve required some next level talent. You need to hit your notes, do those dance moves in awkward tight fitting clothes, and handle large, complicated props, all while having to act fanciful and fun.

[@4dgreentea]

I remember watching Cats when I was 7 years old and being so excited

[@herestia_photography]

OMG, this song is so cheerish and lovely... Trully lifts a depressing day. Works every single time!! ^^

[@oliviaweaver5874]

Ditto!!

[@Greytick]

idk why but the dance at 1:07 is just so adorable

[@ThePotionMaster413]

The best cat of the Jellicles. No doubt.

[@stormysketches7600]

This is my favourite song from the show, it’s just so upbeat and all the performers look like they’re having a lot of fun ❤

[@mikelee158]

I adore Rumpleteazer all the time, but I love her in this song particularly. She looks like she's having so much fun. I like to think Skimbleshanks is like her fun grandfather. Favorite moments: 1:00 , 3:26

[@snigelosenap]

The enthusiastic side hop at 2:02 and smiling into the camera at 4:50 also makes me happy

[@itzelgc4637]

Rumple getting Electra in trouble is my fave

[@yourteacher5240]

Can I have a time stamp?

[@xandra7211]

@@yourteacher5240 1:38

[@itzelgc4637]

Sorry!! Wrong Cat. I meant Electra.

[@itzelgc4637]

@@yourteacher5240 1:38

[@yourteacher5240]

@@itzelgc4637 thank you!

[@NAVEMAN3]

This is probably the only character in the 2019 version that was as good as this. The tap dancing that sounds like the train was a perfect added touch.

[@phillipasoocinnamonroll4812]

This is definitely one of my favorite musical songs ever

[@flamentnagel]

skimbleshanks puts a big smile on my face every time i listen to this song, he's just so happy..

[@FlyingFoxandBambi4475]

This is my favorite song from the show. I just love how lively it is. Also another reason why I like is because I am a person who loves trains.

[@havehope646]

That is sooooo cool

[@Ignauhak]

This number is definitely one of my favourites for the sheer, unbridled JOY it exudes, from start to finish, and progressing even more! The key change device close to the end definitely helps! ^_^ GO SKIMBLESHANKS!!!

[@Whiskers4169]

I watched this movie 2 days in a row and I still w at to watch it over and over. Even some of my favorite musicals didn’t make me want that Andrew Lloyd Webber is a legend

[@gilangsetyawibawa185]

I know a cat next to my local 7-eleven who reminded me of Skimbles

[@carolinewitt2504]

Believe it or not, I had this song playing on my Spotify, and I found myself singing along while doing my security rounds. I find this song to have a very strong positive vibe. I am always looking for new ways to make my job more enjoyable.

[@evanholt1752]

Props to the whole cast for dancing that well in 13/8

[@sarah.fb.lindsay]

For anyone who has ever been in CATS, we know, this song is the HARDEST song in the show! The harmony, lyrics and dance are just… ooof! It’s a masterpiece, but so difficult

[@furrettheferret9562]

This is my favourite song and character in this show. I love how it’s almost there to cheer you up after Gus’ story.