Story Behind The Song
This was an Arthur Hinds song inspired by a dream he had (after eating Bleu cheese just before bedtime, he claims) - Larry helped modify and flesh out some lyrics. The original tune was straight folk, but it evolved a more Tull-like sound as we developed
Song Description
A story song about waking up one night to discover that a horde of rats are having a ceili-style music and dance party in your kitchen. Yes, it's surreal. The music is reminiscent of Jethro Tull.
| Song Length |
3:44 |
Genre |
Folk - Rock, Unique - Waltz |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Exultant, Disturbed |
Subject |
Dance, General |
| Similar Artists |
Jethro Tull, The Cranberries |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
DANCE OF THE RATS
Words and music by Arthur Hinds and Larry Morris
I awoke one night with nature's call
Out of the bedroom and into the hall
Looked in the kitchen, still half asleep
My gut clenched in terror, icy and deep
Twenty some rats were out on the floor
Four on the table, two by the door
I stared in shock while they struck up the band
Formed into lines at their caller's command
(chorus)
Round and round, the rats they danced
On tiny feet they leapt and pranced
With vermin grace and rodent skill
The dance of the rats-- what a thrill!
They wore little hats and wee little shoes
Greatcoats and dresses of green and blue
They waltzed and tangoed and polkaed with glee
Lost in their revels, they quite ignored me
Up on the table were musicians four
With soul and with skill they commanded the floor
With tiny guitars and a fiddle so small
It could only be played at a Rodentia ball
Chorus
I woke with a start, no music was playin
Ran to my kitchen, a-gaspin and praying
No rats there to greet me, but amongst all the clutter
Was a tiny glass slipper right next to the butter...
Chorus
© Emerald Rose 2005
Arthur Hinds - Vocals, bodhran, guitar
Larry Morris - pennywhistle
Brian (Logan) Sullivan - guitars
Clyde Gilbert - bass