The Cure's All Cats Are Grey: A Deep Dive

All Cats Are Grey is a song by The Cure, written by Robert Smith. It was released in 1981 as part of the band's third album, Faith. The song is known for its eerie and somber tone, marking a departure from the initially upbeat demos for the album. The lyrics explore themes of isolation, mortality, and the insignificance of physical appearance, drawing inspiration from the Gormenghast novels and the personal experiences of band member Lol Tolhurst, whose mother's death influenced the song's interpretation of the proverb, in the dark, all cats are grey. The phrase all cats are grey also appears in the 2014 Belgian coming-of-age film of the same name, directed by Savina Dellicour, where it holds thematic relevance.

The Cure's 'All Cats Are Grey' lyrics and meaning

The Cure's "All Cats Are Grey" is a song written by Robert Smith for the band's third album, Faith. The lyrics and melody of the song stand in stark contrast to the initially upbeat tone of the early demos for the album.

The song's lyrics explore themes of mortality, seclusion, and the insignificance of physical appearance in the face of death. In a 1989 fanzine, Smith explained that the song is about being "lost/trapped in caves—echoes of the grave and of prison cells and again of growing old." The imagery of caves and darkness in the song is a powerful representation of these themes.

The phrase "all cats are grey" is a proverb dating back to the 16th century, suggesting that physical appearance is meaningless, especially in the dark or in death, when distinctions fade. This proverb is brought to life in the song, with lyrics such as "In the caves/All cats are grey/In the caves/The textures coat my skin."

Lol Tolhurst, a founding member of The Cure, shared in 2016 that the song was written about his mother's death. In his book, Goth: A History, Tolhurst elaborated on the personal significance of the song, explaining that it was about his mother's "impending demise from cancer" and the despair and pain of anticipating her death. He further connected the idiom "in the dark, all cats are grey" to his mother's experiences during World War II blackouts in London, where the city went dark to avoid becoming easy targets for Hitler's bombers.

"All Cats Are Grey" is a poignant and eerie exploration of mortality and the universality of death, highlighting the shared human experience of loss and the enduring mystery of what lies beyond.

All Cats Are Grey fan interpretations

The Cure's "All Cats Are Grey" is a melancholic and haunting song that has prompted a variety of fan interpretations. The song explores universal themes of isolation, loneliness, and the search for meaning, leaving it open to interpretation and individual connection.

One interpretation suggests that the song reflects on the surprise of finding oneself lost and trapped, either physically or metaphorically, in caves or confined spaces. The lyrics "In bed amongst the stones" and "The columns are all men" evoke a sense of being surrounded by cold, unfeeling figures, while "No shapes sail on the dark deep lakes / And no flags wave me home" further emphasise a sense of disconnection and ambiguity.

Another interpretation, supported by founding member Lol Tolhurst, is that the song is about his mother's death. The expression "all cats are grey in the dark" dates back to the 16th century, suggesting that physical appearance is meaningless. Tolhurst's mother, who experienced blackouts and aerial bombardments during World War II, used this phrase to describe how everything was indistinguishable in the dark. The song, therefore, captures the anticipation of his mother's death and the despair and pain associated with it.

Some fans have also drawn connections between the song and the Gormenghast novels, where a character lives in seclusion in caves. This interpretation adds a layer of literary influence to the song's meaning.

Overall, "All Cats Are Grey" serves as a vessel for exploring complex emotions and experiences, allowing listeners to project their own interpretations and connect with the music on a deeply personal level.

All Cats Are Grey as inspiration

The Cure's "All Cats Are Grey" is a song penned by Robert Smith for the band's third album, Faith. The lyrics paint a picture of being trapped in caves, growing old, and facing death, with a sense of despair and isolation. The song's inspiration is attributed to multiple sources, including the impending death of Lol Tolhurst's mother and the character living in seclusion in caves from the Gormenghast novels.

The phrase "all cats are grey in the dark" is a proverb dating back to the 16th century, implying that physical appearance is meaningless, especially in the darkness of night or during trying times such as World War II blackouts. This theme of the insignificance of appearance resonates in the song's lyrics, which explore the universal human experience of mortality and the unknown beyond.

The song's imagery of caves, stones, and darkness evokes a sense of entrapment and the unknown. The line "No shapes sail on the dark deep lakes/And no flags wave me home" further emphasizes the feeling of being lost and unable to find one's way back. The mention of a "death cell" and the persistent ringing of "a single note" create a haunting atmosphere, alluding to the finality of death and the unknown that lies beyond.

The Cure's "All Cats Are Grey" has inspired a Belgian coming-of-age drama film of the same name, directed by Savina Dellicour. The film explores similar themes of family, connection, and the search for one's biological father, reflecting the song's underlying message of the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of life's uncertainties.

Overall, "All Cats Are Grey" by The Cure serves as a powerful reminder of the shared human experience of facing mortality and the unknown. Through its evocative lyrics and haunting melody, the song captures the universal emotions of despair, isolation, and the search for meaning, resonating with listeners across generations.

All Cats Are Grey writer's intent

The Cure's song "All Cats Are Grey" was written by Robert Smith and Lol Tolhurst. The lyrics were penned by Tolhurst as a way of coping with his mother's death. The song is about being "trapped in caves" and "growing old".

In a 2016 interview, Tolhurst explained that the song was inspired by his mother's use of the phrase "all cats are grey". This is a proverb that dates back to the 16th century, alluding to the idea that physical appearance is meaningless. In the context of the song, it suggests that in the darkness of the caves, or in death, all living beings are equalised.

The song's imagery of caves, stones, and darkness conveys a sense of isolation and entrapment. The "columns are all men begging to crush me" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the oppressive nature of society. The lyrics also explore the idea of individuality and uniqueness, questioning how one can stand out in a sea of people.

The Cure's "All Cats Are Grey" is a profound exploration of mortality, the human condition, and the complexities of existence. It delves into the universal themes of life, death, and the struggle to find meaning and individuality in a world that often feels indifferent or oppressive.

All Cats Are Grey and The Gormenghast Novels

The Cure's song "All Cats Are Grey" is said to be inspired by the Gormenghast novels, a trilogy of fantasy books by Mervyn Peake. The song, written by Robert Smith, is about being trapped in caves and growing old. This theme of confinement is echoed in the Gormenghast novels, which are set in a huge castle that appears to be cut off from the rest of the world. The castle's inhabitants are trapped in a world of pointless, decaying ritual, and the story's protagonist, Titus Groan, dreads the long life ahead of him spent ruling this crumbling domain.

Lol Tolhurst, a founding member of The Cure, shared in 2016 that "All Cats Are Grey" was written about his mother's death. The song draws on the proverb "all cats are grey in the dark", which dates back to the 16th century and suggests that physical appearance is meaningless. Tolhurst's mother, Daphne, used this phrase, and he felt that it "reminded me of her".

The Gormenghast novels also feature a character who lives in seclusion in caves, which may have influenced the song's lyrics about being trapped in caves. The lyrics "I never thought that I would find myself/In bed amongst the stones/The columns are all men/Begging to crush me" evoke a sense of confinement and oppression, similar to the atmosphere of the Gormenghast castle.

The song "All Cats Are Grey" captures a sense of despair and isolation, reflecting both the personal experiences of Tolhurst and the themes of entrapment and existential dread present in the Gormenghast novels.

While the song is not a direct adaptation of the novels, it demonstrates how art can draw on and interpret various influences to create something new. The Cure's song stands as a testament to the enduring impact of the Gormenghast story and its ability to inspire creative exploration beyond its original medium.

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