About The Song
(watch the video below)
"Pressed Rat and Warthog" is a whimsical and eccentric song by the legendary British rock band Cream, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass and vocals, and Ginger Baker on drums. The song is featured on the band's 1968 album "Wheels of Fire," which is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in the history of rock music. "Pressed Rat and Warthog" stands out as a unique and experimental track on the album, showcasing Cream's adventurous spirit and willingness to push the boundaries of rock music.
From the moment the song begins, listeners are transported into a surreal and fantastical world, filled with vivid imagery and quirky characters. The song's playful and whimsical lyrics, penned by Ginger Baker, tell the story of Pressed Rat, a cunning rodent, and Warthog, a clumsy and gullible creature, as they embark on a series of misadventures in the wild.
Musically, "Pressed Rat and Warthog" is characterized by its unconventional structure and eclectic instrumentation. The song features a jazzy and bluesy arrangement, with Clapton's nimble guitar playing and Baker's intricate drumming creating a dynamic and vibrant sonic landscape. Jack Bruce's distinctive bassline adds depth and texture to the music, anchoring the song with its driving rhythm and infectious groove.
What sets "Pressed Rat and Warthog" apart is its playful and surreal atmosphere, which is enhanced by the band's imaginative and adventurous approach to songwriting. The song's whimsical lyrics and offbeat melody create a sense of whimsy and wonder, inviting listeners to embrace the fantastical world that Cream has created.
As the song progresses, Clapton's guitar playing takes center stage, with his fiery solos and improvisations adding an extra layer of excitement and energy to the music. His distinctive tone and fluid playing style showcase his virtuosic skill and mastery of the blues-rock genre, leaving listeners spellbound by his technical prowess and musical creativity.
Beyond its musical brilliance, "Pressed Rat and Warthog" also serves as a testament to Cream's pioneering spirit and innovative approach to rock music. The band's willingness to experiment with unconventional song structures and lyrical themes set them apart from their contemporaries, earning them a reputation as one of the most adventurous and influential bands of the 1960s.
In conclusion, "Pressed Rat and Warthog" is a whimsical and eccentric song that showcases Cream's adventurous spirit and willingness to push the boundaries of rock music. With its playful lyrics, eclectic instrumentation, and imaginative atmosphere, the song invites listeners to embrace the fantastical world that Cream has created, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear it.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Pressed rat and warthog have closed down their shop
They didn't want to; 'twas all they had got
Selling atonal apples, amplified heat
And pressed rat's collection of doglegs and feet
Sadly, they left, telling no one goodbye
Pressed rat wore red jodhpurs, warthog a striped tie
Between them, they carried a three-legged sack
Went straight round the corner and never came back
Pressed rat and warthog have closed down their shop
The bad captain madman had told them to stop
Selling atonal apples, amplified heat
And pressed rat's collection of doglegs and feet
The bad captain madman had ordered their fate
He laughed and stomped off with a nautical gate
The gate turned into a deroga tree
And his peg leg got woodworm and broke into three
Pressed rat and warthog have closed down their shop
They didn't want to; 'twas all they had got
Selling atonal apples, amplified heat
And pressed rat's collection of doglegs and feet