Song Information
“What’s New Pussycat?” is one of Tom Jones’ most recognizable hits, released in June 1965. The song was written by the legendary duo Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (lyrics), and it served as the theme for the film of the same name, a comedy directed by Clive Donner and written by Woody Allen. Produced by Peter Sullivan and recorded at Decca Studios in London, the single was released under the Parrot label in the United States. The track quickly became a worldwide success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and climbing into the top 20 in several other countries. The song’s playful title, upbeat arrangement, and Tom Jones’ unmistakable booming vocals gave it instant memorability. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 1965, further cementing its place in pop culture history. Over the years, “What’s New Pussycat?” has been used in films, TV shows, and even comedy sketches, ensuring its enduring popularity across generations.
Song Content
At first listen, “What’s New Pussycat?” may appear to be a lighthearted and almost whimsical love song, but its charm lies in the way it captures both humor and sincerity. The lyrics are structured around the recurring question, “What’s new, pussycat?”—a playful nickname for a lover. Each repetition is followed by affectionate observations of her beauty, presence, and charm. Instead of grand declarations, the song thrives on a flirtatious, teasing quality that feels spontaneous and fun.
Tom Jones’ dynamic vocal performance is what elevates the song from novelty to classic. His voice balances theatrical power with genuine warmth, giving depth to what could have been a simple tune. The orchestration, composed by Burt Bacharach, adds layers of jazzy sophistication with brass flourishes, making the song both catchy and elegant. This playful combination of humor, romance, and charm reflects the cinematic style of the 1960s, when popular music often crossed seamlessly into film soundtracks.
Ultimately, the song is about celebrating love and attraction in a lighthearted way, where the nickname “pussycat” is less about literal meaning and more about capturing the fun, affectionate side of romance.
Explanation of the Theme
The intrigue of “What’s New Pussycat?” lies in its unconventional approach to love songs. While many ballads of the era emphasized passion, longing, or heartbreak, this track focused on playful affection. The title itself sparked curiosity—audiences in the mid-1960s had never encountered a mainstream pop hit with such a quirky phrase. Was it serious? Was it comedic? That ambiguity is exactly why the song stood out.
By framing a love song around humor and novelty, Bacharach and David challenged the norms of what a romantic hit could sound like. Instead of declaring eternal devotion, the lyrics used a pet name repeated with almost childlike glee, paired with orchestral flair. For listeners, it was both unexpected and refreshing. This explains the song’s lasting appeal: it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and yet it still communicates genuine admiration.
Tom Jones’ commanding delivery added a new dimension. His booming voice turned a playful tune into an anthem of charisma, making it impossible to dismiss as “just a novelty song.” The theme of lighthearted romance—celebrating the fun and spontaneity of love—resonated with audiences then and continues to charm listeners today, proving that not all love songs need to be serious to be meaningful.