About the song
In the annals of rock history, few bands have left as indelible a mark as Cream. Comprised of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, the trio was a powerhouse of talent that pushed the boundaries of rock music during the late 1960s. Their music was a potent blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic experimentation, and “Pressed Rat and Warthog” is a prime example of their sonic exploration.
Released on their second studio album, Disraeli Gears, in 1967, “Pressed Rat and Warthog” is a psychedelic instrumental that showcases the band’s virtuosity and their willingness to take musical risks. The title itself is nonsensical, adding to the song’s surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.
From the opening notes, the song is a whirlwind of sound. Clapton’s guitar playing is both melodic and aggressive, weaving intricate patterns that create a hypnotic effect. Bruce’s basslines provide a solid foundation, while Baker’s drumming is a tour de force of rhythmic complexity. The three musicians create a sonic tapestry that is both dense and intricate, yet somehow manages to feel loose and improvisational.
The song’s structure is unconventional, with extended instrumental sections and sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics. This experimental approach was characteristic of the psychedelic rock movement, and “Pressed Rat and Warthog” is a prime example of the genre’s most adventurous side.
While the song’s lyrics are limited to a few repeated phrases, the music itself tells a story. It is a journey through a surreal and psychedelic landscape, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The listener is invited to simply sit back and enjoy the ride, allowing the music to wash over them.
“Pressed Rat and Warthog” is a testament to the power of instrumental music. It shows that even without lyrics, a song can evoke strong emotions and create a lasting impression. The track is a celebration of the band’s virtuosity and their willingness to explore the outer limits of rock music.
For fans of Cream and psychedelic rock, “Pressed Rat and Warthog” is a must-listen. It is a sonic adventure that rewards repeated listening and offers a glimpse into the creative minds of three of rock’s most talented musicians.
Video
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