When I first heard Morph the Cat, I thought it was about how one can open their window in the city and hear various bits of music and noise that while different, manage to "morph" into a whole. The song takes us on a trip through various parts of Manhattan, each of which adds their sound. While 'slightly rough', the end result is still 'cool and sweet' and brings joy because it's a mix of peoples and cultures.
However, I've read some reviews that suggest a darker meaning. Morph could be Morpheus, god of dreams, who is lulling the city into a numb state. Fagen has mentioned constant brain washing from sources like politics and TV being key factors.
Fagen's mother suffered from Alzheimers (an arctic mindbath) She was also a child singer from the Catskills known for doing Arlen tunes. She meet her husband while working in a hatter's office.
Rabelasian is a reference to Francois Rabelais, a 16th century satirist. Apparently Morph can be entertaining, but packs a puch.
So, Morph the Cat-- a joy bringing being made of the mix of different sounds and peoples into a harmonius whole...or sinister brain-washer?
When I first heard Morph the Cat, I thought it was about how one can open their window in the city and hear various bits of music and noise that while different, manage to "morph" into a whole. The song takes us on a trip through various parts of Manhattan, each of which adds their sound. While 'slightly rough', the end result is still 'cool and sweet' and brings joy because it's a mix of peoples and cultures.
However, I've read some reviews that suggest a darker meaning. Morph could be Morpheus, god of dreams, who is lulling the city into a numb state. Fagen has mentioned constant brain washing from sources like politics and TV being key factors. Fagen's mother suffered from Alzheimers (an arctic mindbath) She was also a child singer from the Catskills known for doing Arlen tunes. She meet her husband while working in a hatter's office.
Rabelasian is a reference to Francois Rabelais, a 16th century satirist. Apparently Morph can be entertaining, but packs a puch.
So, Morph the Cat-- a joy bringing being made of the mix of different sounds and peoples into a harmonius whole...or sinister brain-washer?