Memory
Lyrics and Information

Are you looking for Memory lyrics and information? You’ve come to the right place. Below you will find an excerpt of this popular show tune and some background information.

Grizabella’s Memories

Cats Memory is one of the best-known songs of a stage musical. Memory is, in fact, the most popular song of Cats, a record-setting musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Interestingly, the lyrics – written by Cats director Trevor Nunn – were based on two poems by T.S. Eliot: Preludes and Rhapsody on a Windy Night. As you may already know, Cats was based on a collection of T.S. Eliot’s poems: Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.

Memory is performed by Grizabella, a former "Glamour Cat". Through the song, Grizabella sadly recalls the good times of the past. At the same time she expresses her longing for a better future. The melody is haunting, evocative, and deeply nostalgic.

Memory is briefly sung in Act I. It is performed in its entirety at the end of the show. This song is, without a doubt, the highest point of this beloved musical.

Memory Song Lyrics (excerpt)

Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Every streetlamp
Seems to beat a fatalistic warning
Someone mutters
And the streetlamp gutters
And soon it will be morning

Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I musn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin

Fun tidbits of Memory Cats

--Before this tune made it to Cats, it was considered for two other musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber: Evita and Sunset Boulevard.

--Elaine Paige (the original Grizabella) made this song wildly popular.

--Several other artists have covered Memory, including: Susan Boyle, Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, and Barbra Streisand.

--Rocio Banquells, a Mexican singer, sang a Spanish version.

Did you enjoy these Memory lyrics? Read more about Cats by visiting the pages listed below.


Related Pages

Cats the Musical

More information about the musical Cats

Fun songs about cats

Cat Movies

Literary cats


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