The Meaning Behind The Song: The Siamese Cat Song / What’s Going On Down There? by Oliver Wallace & Peggy Lee
The Siamese Cat Song, also known as What’s Going On Down There?, is a well-known and beloved song from the Disney animated film The Lady and the Tramp. It was composed by Oliver Wallace and the lyrics were written by Peggy Lee. Released on June 22, 1955, the song is featured on the original motion picture soundtrack of the film.
In the movie, the Siamese Cat Song is performed by two mischievous Siamese cats named Si and Am, who are brought to Lady’s home by Aunt Sarah. The two cats deliberately cause trouble and chaos around the house, framing Lady and getting her in trouble with her owners. The song serves as a playful and catchy tune that perfectly captures the mischievous nature of Si and Am.
The lyrics of the Siamese Cat Song depict the cats taunting and plotting mischievous acts. They sing, “We are Siamese if you please, we are Siamese if you don’t please.” This recurring line highlights their mischievous nature and their intention to cause trouble.
One of the most memorable lines of the song is when Si asks, “Do you seeing that thing swimming round and round?” to which Am responds, “Yes, maybe we could reaching in and make it drown.” This playful exchange showcases the cats’ cunning and their desire to cause mischief.
Another significant part of the song is when they hear a baby cry and say, “Where we finding baby, there are milk nearby.” This line hints at their intention to retrieve milk from the baby’s presence. Throughout the song, Si and Am scheme and plan, revealing their mischievous and manipulative nature.
It is important to note that the portrayal of Si and Am, with their exaggerated accents and thin eyes, has been criticized for perpetuating an Orientalist stereotype of Asian people. The depiction of the cats as conniving and deceitful characters with inherently foreign attributes has sparked conversations about cultural insensitivity.
Despite the controversy surrounding the portrayal of Si and Am, the Siamese Cat Song remains a beloved song from the film. It is catchy and memorable, and its playful nature adds a touch of mischief to the story. Many people, myself included, have fond memories of watching The Lady and the Tramp and singing along to this iconic song.
Personally, the Siamese Cat Song brings back nostalgic memories of watching Disney movies as a child. I fondly remember singing along to this song, mimicking the playful voices of Si and Am. The catchy melody and mischievous lyrics made it one of my favorite songs from the film.
As a child, I found the Siamese cats to be entertaining and amusing characters. However, as I grew older and learned about the controversy surrounding their portrayal, I started to view the song and the characters through a different lens. While it is important to acknowledge and critique problematic representations, it is also essential to appreciate the cultural significance and impact of songs like the Siamese Cat Song within the context of their time.
In conclusion, the Siamese Cat Song / What’s Going On Down There? is a catchy and playful song from the Disney film The Lady and the Tramp. It features the mischievous Siamese cats, Si and Am, and their taunting and scheming nature. While the portrayal of these characters has sparked controversy, the song remains a nostalgic and beloved part of the film. As with any piece of art, it is crucial to critically examine and discuss its cultural implications while still appreciating its impact and significance.
