The Cat Came Back

Tab & Chord versions

Words & Music:

Harry S. Miller

1. Classic, original version:

Now, old Mr. Johnson had worries of his own.

A E7

He had an old yeller cat that wouldn't leave home.

Tried everything he knew to do to keep the cat away.

He took him up to Canada and told him for to stay.

CHORUS:

E7 A

But the cat came back the very next day.

E7 A

The old cat came back; thought he was a goner,

D E7 A

But the cat came back; he wouldn't stay away.

2. Sonny James' Rockablly version:

This cover is based on the classic version of the chords, but has the rising blues bass line. Modify the intro's bluesy bass line (a chord tone, blues note or passing tone on each downbeat) during the verses and chorus to fit the chords.

INTRO: [play 2x]

D |----0--1--2h.o.3----|

A |-1------------------| [listen to the recording for timing]

E |-----------------1--|

[n.c. - Bb implied]

The cat came back, the cat came back.

Eb F

I thought he was a goner, but the cat came back.

F Bb

'Cause he wouldn't stay away.

Bb [stop chord]

Now, old Uncle John had troubles of his own.

[n.c.] F

He had an ol' yellow cat that wouldn't leave home.

He tried everything he knew to keep the cat away.

Bb[stop chord]

Even gave it to a preacher an' he told it for to stay. But...

3. Modern version in Em:

This version seems to date from the 1960s on and was also used by the Stray Cats as the basis for their first hit "Stray Cat Strut". The chord structure is: i - bVII - VI - V7

Em D C B7 you can play the E either on the low open E string or

D |-[2]--0--------| on the second fret of the D string

A |---------3--2--|

E |--0------------|

[repeat ad infinitum until song is done]

4. Modern version in Am:

This version is for those for whom Em is a bad key or for those who would prefer a stronger chord progression working down the neck with barre chords. It is reminiscent of Chicago's early hit "25 or 6 to 4" with the same i - bVII - VI - V7 chord structure.

Am G F E7

E |--5---3---1---0---|

B |--5---4---2---3---|

G |--7---5---3---1---|

D |--7---5---3---2---|

A |--5---3---1---2---|

E |--5---3---1---0---|

[repeat ad infinitum until song is done]

Bass line under chords for intro & transition from chorus to verse. The third measure is a 2/4 measure. The rest of the song is in 4/4:

A E [E] A

D |-----|----2----------2-|-2-----2-----|-2-4-2-4-2-0-----|----2--------2--|

A |-----|-0----------0----|----2-----2--|-------------4-2-|-0--------0----|

E |-0-4-|-------0-4-------|-------------|-----------------|------0-4------|

There are, of course, many more version of this song. If you have a fave chord progression or tab, please send it in!