![Cream - Anyone for Tennis/Pressed Rat and Warthog [Single] Lyrics and Tracklist | Genius](https://images.genius.com/95492f80b3e8cbab83f7c8619494752b.600x600x1.jpg)
About the song
Among the many iconic songs from Cream, “Pressed Rat and Warthog” stands out as one of their most eccentric and unexpected works. Released in 1968 as part of their final studio album, “Wheels of Fire,” the song is an unconventional blend of spoken-word poetry, jazz-influenced instrumentation, and psychedelic rock. Unlike the band’s signature blues-driven sound, this track takes a whimsical, almost surreal approach, making it a curious yet compelling piece of late-1960s experimental rock.
An Unusual Addition to “Wheels of Fire”
“Pressed Rat and Warthog” appeared on Cream’s double album “Wheels of Fire,” which was released in July 1968. The album was groundbreaking, with one half consisting of studio recordings and the other half showcasing their powerful live performances at the Fillmore and Winterland Ballroom. While the album contained legendary tracks like “White Room” and “Crossroads,” this song took a completely different turn, showcasing the band’s quirky, avant-garde side.
The song was written by drummer Ginger Baker and jazz pianist Mike Taylor, and rather than featuring a traditional vocal melody, it’s delivered as a poetic narration by Baker, with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce providing a rich, jazz-tinged instrumental backdrop. The unusual storytelling format and surreal lyrics make it a fascinating departure from Cream’s usual blues-rock anthems.
Meaning and Interpretation
At first listen, “Pressed Rat and Warthog” sounds like an absurdist fairy tale. The lyrics tell the strange, nonsensical story of two characters—Pressed Rat and Warthog—who run a failing business selling “atonal apples and amplified heat.” The imagery is bizarre and dreamlike, fitting perfectly into the psychedelic era’s fascination with surrealism and free-form expression.
Some interpretations suggest that the song is a satirical commentary on the decline of unconventional ideas and artistic expression. Others see it as a whimsical children’s story, brought to life with jazz-infused rock. Regardless of interpretation, the song stands as a bold experiment in storytelling within rock music.
Impact and Legacy
While “Pressed Rat and Warthog” was never a hit single, it remains a cult favorite among Cream fans, particularly those who appreciate Ginger Baker’s unique artistic sensibilities. Baker’s distinctive narration style and the song’s offbeat nature make it one of Cream’s most memorable deep cuts.
Though Cream was best known for their virtuosic musicianship and blues-rock roots, this song demonstrated that they were willing to push the boundaries of rock music into uncharted territories. Even today, it remains a fascinating glimpse into the experimental spirit of the late 1960s, capturing the era’s love for absurdity, freeform jazz, and creative risk-taking.
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Lyrics
Pressed rat and warthog have closed down their shopThey didn’t want to; ’twas all they had gotSelling atonal apples, amplified heatAnd pressed rat’s collection of doglegs and feetSadly, they left, telling no one goodbyePressed rat wore red jodhpurs, warthog a striped tieBetween them, they carried a three-legged sackWent straight round the corner and never came backPressed rat and warthog have closed down their shopThe bad captain madman had told them to stopSelling atonal apples, amplified heatAnd pressed rat’s collection of doglegs and feetThe bad captain madman had ordered their fateHe laughed and stomped off with a nautical gateThe gate turned into a deroga treeAnd his peg leg got woodworm and broke into threePressed rat and warthog have closed down their shopThey didn’t want to; ’twas all they had gotSelling atonal apples, amplified heatAnd pressed rat’s collection of doglegs and feet