Cat & Dog

⋆ Genre [Source: Naver/BigHit]: Hip-hop, Trap

⋆ Producing Credits: Daniel "JUNE NAWAKII" Celestin, Supreme Boi

⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Daniel "JUNE NAWAKII" Celestin, Darel "BEBE DA RICH", Ituta, Supreme Boi

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ABOUT/MEANING: ‘Cat & Dog’ explores the desire for a deep, unbreakable bond, comparing the loyalty and companionship of pets to a strong relationship. It reflects a yearning for a connection as simple and unconditional as the bond between a pet and its owner. While the song can be interpreted as expressing a form of romantic ‘puppy love,’ it also symbolizes the boys' strong friendship and the carefree, youthful spirit they share. As they navigate the uncertainties of growing up, their friendship provides joy, stability, and unconditional support, reminding them that they are stronger and happier together as they chase their dreams.

*For further context on the song check out 'The Dream Chapter: STAR' album summary

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LYRICS - ENGLISH TRANSLATION (translations by @translatingTXT):

In the written lyrics below, there are a couple of explanations of lyrics and translations not covered in the lyric video. Feel free to check them out if you're interested.

Feel like I’m your cat, I’m your dog

In my two eyes, I see nothing but you

What we got is not a coincidence but a kitty-incidence/What we got is not a coincidence, it's a an unknown one

WORDPLAY/TRANSLATION NOTE: This line has two meanings. It features a rhyme between '우연' (ooh-yeon), meaning 'coincidence,' and '묘연' (myo-yeon), which means 'unknown' or 'mysterious.' This leads to the translation: "What we got is not a coincidence, it's an unknown one." However, the syllable '묘 (myo)' can also refer to 'cat,' as the Chinese character for cat (猫) is pronounced '묘' (myo) in Korean. This gives us the secondary translation: "What we got is not a coincidence, but a kitty-incidence" - which is the translation used in Big Hit's captions for the 'Cat & Dog' music video.

When I’m with you I purr purr purr

I don’t wanna be just friends

Don’t wanna be apart from you,

Can I be a pet

By your side for 24 hours straight

Leave my space empty

Yeah right next to you

Leave my space empty

Yes okay okay

Don’t wanna be apart from you

Can I be a pet

Keep on grooming, keep kneading

WORDPLAY: Kneading is when cats press their paws rhythmically against a soft surface, often associated with comfort, happiness, and bonding. However, due to the phonetic similarity, this line subtly implies "keep needing," suggesting emotional dependence or longing. It conveys the idea of a continual need to stay close to the person they care about, reflecting an emotional attachment or desire for closeness.

Always by your side

Leave my space empty

Yeah right next to you

Leave my space empty

My friends say, "Get your manners"

They could never imagine my aegyo

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: 'Aegyo' is a Korean term that refers to a cute, charming, and often playful display of affection or endearment.

My cold indifferent behavior

My rough tongue speaks my attitude

(But) oh my gawd, what the heck is this feeling

When I see you, I become a puppy

Instead of playing this boring butler game

I want to play frisbee with you

Going for walks every day

Oh oh oh oh

In my monochrome world, you shine red and blue

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: Dogs perceive the world in monochrome. This metaphor suggests that the "the boy's" life was dull and colorless - much like a dog’s vision - before encountering the person they care about. Red and blue symbolize the emotional vibrancy this person brings, with red likely representing passion, energy, and/or love, and blue symbolizing calmness, trust, or stability. These colors transform the "the boy's" world, adding depth and meaning to their once-monochrome existence. Additionally, these are the colors that the "you" in Blue Orangeade liked: "You like red roses / You like blue sea."

Oh oh oh oh

When you’re with me I purr purr purr

I don’t wanna be just friends

Don’t wanna be apart from you,

Can I be a pet

By your side for 24 hours straight

Leave my space empty

Yeah right next to you

Leave my space empty

Yes okay okay

Don’t wanna be apart from you

Can I be a pet

Keep on grooming, keep kneading

Always by your side

Leave my space empty

Yeah right next to you

Leave my space empty

Feels like Cinderella I change

From a kitty cat I turn into your own Jindo dog

Before heading home at midnight

I’ll be on guard around you, snarling

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: This refers to the well-known fairy tale where Cinderella undergoes a magical transformation, changing from an ordinary girl into a princess, until midnight when she must return home before the spell wears off. In this context, "the boy" experiences a metaphorical transformation due to their new relationship/friendship - specifically, changing from a cat (typically seen as independent and aloof) into a Jindo dog (a breed native to Jindo Island in South Korea, known for its loyalty, protectiveness, and devotion to its owner).

Puppy-kitty, I like it, like it

I’m rude, but never in front of you

Forever, I wish to be like this

Let’s play forever until we cross The Rainbow Bridge

CONTEXT/EXPLANATION: The Rainbow Bridge is a mythical overpass that is believed to connect heaven and Earth, allowing owners to reunite with their departed pets.

Oh oh oh oh

In my monochrome world you shine red and blue

Oh oh oh oh

When you’re with me I purr purr purr

I don’t wanna be just friends

Don’t wanna be apart from you,

Can I be a pet

By your side for 24 hours straight

Leave my space empty

Yeah right next to you

Leave my space empty

Yes okay okay

Don’t wanna be apart from you

Can I be a pet

Keep on grooming, keep kneading

Always by your side

Leave my space empty

Yeah right next to you

Leave my space empty

Let’s play forever I just wanna be your dog

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

I just wanna be your dog

Oh oh oh oh

Let’s play forever I just wanna be your dog

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

I just wanna be your dog

Oh oh oh oh

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Helpful Context (Album Summary): ‘The Dream Chapter: STAR' marks the beginning of the story of five boys*, capturing the moment they come together under a shared dream. Finding strength in one another, they step beyond childhood and into adolescence, facing both the excitement of new possibilities and the anxieties that define youth. Looking up at the night sky, they hold onto dreams that once felt distant, believing that together, they can turn the impossible into reality. As TXT’s debut album, this EP embodies their name - TOMORROW X TOGETHER - highlighting how differences can be bridged through a common vision for a better tomorrow. It sets the stage for the chapters to come, shaping not just their dreams but the path they will walk together. [*Within TXT's discography-based narrative the 'boys/boy' can be interpreted as representing the TXT members, but they also serve as generalized protagonists used to convey the broader experiences of youth.]

Helpful Context (Album Series Summary): The Dream Chapter trilogy chronicles the journey of five boys* transitioning from childhood to adolescence, united by a common dream. As they navigate this pivotal period of youth, the albums explore the evolution of their friendship, the trials they face, and their growth as individuals. Set in a dreamlike world, the trilogy reflects their pursuit of aspirations, capturing both the hope and struggles that shape their path. Additionally, the Dream Chapter series serves as a metaphor for TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s own journey, from trainees to debut artists, highlighting their shared experience of self-discovery and the challenges they face in chasing their dreams. [*Within TXT's discography-based narrative the 'boys/boy' can be interpreted as representing the TXT members, but they also serve as generalized protagonists used to convey the broader experiences of youth.]