The “Soft Kitty Warm Kitty” song has charmed audiences worldwide, largely thanks to its frequent appearances on the popular TV show, The Big Bang Theory. Many viewers associate the tune directly with the show, believing it to be a modern creation penned for the sitcom. However, the true origin of this comforting lullaby stretches back decades, long before Sheldon Cooper sought solace in its gentle verses. It’s time to set the record straight and give credit where credit is due, exploring the rich history of this beloved children’s song.
“Warm Kitty”: The Original Nursery Rhyme
The song we know as “Soft Kitty” actually began its life under the title “Warm Kitty.” Its origins can be traced to a delightful collection of children’s music published in 1937, a book titled “Songs for the Nursery.” This treasured anthology was authored by Laura Pendleton MacCarteney, and the copyright was secured by Willis Music Co. within that same year. Within the pages of this book, “Warm Kitty” offered a simple, soothing melody intended to comfort young children.
The tune itself, as acknowledged by MacCarteney, is an adaptation of a traditional English folk melody. The musical arrangement for “Warm Kitty” was crafted by Edith Newlin, adding another layer of artistry to this seemingly simple rhyme. Interestingly, a digitized version of “Songs for the Nursery,” dating back to a 1950s republication, is available through the Australian National Library, allowing anyone to explore the original context of “Warm Kitty” on page 21. Despite a slight variation in lyrics between “Warm Kitty” and “Soft Kitty”, the melody remains instantly recognizable, a testament to its enduring appeal.
From Page to Screen: “Soft Kitty” on The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory undeniably catapulted “Soft Kitty” into the global spotlight. The show’s repeated use of the song as a comfort for the character Sheldon Cooper introduced it to a vast new audience. While this exposure is positive in many ways, it has also inadvertently overshadowed the song’s true creators. It’s crucial to remember that the show’s writers did not invent “Soft Kitty”; they skillfully incorporated an existing, charming nursery rhyme into their narrative, adding depth and warmth to Sheldon’s character. Recognizing the original authorship enriches our appreciation for both the song and its clever use within the show.
Beyond Borders: International Recognition and Possible Polish Inspiration
“Soft Kitty”’s journey extends beyond the pages of “Songs for the Nursery” and the screens of television sets. Australian audiences may recognize the tune from Patsy Biscoe, a well-known Australian TV presenter, who recorded “Warm Kitty” for her 2009 album “50 Favourite Nursery Rhymes Vol.3.” The song also found its way onto “Play School,” a long-running Australian children’s program, further cementing its place in international children’s culture.
Intriguingly, some speculate that the melody of “Warm Kitty,” and by extension “Soft Kitty,” might have roots in a Polish lullaby from 19th-century Warsaw. This Polish lullaby, titled “Wlazł kotek na płotek,” is attributed to Oskar Kolberg and Stanisław Moniuszko. “Wlazł kotek na płotek,” which translates to “The kitten climbed on the fence,” shares a thematic connection with “Warm Kitty” in its focus on felines. While “Wlazł kotek na płotek” possesses a different rhythm, the possibility of it serving as inspiration for the English tune remains an interesting point of discussion.
Ultimately, “Soft Kitty Warm Kitty” is more than just a catchy tune from a TV show. It is a song with a genuine history, originating as “Warm Kitty” in Laura Pendleton MacCarteney’s “Songs for the Nursery,” with music by Edith Newlin. Understanding and acknowledging these creators enriches our appreciation for this enduring nursery rhyme and its journey from a printed page to a global phenomenon. The next time you hear “Soft Kitty,” remember its long and fascinating history, and the talented individuals who brought this comforting melody into the world.
