Mom Said “No More Pets”

[Verse 1]
I was sixteen
Saving change
Scrolling pictures late at night
Told my dad
“I need a kitten”
He just laughed
But his eyes got bright
Next thing
Shelter in the suburbs
Little paws pressed to the glass
One was orange
Small and shaking
One all marbled
Smart and fast
[Pre-Chorus]
“Just one
” I said
My voice all cracked
But they curled up in my lap
[Chorus]
Mom said “no more pets
” that was the rule
We pulled in the driveway
Tried to play it cool
Two paper boxes breathing on my knees
Heart doing flips as I fumbled with the keys
Mom said “no more pets
” then saw those eyes
Hands on her hips
Yeah she tried to stay dry
But now those cats run the house
That’s a fact
I went off to college
And they never gave ’em back
[Verse 2]
We snuck in like some bad spies
Whispered “shh
” then someone meowed
Turtle shell jumped from the carton
Orange one tumbled
Tail all proud
Mom froze there in the kitchen
Dish towel hanging from her hand
“Are you kidding?” thunder lightning
Dad just grinned
“Wasn’t this the plan?”
[Pre-Chorus]
She said
“You clean litter
Every day”
While Tortoise climbed her leg halfway
[Chorus]
Mom said “no more pets
” that was the rule
We pulled in the driveway
Tried to play it cool
Two paper boxes breathing on my knees
Heart doing flips as I fumbled with the keys
Mom said “no more pets
” then saw those eyes
Hands on her hips
Yeah she tried to stay dry
But now those cats run the house
That’s a fact
I went off to college
And they never gave ’em back
[Bridge]
Dorm room posters
Late-night calls (hey!)
She’d complain how much they shed
But I’d hear purring in the background
As they slept across her legs
“Don’t be late on your vacation
They’ve been waiting by the door”
She laughs
“Your cats eat better
Than your father
I’m sure” (oh yeah)
[Chorus]
Mom said “no more pets
” that was the rule
We pulled in the driveway
Tried to play it cool
Two paper boxes breathing on my knees
Heart doing flips as I fumbled with the keys
Mom said “no more pets
” now look at that
Christmas cards covered in orange and patchwork cats
I grew up
Moved out
But here’s the twist:
Those were my kittens
Now they’re Mom’s whole list
[Outro]
She said “no more pets”
Now they sleep on her chest
I wanted a kitten
She got the rest

pop, Bouncy pop with an acoustic backbone, bright piano stabs, and male vocals. Verses stay storytelling and close-miked; pre-chorus adds claps and light synth pads. Chorus hits with stacked gang vocals on the hook, steady kick, and a playful bass groove. Short bridge drops to vocal and snaps, then full band rushes back for a final, feel-good refrain.