The song "When The Cat Goes Out" by Alan Jackson is a story about a man who is struggling to stay faithful in his relationship. He apologizes to his partner for deceiving them but also explains that it was difficult for him to stay in line. The narrator admits that he loves his partner but sometimes drifts away due to various reasons that he doesn't clearly state. He also mentions that when his partner is away, he starts to feel alone and vulnerable, which makes it easier for him to cheat. The story takes a turn when the narrator mentions that his partner recently went on a trip with their friends to Vegas and didn't bother to call him. This made him feel neglected and lonely, which led him to seek comfort in other women. The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that when the cat (partner) is away, the mice (narrator) will play (cheat). The narrator apologizes to their partner again and asks for understanding and forgiveness. Overall, "When the Cat Goes Out" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of infidelity and the importance of communication and trust in relationships.