Alexander's Ragtime Band
Aimé Barelli and His Orchestra Lyrics
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Alexander's Ragtime Band
Come on and hear, come on and hear
It's the best band in the land
They can play a bugle call
Like you never heard before
So natural that you want to go to war
That's just the bestest band what am, Honey Lamb
Come on along, come on along
Let me take you by the hand
Up to the man, up to the man
Who's the leader of the band
And if you want to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime
Come on and hear, come on and hear
Alexander's Ragtime Band
The lyrics of Aimé Barelli and His Orchestra's song Alexander's Ragtime Band are an invitation to come and listen to the best band in the land. The song extols the virtuosity of the musicians, particularly in playing a bugle call that is so natural that the listener wants to go to war. The song reaches its crescendo when the leader of the band is introduced and the audience is invited to hear a rendition of the classic song Swanee River played in ragtime.
The lyrics speak to the popularity of ragtime music in the early 20th century, particularly in America. Ragtime was a style of music characterized by its syncopated rhythms, and it became closely associated with the African American community. Alexander's Ragtime Band was one of the most famous ragtime bands of the time, led by composer Irving Berlin. The song was written by Berlin in 1911 and has since become a standard of American popular music.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on and hear, come on and hear
Inviting people to come and listen to Alexander's Ragtime Band with enthusiasm and excitement
Alexander's Ragtime Band
The name of the band that the lyrics are about
It's the best band in the land
Claiming that Alexander's Ragtime Band is the greatest musical group around
They can play a bugle call
Describing the band's ability to play a specific type of military music
Like you never heard before
Highlighting the band's unique style of playing bugle calls that have never been heard by the audience
So natural that you want to go to war
Suggesting that the band's music inspires a sense of patriotism and makes people want to join the army
That's just the bestest band what am, Honey Lamb
Using exaggerated language to express an extremely positive opinion of the band, and addressing a loved one affectionately
Come on along, come on along
Repeating the invitation to come and hear the band, suggesting persistence and eagerness
Let me take you by the hand
Offering to personally guide and escort the listener to the location where the band is playing
Up to the man, up to the man
Referring to the band leader as a respected and important figure, emphasizing his role and influence on the group's success
Who's the leader of the band
Asking a rhetorical question to draw attention to the band leader's importance and expertise
And if you want to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime
Offering a specific example of the band's ability to play a well-known folk song in their signature style
Come on and hear, come on and hear
Repeating the invitation to listen to Alexander's Ragtime Band with enthusiasm and urgency
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC
Written by: F. KARLIN, I. BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind