Take The 'A' Train
B. Strayhorn Lyrics

These lyrics come from Billy Strayhorn's song "Take the 'A' Train." The 'A' train was named after the subway line in New York City that ran from Brooklyn to Upper Manhattan, through Harlem. The song was originally written for and performed by the Duke Ellington Orchestra in the 1940s. The lyrics encourage people to take the 'A' train if they want to get to Sugar Hill, a neighborhood in Harlem where many African American musicians and artists lived during the jazz age.

The song is full of imagery that captures the excitement of traveling on the 'A' train. The lyrics suggest that taking the 'A' train is the "quickest way to Harlem," and that the train's rhythmic movement is like music itself. When the train arrives, it is described as "coming" with "rails a-thrumming," creating a sense of urgency and anticipation.

At its heart, "Take the 'A' Train" is a celebration of Harlem and its vibrant culture. The neighborhood was a hub of creativity during the jazz age, and this song captures the energy and excitement that drew so many people there. By encouraging people to take the 'A' train, the song also acknowledges the role that the subway played in making Harlem accessible to people from all parts of the city.