Tiger Rag
Benny Carter & His Swing Quartet Lyrics
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Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
The lyrics to Benny Carter & His Swing Quartet's song "Tiger Rag" are a call to action, urging the musicians to find and play the famous "Tiger Rag" tune. The repeated question "Where's that tiger?" is a nod to the popularity of the song and its association with energy and excitement. The commands to "Hold that tiger!" and "Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!" are playful and add to the fun, raucous atmosphere of the song. The chorus of "Low or highbrow, they all cry now / 'Please play that Tiger Rag for me'" is a commentary on the universal appeal of music and how it can bring people together despite their differences.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is that powerful force that we are searching for? Where could it possibly be hiding?
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Grasp onto that potent energy and hold onto it tightly. Keep it within our reach and under control.
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Use any means necessary, even violent ones, to gain control over that elusive tiger and harness its strength for our benefit.
Where oh where can he be?
We are still searching for that great force, wondering where it could be hiding.
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Regardless of social class or background, everyone now desires that same potent energy we've been seeking.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
We long to hear that powerful, driving beat that will help us connect with the tiger and bring us closer to mastering its strength.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind