Roché was born in Wilmington, Delaware, United States. She settled in New York in 1939, started her career by winning an Apollo Theater amateur talent contest, sang with the Savoy Sultans from 1941 to 1942, then with Duke Ellington in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1953, she left the Ellington band and settled in San Diego, California. In 1960, she went back to New York and recorded for Prestige.
Roché died in February 1999, aged 81.
Take The 'A' Train
Betty Roché Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
If you miss the "A" train
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
The song Take the "A" Train by Betty Roché is a classic jazz standard that encourages listeners to take the A train to reach Harlem, specifically Sugar Hill. The song serves as an invitation to experience the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Harlem, encouraging listeners to not miss their chance to catch the "quickest way" to Harlem.
The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they incorporate elements of rhythm and sound that evoke the excitement of taking the train. The repetition of the phrase "Hurry, get on, now it's coming" builds anticipation for the arrival of the train, while the imagery of the "rails a-thrumming" reinforces the idea of motion and movement. The song ultimately invites listeners to join in the excitement and energy of Harlem, beckoning them to take the A train and experience the culture and music of the neighborhood.
Overall, the lyrics of Take the "A" Train capture the essence of Harlem and the excitement of traveling by train. The song is a celebration of the unique culture and rhythms of the Harlem neighborhood, and encourages listeners to be a part of it all by taking the A train.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the "A" train
In order to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem, it is necessary to take the "A" train
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
The destination being referred to is Sugar Hill, located high up in Harlem
If you miss the "A" train
In the event that you do not catch the "A" train,
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
you will discover that you have missed the fastest mode of transportation to get to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
It is advised that the listener hurry and board the train, as it is approaching
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
The sound of the train on the tracks is noticeable and present
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Everyone is welcome to board the "A" train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
Upon taking the "A" train, the listener will promptly arrive at Sugar Hill in Harlem
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Strayhorn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Kempf
This track is a classic.Along with everything else, it's worth acknowledging the fine Paul Gonsalves tenor solo.
The Legacy of Minnie Riperton
❤️❤️
Terence Smith
THank you so much for this tasteful presentation of a GREAT moment of Ellingtonia. Duke sets up och and Betty
Roche so dramatically. She is so in control of Billy Strayhorn's beautiful piece in I guess an ultimate
realization ! And yes, Strayhorn had to be totally happy with Paul Gonsalves within this brilliant
panoramic arrangement. Kudos to Louis Bellson too. And this channel !
The Legacy of Minnie Riperton
🌹🌹🌹🌹. Thank you 😊
DonCheech Petti
Just wonderful
The Legacy of Minnie Riperton
❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙