Spreadin' Rhythm Around
Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics

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Music everywhere, feet are pattin'
Puttin' tempo in old Manhattan
Everybody is out high hattin'
Spreadin' rhythm around

Everywhere you go trumpets are blarin'
Drums and saxophones rip and tearin'
Everybody you meet is rarin'

Spreadin' rhythm around

Up in Harlem in every flat they give it that zing
Which according to one and all is what they call swing

Those who can't afford silk and satin
Dance with Gigolos who are Latin

Come from Yonkers, the Bronx and Staten
Spreadin' rhythm around

Overall Meaning

Billie Holiday's "Spreadin' Rhythm Around" is a song that encapsulates the bustling energy of Manhattan. The song starts off by highlighting the presence of music everywhere and the people's reaction to it. Feet are patting, and tempo is being put into Manhattan. The people are excitedly high hattin' and spreading the rhythm around. The chorus of the song emphasizes the ubiquitous nature of music in the city - trumpets are blaring, and drums and saxophones are rip and tearing. Members of the public are "raring" to join in the musical celebration and, as the title suggests, spread rhythm around.

The second verse is particularly fascinating because it shines a light on the Harlem music scene, where swing music was born. Billie Holiday sings that in every Harlem flat, music was infused with a zing that represented the swing sound. The zing, according to everyone in the Harlem music scene, should be present, and it is this 'zing' that gave birth to the swing music genre. The verse ends by touching on the inclusive nature of swing music. Everyone, irrespective of their status or background, could partake in the music, even if they couldn't afford silk and satin.

Overall, "Spreadin' Rhythm Around" is a charming song that speaks to the enduring love of music in Manhattan and how it brings people from all backgrounds together. The lyrics celebrate the omnipresence of music in the city while recognizing the importance of music in bringing people together.

Line by Line Meaning

Music everywhere, feet are pattin'
The joyous sound of music is ubiquitous, with many people tapping their feet along to the beat.

Puttin' tempo in old Manhattan
The rhythm of the music has infused the city of Manhattan with new life and excitement.

Everybody is out high hattin'
Everyone is socializing and having a good time, reveling in the energy of the music.

Spreadin' rhythm around
The music is spreading far and wide, infecting all who hear it with its infectious rhythm and pulse.

Everywhere you go trumpets are blarin'
The distinctive sound of trumpets can be heard all throughout the city, announcing the arrival of the music to all who can hear it.

Drums and saxophones rip and tearin'
The rhythm section of the band is driving the music forward, with the drums and saxophones providing the backbone for the other instruments to shine.

Everybody you meet is rarin'
Everyone is excited and energized by the music, eagerly anticipating the next moment when they can dance and enjoy its infectious sound.

Up in Harlem in every flat they give it that zing
The Harlem neighborhood is where the music is really thriving; in every apartment, people are enjoying the sound and giving it their own unique flavor.

Which according to one and all is what they call swing
The unique rhythm associated with this music is what people are calling 'swing' - a term that has come to embody the energetic, upbeat feeling associated with this new style of music.

Those who can't afford silk and satin
Even those who are not wealthy are able to enjoy the music, dancing to it in whatever clothes they have on hand.

Dance with Gigolos who are Latin
People of all backgrounds and cultures are coming together to enjoy the music, with Latin dance partners adding yet another layer of color and excitement to the scene.

Come from Yonkers, the Bronx and Staten
People from all over the city are flocking to this new music, drawn to its infectious sound and lively beat.

Spreadin' rhythm around
The music continues to spread throughout the city, bringing joy and energy wherever it goes.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JIMMY MC HUGH, TED KOEHLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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