Bugle Call Rag
Billy Banks & His Orchestra Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Shake their shoulders bold.
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.





Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Billy Banks & His Orchestra's song "Bugle Call Rag" depict the irresistible and addictive nature of the bugle call melody. It suggests that everyone will inevitably be drawn to and caught up in the rhythm, regardless of their age, shape, or size. The song promotes syncopated dancing and encourages the listener to hold their partner tight and move to the beat. The line "Thin or fat, young or old; Shake their shoulders bold" emphasizes that this is a song for everyone to enjoy, and that when it comes to the infectious bugle call, everyone is equal.


The lyrics also hint at the jazz tradition of instrumental breaks and improvisation, as the line "Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!" implies a pause in the music for the musicians to showcase their skills. The overall tone of the lyrics is playful and fun, encouraging the listener to lose themselves in the music and enjoy the moment.


Line by Line Meaning

You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
The bugle call is so magnetic that it's impossible not to be drawn in by its call.


You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Once you've experienced the Bugle Call Rag, you'll want to extol its virtues to everyone you meet.


Thin or fat, young or old;
It doesn't matter what size or age a person is – the Bugle Call Rag is for everyone.


Shake their shoulders bold.
People get so caught up in the rhythm of the Bugle Call Rag that they can't resist moving their bodies.


Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Let's dance together and feel the rhythm of the lively, upbeat melody of the Bugle Call Rag.


Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
Take a moment to catch your breath while the band takes a short break, but keep the excitement and anticipation going with a hushed silence.


While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
As we dance to the Bugle Call Rag, stay close to me and keep the energy high by moving quickly and gracefully to the beat.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY MEYERS, ELMER SCHOEBEL, JOHN PETTIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Philip Robson

Thanks for posting this. The world should hear more of Billy Banks - superb!

cowgirlo99

AWESOME! love it :)

Ron Walker

This is fabulous

Steve Austin

Joe Sullivan sure sounds like he copped a lot of licks from Fats.

8ozzon

Zutty Singleton drums.

Elizabeth Rosenthal

No, it's Gene Krupa. Not only is it documented that it's Gene, but it's unmistakably his style.

Elizabeth Rosenthal

No, it's Gene Krupa. Not only is it documented that it's Gene, but it's unmistakably his style.

More Versions