Take the "A" Train
Billy Strayhorn/arr. Gordon Goodwin Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You must take the "A" train
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




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song Take The "A" Train by Billy Strayhorn/arr. Gordon Goodwin's are a simple, yet powerful invitation to experience the vibrant culture and energy of uptown Harlem. The first line of the song, "You must take the 'A' train," sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The "A" train was a subway line that ran from downtown Manhattan all the way uptown to Harlem, and was an iconic symbol of the city's bustling transit system. The lyrics go on to instruct the listener to "go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem," which was a neighborhood known for its affluent African American community during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 30s.


Line by Line Meaning

You must take the "A" train
In order to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem, it is necessary to board the "A" train.


To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
"Sugar Hill" is a specific location in Harlem, and the "A" train is the mode of transportation needed to reach it.


If you miss the "A" train
If you fail to get on the "A" train, you will not be able to reach Sugar Hill as quickly or easily.


You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
The "A" train is the most efficient and direct route to Harlem, so missing it means missing out on a fast and convenient trip.


Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
One should move quickly to board the "A" train, which is approaching the platform.


Listen to those rails a-thrumming
As the train approaches, the sound of the rails can be heard, indicating its imminent arrival.


All aboard, get on the "A" train
Passengers should board the "A" train as it arrives at the station or risk being left behind.


Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
Boarding the "A" train will result in arriving at the desired destination of Sugar Hill in Harlem.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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