Alexanders Ragtime Band
Bing Crosby & Connee Boswell Lyrics

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In the fight against infantile paralysis
The National Foundation is happy to muster into its army
Ms. Connie Boswell, Bing Crosby, Victor Young and his Orchestra
And to you who purchased this record
Eddie Canter says thanks for the ammunition

Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band
Come on and hear, come on and hear, it's the best band in the land

He can play a bugle call like you never heard before

It's just the bestest band what am, oh honey lamb
Come on along, come on along, let me take you by the hand
Up to the man, up to the man who's the leader of the band
And if you wanna hear that Swanee River played in ragtime
Why don't you come right and hear
Well, I am coming up to hear
Alexander's Ragtime Band

Come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band

Come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bing Crosby & Connee Boswell's song "Alexander's Ragtime Band" are an invitation to come and experience the music of Alexander's band, the best band in the land. The band is described as playing a bugle call so natural that it can make the listener want to go to war. The lyrics emphasize the quality of the band and its leader, inviting the listener to come and hear their music.

The song was originally written by Irving Berlin in 1911, and it quickly became a hit. It was one of the first songs to popularize ragtime music, and it helped to establish Berlin as a major songwriter. The song tells the story of a fictitious band leader named Alexander who leads the best band in the land. The song has a catchy melody and upbeat tempo that capture the energy and excitement of ragtime music.

"Alexander's Ragtime Band" has a lively and energetic tune that captures the rhythmic style of ragtime music. The lyrics highlight the quality of the band and its leader, inviting the listener to come and experience their music. The song has become a classic and has been covered by many artists over the years, including Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

Line by Line Meaning

Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band
Please come and listen to the music played by Alexander's Ragtime Band

Come on and hear, come on and hear 'bout the best band in the land
Let me tell you about the greatest band in the country

They can play a bugle call like you never heard before
Their performance of bugle calls is unparalleled

So natural that you want to go to war
Their music is so stirring that it makes you feel like going to war

That's just the bestest band what am, oh honey lamb
That band is simply the best, my dear

Come on along, come on along, let me take you by the hand
Join me and let me guide you to the band's location

Up to the man, up to the man who's the leader of the band
Let's meet the person in charge of the band

And if you care to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime
As an added bonus, they can perform the Swanee River in ragtime style

Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band
So, come and listen to Alexander's Ragtime Band

Alexander's Ragtime Band
The name of the band being praised and recommended

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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