Strike Up the Band
Boston Pops Orchestra/John Williams Lyrics


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Let the drums roll out
Let the trumpet call
While the people shout, "strike up the band"

Hear the cymbals ring
Calling one and all
To the martial swing, strike up the band
There is work to be done, to be done
Let's have fun, fun, fun
You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand

Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let's go
Hey, leader, strike up the band!

There is work to be done, to be done
Let's have fun, fun, fun
Come on, son of a gun of a gun, take your stand

Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let's go
Hey, Mr. Leader,




Hey, Mr. Leader,
Please strike up the band!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Strike Up the Band" by John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra are a call to arms, urging the people to come together and take action. The opening lines, "Let the drums roll out, let the trumpet call," set the tone for a rousing and energetic performance. As the cymbals ring out and the martial swing takes over, the excitement builds to a frenzied crescendo. The lyrics encourage everyone to get involved and take a stand, forming a line and stepping up to the challenge. Overall, "Strike Up the Band" is a rousing anthem that embodies the spirit of unity and cooperation.


Line by Line Meaning

Let the drums roll out
Begin the musical performance by playing the drums


Let the trumpet call
Begin the musical performance by playing the trumpet


While the people shout, "strike up the band"
While the audience cheers, start the full orchestral performance


Hear the cymbals ring
Listen to the sound of the cymbals as they are played


Calling one and all
Inviting everyone to participate in the energetic music


To the martial swing, strike up the band
Play the music with a military-style beat and rhythm


There is work to be done, to be done
There are tasks that need to be accomplished


Let's have fun, fun, fun
Let's make the work enjoyable and fun


You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand
You strong and capable person, take your position to participate in the music


Form a line, oh, oh
Stand in a row, following a certain order while preparing for the performance


Come on, let's go
Invite the group to move and act with energy and enthusiasm


Hey, leader, strike up the band!
Hey, director or conductor, start the pleasing musical performance!


Hey, Mr. Leader,
Hey, chief or head of the group,


Please strike up the band!
Please start the thrilling orchestral performance!




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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