Alexander's Ragtime Band
Boswell Connie Lyrics

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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
That'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 want to hear
the Swanee River played in ragtime
why won't you come right up in here
Alexander's Ragtime Band

Come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band

Come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band

Overall Meaning

"Alexander's Ragtime Band" is a song that was popularized in 1911 by Boswell Connie, a vaudeville performer. The song was written by Irving Berlin, one of America's greatest songwriters. The song is an invitation to the listener to come and join the band and enjoy the great music.

The lyrics start with a catchy intro that serves as an invitation to join the band. The first verse talks about how the band is the best in the land and how the bugler's call is one that has never been heard before. The second verse invites the listener to come and meet the band leader and hear the band play "Swanee River" in ragtime. The chorus repeats the invitation to come and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band.

The song is notable for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo. Its popularity led to the creation of many ragtime bands in the early 1900s, and it became a staple of the vaudeville circuit. The song is also significant in that it was one of the first songs to become a national hit, selling over a million copies of sheet music.

Line by Line Meaning

Come on and hear, come on and hear
Join me in listening with open ears and hearts

Alexander's Ragtime Band
The musical group referred to as 'Alexander's Ragtime Band'

Come on and hear, come on and hear
Once again, I urge you to listen and enjoy

It's the best band in the land
This band is unmatched by any other in quality and talent

He can play a bugle call
The band leader is capable of playing a bugle call

like you never heard before
In a unique and captivating manner

That's just the bestest band what am, oh honey lamb
This is truly the greatest band there is, my dear

Come on along, come on along
I invite you to come with me

Let me take you by the hand
I will guide you and show you the way

Up to the man, up to the man
We will approach the band leader

Who's the leader of the band
The individual in charge of the musical group