Tiger Rag
Charles Dornberger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
The lyrics to Charles Dornberger's "Tiger Rag" depict an energetic and lively call-and-response style chant, with the repeated question of "Where's that tiger?" serving as the central focus. The verses create a playful and somewhat comical mood, as different actions are suggested for locating and catching the elusive tiger, such as choking, poking, kicking or soaking him. The chorus repeats the plea for the tune of the "Tiger Rag" to be played, highlighting the popularity of the song and its importance in the music scene of its time.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the excitement and energy that this song promises?
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Keep that energy and excitement going throughout the entire song and don't let it fade away.
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Use any means necessary to capture and maintain that tiger-like energy and excitement in the music.
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Again, where is that electric energy and enthusiasm that we crave?
Where oh where can he be?
We're searching and longing for that unmatched excitement that Tiger Rag embodies.
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Regardless of social class, everyone is united in their desire to hear Tiger Rag.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
A plea to the musician to perform the song that never fails to ignite and sustain that infectious excitement.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alan Bond
Back in the 1970s & 1980s the late Brian Rust used this as the signature tune for his 'Mardis Gras' show on London's Capital Radio every Sunday evening for about 12 years so we heard it often - lovely stuff !
Randy Skretvedt
Excellent transfer of a great record! Thank you!
Mark Ostermayer
Woo this is fast paced! I love it! I don't even know how they played that fast! Great song too!
John Coffin
The 'I Got Rhythm' of the 20s. Dozens of 'original' tunes are based over the chords of the vamp section.
Joe Marx
Your right, bits of this turn up on a lot of records from that time.
ptm51
Nice!!
thanks for the upload.
N. B.
I've never heard this version. The only one I know is the one by the Mills Brother's and the Betty Boop cartoon.
RatPfink66
Take 7? Is there another we can hear?
Tadfafty
Where's the tiger?
Where's the tiger?