Strike Up the Band
Clive Lythgoe Lyrics
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Let the trumpet call
While the people shout
"Strike up the band"
Hear the cymbals ring
Callin' one and all
To the martial swing
There is work to be done, to be done
Let's have fun, fun, fun
Come on you son of a son, of a gun
Take your stand
Fall in line, yea a bow
Come along, 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 you son of a gun, of a gun
Take your stand
Fall in line, yea a bow
Come on, let's go
Hey, Leader, strike up
Hey, Leader, strike up
Hey, Leader, strike up the band!
The lyrics of “Strike Up the Band” by Clive Lythgoe are a rousing call to action for listeners to come together to get things done. The upbeat melodies and lyrics encourage everyone to join in on the festivities and enjoy themselves while also acknowledging that there is work to do. The opening lines of the song proclaim, “Let the drums roll out, let the trumpet call, while the people shout ‘Strike up the Band.’” The urgency and excitement in these lines set the tone for the rest of the song, and the repetition of “strike up the band” throughout the song’s chorus create a sense of unity and camaraderie among those singing along.
The song’s middle verses further encourage listeners to join in on the fun and take their place in the band. The lyrics declare, “There is work to be done, to be done, let's have fun, fun, fun. Come on, you son of a son, of a gun, take your stand”. The use of the term “son of a gun” is an old naval term used to describe a child born at sea. Here, the term is used in a playful way to encourage listeners to take their place in the band, beginning with falling in line and taking a bow. The repeated refrain, “Hey, Leader, Strike up the Band!” further emphasizes the importance of the group effort to get things done while having a good time doing it.
Line by Line Meaning
Let the drums roll out
Initiate the performance by playing the drums
Let the trumpet call
Begin the music with the trumpet's distinct sound
While the people shout 'Strike up the band'
The audience expresses enthusiasm for the forthcoming tune
Hear the cymbals ring
Listen to the cymbals making a loud, vibrating sound
Callin' one and all
Summons everyone to join the performance
To the martial swing
Bring in the military-style beat of the music
There is work to be done, to be done
There's something productive to accomplish
Let's have fun, fun, fun
However, it's also enjoyable
Come on you son of a son, of a gun
Encouragement addressed to anyone with courage
Take your stand
Position yourself in the proper location for the music
Fall in line, yea a bow
Form a single line, like in a parade or march.
Come along, let's go
Get it moving; it's time to begin.
Hey, Leader, strike up the band!
We're prepared to put on a show, so let's start.
There is work to be done, to be done
The same idea is repeated here: We have a task to complete.
Let's have fun, fun, fun
But don't forget that it's also supposed to be entertaining.
Come on you son of a gun, of a gun
Another self-assurance directive aimed at someone brave enough to confront difficulties.
Take your stand
Get into position for the music
Fall in line, yea a bow
Assume your spot in the line-up.
Come on, let's go
We're ready to begin making music.
Hey, Leader, strike up
Address the musical leader once more, asking them to kick it off
Hey, Leader, strike up
Once more, tell the musical director to begin the tune.
Hey, Leader, strike up the band!
Finally, a plea to the conductor to commence playing together.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind