Take The "A" Train
Count Basie Orchestra Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You must take the "A" train
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
If you miss the "A" train
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Take the "A" Train by Count Basie Orchestra speak about a train ride up to Sugar Hill in Harlem. The song captures the experience of taking the quickest route to Harlem, riding on the "A" train. It is an invitation to join in on the excitement of the journey and the destination. The lyrics also set a sense of urgency, highlighting the importance of not missing the train. As the song encourages listeners to get on board and listen to the rails' as they hum.


Take the "A" Train was composed by Billy Strayhorn, a pianist and arranger for Duke Ellington's orchestra. Strayhorn wrote the song as a tribute to the New York City subway system's "A" train, which transported him to Harlem, where he lived with his aunt. The song's opening chords and melody were originally written as a way to give directions to the band while traveling on tour with Ellington. It was not until Ellington heard Strayhorn playing the melody at a party and encouraged him to finish the song. The rest is history, and we have one of the most famous and beloved jazz standards of all time.


Line by Line Meaning

You must take the "A" train
It is necessary to board the "A" train


To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
The destination is Sugar Hill located in the northern part of Harlem


If you miss the "A" train
In case you fail to catch the "A" train


You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
You will realize that you missed the fastest route to Harlem


Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Board quickly as the "A" train is approaching


Listen to those rails a-thrumming
Pay attention to the sound of the train tracks vibrating


All aboard, get on the "A" train
Everyone should board the "A" train


Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
You will shortly arrive at Sugar Hill in Harlem




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir One Music
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

colin hothersall

great jazz and the pics

Desmond

this is Duke and Basie

Jasper Gem

This is a national treasure.

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