An actress, singer, talk show host, and author, the multi-talented Reese first started singing in church in her hometown of Detroit when she was six years old. By the age of 13, she was touring with gospel great Mahalia Jackson; then, at 18, she formed the Meditation Singers and became the first performer to bring gospel music to the casinos of Las Vegas. Reese expanded her musical repertoire as a vocalist with the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra and began recording albums, with such hits as "Don't You Know" and "And That Reminds Me" in the 1950s. She appeared extensively as a guest on the top television variety series, logging more than 20 appearances in one year on The Ed Sullivan Show on the CBS Television Network. Reese was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Female Soloist in Gospel Music in 1987.
Tapping into her other skills, she was host of a television talk show in 1969-1970, then began guest-starring in such series as Sanford and Son, The A-Team, Crazy Like a Fox and Picket Fences. She starred in the CBS Network series Charlie & Co. and The Royal Family. Reese's current projects include a new album based on her 27-city tour with her revue, "Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues," as well as song on the Touched By An Angel Soundtrack. Her best-selling autobiography, "Angels Along the Way," is published by G.P. Putnam's Sons. Reese also starred in the telefilms Emma's Wish, with Joanna Kerns, and The Secret Path, with Ossie Davis.
Take The 'A' Train
Della Reese Lyrics
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To find the quickest way to get to harlem
If you should take the a train
You'll find you'll get where you're going if you hurry
Hurry hurry hurry now it's coming
Ooh ooh can't you hear the rails a humming
Get with it
If you should take the a train
I ain't mad at you pretty baby
Don't be mad at me
I ain't much to look at, I ain't nothing to see
I got a frame, and I'm waiting for the a train
In Della Reese's song Take The 'A' Train, the lyrics talk about the significance of catching the A train to get to Harlem. The song is essentially a happy tribute to the subway train that runs from Brooklyn up to Manhattan. The lyrics repeatedly mention hurrying to catch the train, indicating the vital importance of being on time in bustling New York City. The train, illustrated by sound effects, including the humming of the rails, becomes an important character in the song as it takes people to their destination. The chorus, "If you should take the A train, you'll find you'll get where you're going if you hurry," emphasizes the essentiality of this mode of transportation.
However, the song also has an interesting contrast between the essential urgency of catching the train and the apologetic tone directed at the singer's love interest. The line "I ain't much to look at, I ain't nothing to see, I got a frame, and I'm waiting for the A train" portrays a sense of self-deprecation, but the next line, "I ain't mad at you pretty baby, don't be mad at me" suggests that the singer is trying to make amends for something, although it is not made clear what. Overall, the lyrics evoke typical tropes of 1950s swing music, with their focus on trains, jazz music, and romance.
Line by Line Meaning
Hurry hurry hurry take the a train
Quickly make your way to the A train station
To find the quickest way to get to harlem
Ride the A train to efficiently reach Harlem
If you should take the a train
In the event that you ride the A train
You'll find you'll get where you're going if you hurry
If you move quickly, you'll arrive at your destination in a timely manner
Hurry hurry hurry now it's coming
Quickly board the train that is now approaching
Ooh ooh can't you hear the rails a humming
Listen to the sound of the train tracks vibrating
Get with it
Board the train as soon as possible
I ain't mad at you pretty baby
I'm not upset with you, my dear
Don't be mad at me
Please do not be angry with me
I ain't much to look at, I ain't nothing to see
I am not particularly attractive, nor do I possess any distinguishing features
I got a frame, and I'm waiting for the a train
I am simply standing here with my physical body, waiting for the A train to arrive
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir One Music
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind