Tiger Rag
Devine's Wisconsin Roof Orchestra Lyrics

The lyrics to "Tiger Rag" by Devine's Wisconsin Roof Orchestra are a classic example of the call-and-response style of music. The singer repeatedly asks where the tiger is, with the crowd responding by shouting and singing along. The phrase "hold that tiger" suggests that the audience is ready to capture and contain the fierce animal, while the calls to "choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him" demonstrate their enthusiasm and readiness for action. The repetition of the phrase "where's that tiger" creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, as the crowd waits for the performance to begin.

As the song continues, the lyrics reveal that the audience is unified in their enthusiasm for this particular piece of music. Regardless of their background or social class, they all "cry out" for the band to play the "Tiger Rag." This implies that the song has a universal appeal that transcends differences in culture or taste. The call-and-response structure of the song, along with its catchy melody and evocative lyrics, makes it a classic example of early jazz music.