I've Got To Be A Rug Cutter
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra Lyrics


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I've got to be a rug cutter
Swing out in the groove
I've got to be a rug cutter
So my jive will improve

I was so un-trucky
Now I'm super-ducky
Gonna cut back a figure
So, Gate, I'll dig ya

I've got to be a rug cutter
Swing out in the groove
I've got to be a rug cutter
So my jive will improve

I've got to be
I've got to be
Rug cuttin' me
Rug cuttin' me





Swing out in the groove

Overall Meaning

The song "I've Got To Be A Rugcutter" is a lively, upbeat tune by Duke Ellington and Teresa Brewer that focuses on the desire to improve one's dancing skills. The lyrics express the individual's need to become a better "rug cutter," or dancer, in order to swing out in the groove and improve their jive. The singer admits that they were once "un-trucky," or awkward and clumsy, but now they are "super-ducky" and ready to impress. They are determined to cut back a figure and show off their skills, impressing Gate and others with their newfound abilities.


Overall, the song highlights the importance of confidence, self-improvement, and the joy of dancing. The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics encourage listeners to get up and dance along, while the underlying message promotes the idea that anyone can become a great dancer with practice and determination.


Line by Line Meaning

I've got to be a rug cutter
I need to become a great dancer


Swing out in the groove
Dance in the rhythm of the music


I've got to be a rug cutter
I must be an excellent dancer


So my jive will improve
To enhance my dancing skills


I was so un-trucky
I was a bad dancer before


Now I'm super-ducky
Now I am a fantastic dancer


Gonna cut back a figure
I will dance beautifully


So, Gate, I'll dig ya
I will impress you, Gate (a nickname maybe)


I've got to be a rug cutter
I must become an excellent dancer


Swing out in the groove
Dance in the rhythm of the music


I've got to be a rug cutter
I need to become a great dancer


So my jive will improve
To develop my dancing skills further


I've got to be
I need to


I've got to be
I must become


Rug cuttin' me
A fantastic dancer


Rug cuttin' me
An excellent dancer


Swing out in the groove
Dance in the rhythm of the music




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

imploud

This is so wonderful!!

Tony Giraldes

Ivy Anderson swoops in singing 😊❤️

Paul Lindemeyer

Vocal trio backing Ivie Anderson are (l-r) Rex Stewart, Harry Carney, and Hayes Alvis. This was also one side of the first Master record, No. 101.

Angela Bryant

Thank you very Ladies and Gentlemen for such a warm welcome. Your very Beautiful, very Sweet, very Gracious, very Generous and all the kids in the bands want you to know that we do love you madly!!! Absolutely Gorgeous.

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