Take The 'A' Train
Duke Ellington and His Orchestra Lyrics
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To go sugar hill 'way up in Harlem
If you miss the A train
You'll find you've missed the quickest way to Harlem
Hurry, get on now it's coming
Listen to those rails a thrumming
All 'board get on the A train
The opening verse of Duke Ellington's "Take the 'a' Train" serves as an invitation to listeners to join the journey on the A train that leads to Harlem. The song was originally written by Billy Strayhorn, who was just 16 years old at the time. Strayhorn joined Ellington's band in 1939, and his composition quickly became the band's signature tune. The lyrics are a tribute to the New York City subway system, with the A train being the line that runs from downtown Manhattan to Harlem.
The song is a celebration of Harlem, which was a hub of African American culture, music, and art during the 1920s and 30s. The reference to "sugar hill" in the lyrics is a nod to the upscale section of Harlem where many African American dignitaries, including boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, took up residence. The song's upbeat rhythm and irresistible melody captures the excitement and energy of the city itself.
As for the instrumentation and vocalization, the song is a perfect example of the swing era. The track features a brass horn section, accompanied by Ellington on the piano, who interjects his style throughout the piece. In terms of vocalization, the song has a vocal chorus that is initially heard as background. The pace picks up when the soloist comes in and maintains its momentum through to the end.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the A train
In order to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem, you must board the A train.
To go sugar hill 'way up in Harlem
The destination of the A train is Sugar Hill, located in Harlem.
If you miss the A train
If you do not board the A train when it arrives, you will not be able to reach Sugar Hill as quickly.
You'll find you've missed the quickest way to Harlem
The A train is the fastest route to Harlem, and missing it will cause you to lose out on this speedy mode of transportation.
Hurry, get on now it's coming
Quickly board the A train as it is approaching the station.
Listen to those rails a thrumming
Pay attention to the sound of the train tracks vibrating as the A train approaches the station.
All 'board get on the A train
Everyone should board the A train in order to travel to Sugar Hill in Harlem.
Soon you will be on sugar hill in Harlem
After boarding the A train, you will arrive at Sugar Hill in Harlem shortly.
Writer(s): Strayhorn Billy
Contributed by Samuel L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Blauqkween
My favorite version of this is the one in black and white, where they are on the train and the woman sings
Hurry hurry hurry take the A train
To get to Sugarhill way up in Harlem
If you should take the A-a-a train
You'll get to where you're going in a hurry.
Hurry hurry hurry now it's coming
Can't you hear the bells-a humming
dubably obbb bob
If you should miss the A-a-a train
You'll miss the quickest way to get to Harlem.
@demetriosthompson6898
I went to Duke Ellington School of the Arts. I am a DC, Native ( in Washington, D.C.)! We were Blessed to walk the Halls of that school. You had to audition to get into it. There was Music Playing between our Class changes! No joke..'91-95 Know. Give me 💯, on this .
@ShawnC.T.
It doesn't get any better than this swingin' 60's Jazz gem, from a Jazz music legend, Duke Ellington, a.k.a. "Sir Duke", may he R.I.P. always...
@rqdq8576
When I was in high school - the school band played this song one night - t'was in 1960!
@alexhjc8
woah
@enrisasso372
TechLili l
@muymalo7651
de la nuca diriamos por acá
@kennethezzell9487
Duke is smooth
@googleassistant2117
@@muymalo7651 si no te importa, que significa eso en ingles?
@sew1835
Mr Ellington looked like was having a great time!!
Just great! What a genius he was.
@wannawatchu66
In fact, the Duke and Billy Strayhorn got the art of collaboration down to such an art, you couldn't tell which one wrote what.