Take the "A" Train
Duke Ellington feat. His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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-humming
All aboard, get on the A train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
The Duke Ellington feat. His Orchestra's song Take the "A" Train is a classic jazz track that has a deeper meaning beyond its surface. The song is actually a tribute to the New York City subway's A line, which was the quickest way to get to Harlem from midtown Manhattan. The lyrics suggest that if you want to experience the unique and vibrant atmosphere of Harlem, you must take the A train.
The lyrics also emphasize the idea of not missing out on opportunities. If you miss the A train, you'll miss the quickest way to Harlem, and you'll have to take a longer route or miss the experience altogether. The urgency to get on the train is echoed in the line "Hurry, get on, now it's coming," and the humming of the rails serves as a sort of invitation to board the train.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the A train
It is necessary that you board the A train
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
In order to reach Sugar Hill located in Harlem
If you miss the A train
In case you fail to board the A train
You'll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
You will realize that you have forfeited the fastest route to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it's coming
Quickly, board the train as it is approaching
Listen to those rails a-humming
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
In a brief time, you will arrive at Sugar Hill which is situated in Harlem
Writer(s): Billy Strayhorn
Contributed by Charlie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@aarfeld
From his cloud Duke is smiling to see his legacy live on. Nice work,gentlemen.
@samkjolhaug1993
Big band music still lives on!
@danielkim7739
this is so fresh.
@Ginessefinesse
Excellent, I have been to 4 concerts of DEO! They are absolutely amazing!
@jazzomanu
i saw them on thursday, 10.11.2011, in Bucharest at the Palace Hall. They are amazing. A great experience!!!
@blkdamigth8112
2021 still gotta here good music pops taught me well
@davidpatton7635
I have heard it said that Great Band music like this played an integral part in winning WW2. More effective at displaying our confidence and extolling our way of life than any propaganda.
@Jewdaliling
the one of most beutiful muisic ever
@DavidWillanski
Five people took the B train.
@mountainrigi
20 people added in 4 years.