Take the "A" Train
Duke Ellington feat. Ray Nance 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 lyrics of Duke Ellington's song Take the 'A' Train serve as an invitation to the listener to undertake a journey to the cultural and artistic mecca of Harlem. The opening line acts as a directive, stating clearly that in order to reach Sugar Hill, a neighborhood in Harlem known for its affluence and prominent African American residents, the 'A' train is essential. The lyrics build a sense of urgency around taking the train, emphasizing that missing the 'A' train means missing the fastest way to experience the rich cultural offerings of Harlem.
The lyrics seek to evoke the energy and vibrancy of Harlem through vivid imagery such as the propulsive beat of the train tracks, which can be heard as the train approaches. The phrase "Listen to those rails a thrumming" creates a sensory experience through which the listener can imagine themselves physically present at the train station, boarding the train along with other eager passengers. By concluding with the assurance that soon the listener will arrive at their destination, the lyrics offer a sense of anticipation and excitement, creating a mood of joy and celebration around the experience of traveling to Harlem.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the 'A' train
The best way to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem is by taking the 'A' train.
To go Sugar Hill 'way up in Harlem
The final destination of the 'A' train is Sugar Hill in Harlem.
If you miss the 'A' train
If you do not catch the 'A' train, you will not be able to reach Sugar Hill in Harlem quickly.
You'll find you've missed the quickest way to Harlem
You will regret not taking the 'A' train as it is the fastest mode of transportation to get to Harlem.
Hurry, get on now it's coming
It is important to hurry and catch the 'A' train before it departs.
Listen to those rails a thrumming
The sound of the train approaching can be heard by the thrumming of the rails.
All 'board get on the 'A' train
It is time to get on the 'A' train and depart to Sugar Hill in Harlem.
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
Once aboard the 'A' train, you will soon arrive at your destination, Sugar Hill in Harlem.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir One Music
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
WAL_DC-6B
Man, what a great arrangement of this song! Thank you Mr. Ellington and Mr. Strayhorn and thanks for sharing!
Pat LaTorres
This is the original recording as released in 1943 (I believe). I still have my mom's 78 RPM record of this (same label as shown in the youtube image). I'm in the process of trying to find someone to burn it from the 78 to a CD. And yes, I agree, it is the BEST rendition of this song that I've ever heard -- and I have at least half a dozen versions, just by the Duke and his orchestra!
Martha Mary
Waking up to this song being played on my dads cassette player, the small of cigarette smoke in the air and coffee brewing...old man in his armchair, red robe tied, legs crossed...smoke billowing. Good memory.
DargleDARK
eww nasty
Terry Asheim
One of the most famous trumpet solos ever recorded.
jibsmokestack1
Ray Nance the soloist!
Mr. S
I love this. A true masterpiece in it's own right. And brought to new audiences, by great films like "Radio Days".
Светлана Ропот
I've been listening to it about 100 times today.
Kaneli Roman
Me too.. lost count
2000toddowen
While I've said in the past that this song has something like 11 or so favorite parts to it, It might be easier to note which part of the song is NOT a favorite part. And that would be the complete silence at the end.
Ah..New York. Greatest city in the world. While much of the rest of the contemporary planet was engaged in destruction, building walls and locking themselves away in air raid shelters, New York was opening railway lines and building bridges, which provided the very idea of this upbeat masterpiece.