Eddie Lang (October 25, 1902 – March 26, 1933) was a jazz guitarist, consid… Read Full Bio ↴Eddie Lang (October 25, 1902 – March 26, 1933) was a jazz guitarist, considered by many the finest of his era.

Lang was born Salvatore Massaro, the son of an Italian-American instrument maker in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At first, he took violin lessons for 11 years. In school he became friends with Joe Venuti, with whom he would work for much of his career. He was playing professionally by about 1918, playing violin, banjo, and guitar. He worked with various bands in the USA's north-east, worked in London (late 1924 to early 1925), then settled in New York City.
He played with the bands of Venuti, Adrian Rollini, Roger Wolfe Kahn and Jean Goldkette in addition to doing a large amount of freelance radio and recording work.

In 1929 he joined Paul Whiteman's Orchestra, and can be seen and heard in the movie The King of Jazz.
When Bing Crosby left Whiteman, Lang went with Bing as his accompanist and can be seen with him in the 1932 movie Big Broadcast.

Lang also played under the pseudonym Blind Willie Dunn on a number of blues records with Lonnie Johnson.
Eddie Lang died from a sudden hemorrhage following a tonsillectomy in New York City.

Bugle Call Rag
Eddie Lang Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Shake their shoulders bold.
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!

While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Eddie Lang's "Bugle Call Rag" depict the irresistibility of its titular musical composition. The singer asserts that anyone who hears the bugle call will undoubtedly be entranced by it, and subsequently boast about its appeal. Age, size, and other physical differences do not matter, for when the music plays, all are compelled to move to its rhythm. The singer encourages their dance partner to hold them tightly and to fully engage with the syncopated, bluesy melody. It seems as though nothing matters except for the music and the present moment.

Line by Line Meaning

You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
The bugle call is irresistible and will surely capture your attention.

You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
The Bugle Call Rag is so enjoyable that one cannot help but boast about it.

Thin or fat, young or old;
Regardless of one's physical appearance or age, everyone can have fun with the Bugle Call Rag.

Shake their shoulders bold.
People are encouraged to dance with confidence and energy.

Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
The lyricist suggests that the listener embrace their partner and dance in rhythm to the upbeat music.

Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
Take a moment to pause and rest when the music takes a break.

While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
To fully enjoy the Bugle Call Rag, it is important to keep up with the beat and hold one's partner closely.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY MEYERS, ELMER SCHOEBEL, JOHN PETTIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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