Take The "A" Train
Ella & Duke Ellington Lyrics
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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-thrumming
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
In the song "Take the "A" Train," Ella and Duke Ellington are singing about the fastest way to get to Sugar Hill, a neighborhood in Harlem. The "A" train refers to the subway train that runs through New York City, and taking the "A" train is the quickest way to get to Sugar Hill. This song is an iconic piece of jazz history, and it is often associated with the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s.
The lyrics of this song are simple yet powerful: they convey the importance of taking the fastest route to one's destination. The urgency of the lyrics is enhanced by the fast-paced rhythm and upbeat melody. The Ellingtons' use of syncopation and swing in this song is characteristic of their unique jazz style, which was a major influence on the development of jazz music throughout the 20th century.
Overall, "Take the "A" Train" is a song that celebrates the vibrant culture of Harlem and the importance of taking the fastest route to one's destination. It is an iconic piece of jazz history that continues to be enjoyed by music lovers of all generations.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the "A" train
In order to reach Sugar Hill, a neighborhood in Harlem, you must board the train marked with the letter "A".
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
The destination of the train is Sugar Hill, located in the northern part of the Harlem neighborhood.
If you miss the "A" train
If you do not board the train marked with the letter "A", you will not be able to reach Sugar Hill as quickly.
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
If you miss the train marked with the letter "A", you will have to find another mode of transportation to reach Sugar Hill, and it will not be as speedy as the "A" train.
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
The train marked with the letter "A" is arriving soon, and it is advised to board it quickly.
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
The sound of the train approaching can be heard through the vibrations of the rails on the tracks.
All aboard, get on the "A" train
It is time for all passengers who want to reach Sugar Hill to board the train marked with the letter "A".
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
By boarding the train marked with the letter "A", passengers will soon arrive at their destination of Sugar Hill in Harlem.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@philliplloyd6977
Her tone, pitch, phrasing, dexterity, rhythm, timing and improvisation will never ever be matched.
@uomodibassamorale
nicely said
cheers
@jasonevans4970
Even if it was... it wouldn't be.
@victordieleanora4339
Every other singer was a mere mortal...she is The Goddess...
@RooEfx
generous ♥
@donaldo357
Scat singing is when you forget the lyrics…..hey duh dubby wa 😂
@lauriewinestock
people don't realize that ella had the MOST IMPECCABLE sense of Rhythm - a virtual rhythm section in one voice - along with her amazing perfect pitch - UNMATCHED!! she the musicians musicians vocalist / musician!!
@boomerang905
Voice, diction, rhythm, style.....all perfectly placed. This singer was so blessed and she blessed us so much. I saw her at the Jazz Fest in the 80s...she wore an Electric Blue dress and though the lights bothered her glaucoma, she gave about 3 encores. Pure class, pure woman, pure lady. Hate to say it but artists today can only try. The likes of Ella stayed in the game and kept their audiences wanting more. RIP dear one.
@bolder2009
She could really ride the groove and SWING like she was married to the rhythm. This is magical!
@GenericUsername1388
Damn this is amazing. I wonder if she knwe people 90 years later would be loving her music. Thats like someone from 2110 liking something from now.