Macpherson Is Rehearsin'
Ella Fitzgerald Lyrics


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Oh, McPherson is rehearsin'
And the bagpipes are reversin'
While McPherson is rehearsin' to swing
And from Edinburgh to Dundee
Every lad and every lassie
Knows McPherson is rehearsin' to swing

Oh, I dinna care, said Sandy
If the elders now approve
I've a chick where plans are dandy
And I'm in a mellow groove
Now the bonnie bonnie lassies
With the kilties on their chassis
Have forgotten all about the highland fling

Young and old folks get together
And there's truckin' in the heather
When McPherson is rehearsin' to swing

Oh, I dinna care, said Sandy
If the elders now approve
I've a chick where plans are dandy
And I'm in a mellow groove
Now the bonnie bonnie lassies
With the kilties on their chassis
Have forgotten all about the highland fling

Young and old folks get together




And there's truckin' in the heather
When McPherson is rehearsin' to swing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ella Fitzgerald and Chick Webb's song "MacPherson is Rehearsin'" depict the excitement that arises when the Scottish bagpipes are fused with swing music. The lyrics reflect the fusion of two unique forms of music that originated in two different time periods altogether. The song talks about McPherson, who rehearses the bagpipes as everyone from Edinburgh to Dundee eagerly anticipates his performance. The Scottish bagpipes have a unique sound that creates a blend with jazz making McPherson's rehearsal unique.


Additionally, the lyrics portray a sense of rebelliousness which comes with defying the norms and pleasing oneself. Sandy expresses this when he says he doesn't care if the elders approve because he has his chick and is in a "mellow groove". The song further portrays a sense of unity between people of different ages, backgrounds, and social status. When McPherson rehearses to swing, it's an opportunity for people to come together, "Young and old folks get together and there's truckin' in the heather".


Overall, the lyrics of "MacPherson is Rehearsin'" paint a vivid picture of cultural fusion, rebellion, and unity.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, McPherson is rehearsin'
McPherson is practicing his musical skills


And the bagpipes are reversin'
The bagpipes are playing in a way that's different from traditional Scottish music


While McPherson is rehearsin' to swing
McPherson is practicing swing music


And from Edinburgh to Dundee
People all across Scotland


Every lad and every lassie
Both young boys and girls


Knows McPherson is rehearsin' to swing
Are aware of McPherson's swing music rehearsals


Oh, I dinna care, said Sandy
I don't care, says Sandy


If the elders now approve
If the older generation approves


I've a chick where plans are dandy
I have a girl with great plans


And I'm in a mellow groove
I'm in a relaxed state of mind


Now the bonnie bonnie lassies
The beautiful girls


With the kilties on their chassis
Wearing kilts around their waist and hips


Have forgotten all about the highland fling
Have moved on from traditional Scottish dance


Young and old folks get together
Both young and old people gather


And there's truckin' in the heather
There's dancing in the heather


When McPherson is rehearsin' to swing
While McPherson is practicing swing music




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARION SUNSHINE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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