Take the "A" Train
Ella Fitzgerald / 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
The song "Take the 'A' Train" by Ella Fitzgerald is about the quickest way to reach Harlem, New York. The song suggests that to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem you must take the 'A' train otherwise, you will have missed the quickest way to get there. The lyrics urge you to hurry up and get on the train before it departs. Upon boarding, one can listen to the rhythm of the train, the harmonics it creates, and feel the shaking of the rails underfoot. Finally, the song culminates in the imagined destination of Sugar Hill, where the good life is promised.
The song was composed in 1939 by Billy Strayhorn and became the theme song for Duke Ellington's Orchestra. The lyrics sung by Ella Fitzgerald are whimsical yet direct, just like the journey in question. There is a sense of urgency and optimism that is associated with the act of getting on this train. The lyrics and melody of the song reflect the culture, energy, and excitement that are hallmarks of Harlem, conveying that with the right attitude, the journey will be a fun and adventurous one. Overall, "Take the 'A' Train" is a celebration of the beauty and potential of African American community living in Harlem.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the "A" train
If you desire to reach Sugar Hill located in Harlem, you should catch the "A" train.
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
Sugar Hill, located up in Harlem, is the destination of the train ride.
If you miss the "A" train
In case you fail to catch the "A" train,
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
you will realize that you missed the fastest mode of travel to reach Harlem.
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Quickly board the train, as it is arriving soon.
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
Hear the sound of vibrations from the tracks as the train approaches the platform.
All aboard, get on the "A" train
It's time for boarding the train named "A" to start the journey.
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
In a short while, you will arrive at Sugar Hill located in Harlem.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir One Music
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.