Take The "A" Train
Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington & His Orchestra Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You must take the "a" train
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





Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Take the 'A' Train" by Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington and his Orchestra are about taking the "A" train to Sugar Hill, Harlem. The chorus emphasizes the importance of taking the "A" train because it's the quickest way to get to Harlem. Missing the train would mean missing the opportunity to experience the culture and energy of the city, specifically Sugar Hill. The song urges the listener to hurry and get on the train, and the lyrics vividly describe the sound of the tracks and the excitement of boarding the train. The song celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Harlem and the importance of transportation in promoting this cultural vibrancy.


Overall, the song is a celebration of Harlem's history and its unique identity. The lyrics emphasize the importance of the "A" train, which was a lifeline for the community, and reflect the energy and excitement of the city.


Line by Line Meaning

You must take the "a" train
The only way to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem is by taking the "a" train.


To go to sugar hill way up in harlem
Sugar Hill is located high up in Harlem.


If you miss the "a" train
If you miss the "a" train, you will not be able to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem the quickest way.


You'll find you missed the quickest way to harlem
If you miss the "a" train, you will have missed the quickest way to get to Harlem.


Hurry, get on, now it's coming
Quickly board the "a" train as it is arriving soon.


Listen to those rails a-thrumming
Hear the sound of the train rails vibrating.


All aboard, get on the "a" train
Everyone should board the "a" train.


Soon you will be on sugar hill in harlem
By taking the "a" train, you will arrive at Sugar Hill in Harlem soon.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir One Music
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@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 😂

1 More Replies...

@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.

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