Take the "A" Train
Ellington/Basie 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-humming
All aboard, get on the "A" train
The song "Take The 'A' Train" is a classic jazz tune written by composer Billy Strayhorn in 1939, and was made popular by Duke Ellington and his orchestra. The song's lyrics encourage the listener to take "the A train" subway line to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem, which was a popular residential neighborhood at the time. The song portrays Harlem as a place of vibrancy, opportunity, and excitement, and through the lyrics, Strayhorn invites the listener to join in on the journey.
In the opening lines, Strayhorn urges the listener to take the "A" train as it is the quickest way to get to Harlem. He emphasizes that missing the train would mean missing the opportunity to experience Sugar Hill, which is the heart of the Harlem community. The second verse creates a sense of urgency with the words "Hurry, get on, now it's coming," and "Listen to those rails a-humming." The combination of these lyrics with the upbeat rhythm and tempo of the song, create a sense of excitement that carry listeners along on the journey to Harlem.
Overall, "Take The 'A' Train" is a song that celebrates the vibrant community of Harlem and encourages the listener to join in on the journey. Through Strayhorn's lyrics, we can imagine the bustling city and feel the excitement of boarding the "A" train to the legendary Sugar Hill.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the "A" train
The only way to reach Sugar Hill in Harlem is by getting on the "A" train.
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
The destination of the "A" train is Sugar Hill in Harlem.
If you miss the "A" train
Failing to catch the "A" train will result in missing the fastest route to Harlem.
You'll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Not boarding the "A" train will cause a delay in arriving at Harlem.
Hurry, get on, now it's coming
There is a sense of urgency to get on the "A" train as it approaches the station.
Listen to those rails a-humming
The sound of the train's rails can be heard, signifying its imminent arrival.
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Everyone should get on the "A" train that is departing soon.
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
Boarding the "A" train will quickly transport you to Sugar Hill in Harlem.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Blauqkween
My favorite version of this is the one in black and white, where they are on the train and the woman sings
Hurry hurry hurry take the A train
To get to Sugarhill way up in Harlem
If you should take the A-a-a train
You'll get to where you're going in a hurry.
Hurry hurry hurry now it's coming
Can't you hear the bells-a humming
dubably obbb bob
If you should miss the A-a-a train
You'll miss the quickest way to get to Harlem.
@demetriosthompson6898
I went to Duke Ellington School of the Arts. I am a DC, Native ( in Washington, D.C.)! We were Blessed to walk the Halls of that school. You had to audition to get into it. There was Music Playing between our Class changes! No joke..'91-95 Know. Give me 💯, on this .
@ShawnC.T.
It doesn't get any better than this swingin' 60's Jazz gem, from a Jazz music legend, Duke Ellington, a.k.a. "Sir Duke", may he R.I.P. always...
@rqdq8576
When I was in high school - the school band played this song one night - t'was in 1960!
@alexhjc8
woah
@enrisasso372
TechLili l
@muymalo7651
de la nuca diriamos por acá
@kennethezzell9487
Duke is smooth
@googleassistant2117
@@muymalo7651 si no te importa, que significa eso en ingles?
@sew1835
Mr Ellington looked like was having a great time!!
Just great! What a genius he was.
@wannawatchu66
In fact, the Duke and Billy Strayhorn got the art of collaboration down to such an art, you couldn't tell which one wrote what.