Alexander's Ragtime Band
Ethel Merman & Al Jolson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band
Come on and hear, come on and hear 'bout the best band in the land
They can play a bugle call like you never heard before
So natural that you want to go to war

That's just the bestest band what am, oh Honey Lamb
Come on along, come on along, let me take you by the hand
Up to the man, up to the man who's the leader of the band

And if you care to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime

Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ethel Merman and Al Jolson's song Alexander's Ragtime Band express an invitation to come and listen to the greatest band in the land. The song starts by inviting the listener to come and hear the ragtime band. The focus is entirely on the music as the lyrics take us on a journey to experience the best music. The lyrics then describe the band's ability to play the bugle call like never before, which is so natural that it can take you to war. This line represents the power of music to stir emotions and inspire people.

Line by Line Meaning

Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band
Listen up and listen well, people. There's a band called Alexander's Ragtime Band that you've just got to hear.

Come on and hear, come on and hear 'bout the best band in the land
This band is the absolute best band in the whole wide world, and you won't find a better one anywhere else.

They can play a bugle call like you never heard before
This band is incredibly talented and can play a bugle call that's so amazing, you've never even heard anything like it before.

So natural that you want to go to war
Their playing is so natural and captivating, it can make you feel ready to go to war and conquer the world.

That's just the bestest band what am, oh Honey Lamb
This band is just the absolute best, my darling. There's no other band out there that's as talented and captivating as they are.

Come on along, come on along, let me take you by the hand
I'm inviting you to come along with me and let me show you just how great this band really is.

Up to the man, up to the man who's the leader of the band
We'll go up to the man himself, the one who leads this incredible band and makes them sound so amazing.

And if you care to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime
And if you're interested in hearing the Swanee River played in a whole new and exciting way, in ragtime, then this is the band for you.

Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band
So come on and listen up, everyone, and hear the incredible sound of Alexander's Ragtime Band for yourself.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS