Tiger Rag
Ethel Waters and Her Jazz Masters Lyrics
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Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
The lyrics to Ethel Water's Jazz Masters's song Tiger Rag is a call for the audience to join in the hunt for a wild tiger. The singer is encouraging everyone in the crowd to actively participate in catching the tiger, whether it's by choking, poking, kicking or soaking him. The repeated phrase "where's that tiger" highlights the playful, almost childlike nature of the song. The audience is urged to keep looking and not give up until the elusive tiger has been caught.
Despite the lighthearted tone of the lyrics, the underlying theme of the song is one of celebration and camaraderie. The tiger hunt becomes a shared experience that brings people together, regardless of class or social standing. The final line emphasizes this sense of unity, with everyone calling out in unison for the band to play the famous Tiger Rag. It's a song that invites participation and creates a sense of community among those who join in the hunt.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
The singer is looking for a fierce and exciting performer and is calling out to the audience to help her find one.
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
The singer wants everyone to keep the exciting energy of the performance going by holding onto that feeling.
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
The singer wants the performer to be pushed to their limits and give it their all for the audience's enjoyment.
Where oh where can he be?
The singer is still searching for that exciting performer and is hoping they will show up soon.
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Whether the audience is sophisticated or not, they are all demanding the same thing: a thrilling performance.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
The song being requested by the audience is "Tiger Rag", a well-known and beloved jazz song.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind