Royal Garden Blues
Frank Trumbauer and His Orchestra Lyrics


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No use of talkin' no use of talkin'
You'll start in dog-walkin' no matter where.
There's jazz-copation blues modulation,
Just like a Haitian you'll rip and tear.
Most everybody likes the blues

Here's why I'm ravin', here's why I'm ravin'
If it's blues you are cravin' just come on down.
You'll hear 'em playin', you'll hear 'em playin'
Soon you'll be sayin', "Hon jazz me 'round"
Because your feet they can't refuse.

What's that familiar strain that true blue note refrain
It's drivin' me insane;
Can't keep still, Tho it's against my will;
I'm on my P's and Q's I just can't refuse.

There goes that melody, it sounds so good to me,
And I am up a tree;
It's a shame, you don't know the name;
It's a brand new blues, The Royal Garden Blues.

Everybody Grab somebody And start jazzing 'round

Hon don't you hear that trombone moan?, Just listen to that saxophone.
Gee, hear that clarinet and flute, Cornet jazzin' with a mute,
Makes me just throw myself away, When I hear 'em play.

That weepin' melancholy strain, Say, but it's soothing to the brain;




Just wanna get right up and dance, Don't care I'll take most any chance;
No other blues I'd care to choose, But Royal Garden Blues.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Frank Trumbauer and His Orchestra's song "Royal Garden Blues" convey the enthusiasm and excitement of the blues genre. The song starts with a playful dismissal of talking, suggesting that it's time for action instead. The reference to dog-walking is a metaphor for dancing, indicating that no matter the location or circumstance, the music will ignite a desire to move and groove. The lyrics also mention jazz-copation, a style of jazz characterized by syncopated rhythms, and blues modulation, which refers to changing keys in a blues progression. The line about ripping and tearing like a Haitian adds a sense of wild energy to the description of the music.


The second paragraph encourages listeners to surrender to the blues and join the festivities. The mention of "craving" blues suggests a deep longing for the emotional connection provided by this style of music. The lyrics emphasize that once someone hears the music playing, they will be compelled to join in and experience the joy of jazz. The feet refusing to stay still highlights the infectious rhythm and irresistible nature of the blues. The mention of a familiar strain and a true blue note refrain reflects the impact and familiarity of the melody. The lyrics reveal that the song drives the singer to dance and lose themselves in the music, even though it may be against their will.


The overall message of the lyrics to "Royal Garden Blues" is that the blues have a universal appeal, captivating and energizing everyone who encounters them. The song evokes feelings of nostalgia for the melody, the desire to dance and take chances, and the appreciation for the unique experience that the blues provide.


Line by Line Meaning

No use of talkin' no use of talkin'
There is no point in talking or discussing.


You'll start in dog-walkin' no matter where.
You will inevitably start dancing energetically, regardless of the location.


There's jazz-copation blues modulation,
The music includes syncopation, blues influences, and changes in musical key.


Just like a Haitian you'll rip and tear.
You will dance with intensity and passion, similar to a Haitian.


Most everybody likes the blues
Almost everyone enjoys listening to and experiencing the blues genre.


Here's why I'm ravin', here's why I'm ravin'
Let me explain the reason why I am enthusiastic.


If it's blues you are cravin' just come on down.
If you desire blues music, simply join us.


You'll hear 'em playin', you'll hear 'em playin'
You will listen to talented musicians performing the blues.


Soon you'll be sayin', "Hon jazz me 'round"
Before long, you will request to be immersed in the lively jazz atmosphere.


Because your feet they can't refuse.
Your feet will naturally respond to the rhythm and be compelled to dance.


What's that familiar strain that true blue note refrain
What is that recognizable melody featuring authentic blue notes?


It's drivin' me insane;
It is causing me to lose control or become overwhelmed with excitement.


Can't keep still, Tho it's against my will;
I cannot remain motionless, even if I try to restrain myself.


I'm on my P's and Q's I just can't refuse.
I am fully engaged and attentive, unable to resist the irresistible music.


There goes that melody, it sounds so good to me,
The melody is playing again, and it sounds incredibly pleasing to my ears.


And I am up a tree;
I am overcome with joy and exhilaration.


It's a shame, you don't know the name;
It is regrettable that you are not familiar with the title of the song.


It's a brand new blues, The Royal Garden Blues.
This is a fresh blues composition called 'The Royal Garden Blues.'


Everybody Grab somebody And start jazzing 'round
Everyone should find a partner and begin lively dancing to the jazz music.


Hon don't you hear that trombone moan?, Just listen to that saxophone.
Darling, can't you hear the expressive sound of the trombone? Focus on the captivating saxophone as well.


Gee, hear that clarinet and flute, Cornet jazzin' with a mute,
Wow, listen to the magical combination of the clarinet and flute. The cornet is creating jazzy sounds using a mute.


Makes me just throw myself away, When I hear 'em play.
It compels me to abandon all inhibitions and immerse myself completely when I listen to their performance.


That weepin' melancholy strain, Say, but it's soothing to the brain;
That sorrowful and melancholic melody, I must say, provides a calming effect to the mind.


Just wanna get right up and dance, Don't care I'll take most any chance;
I simply desire to stand up and dance enthusiastically. I am willing to take any opportunity to do so.


No other blues I'd care to choose, But Royal Garden Blues.
I have no interest in selecting any other blues composition; the only one I favor is the Royal Garden Blues.




Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE LEWIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@vegaphoneprofessiona

Why do so many bands have to play this at break neck speed? Speed is not what's needed, it's feeling. This is THE perfect tempo. Bix and chaps. I salute you.

@gregorykayne6054

I have seen many classic jazz pieces taken at bizarre tempi; fast and slow. People trying to beat the audience over the head with their "virtuosity".

@jackx4311

THUMBS UP!! Playing pieces stupidly fast is just showing off. If the musicians aren't feeling how the piece should be, it's just a bloody noise.

@vegaphoneprofessiona

@Jack X During his Library Of Congress Recordings, Jelly Roll Morton said that playing super fast hid lots of mistakes and hid incompetence. He demonstrated the point by playing Tiger Rag at breakneck speed, then playing it at its original Quadrille/rag speed. During the later, every note has to be spot on because any mistake would be obvious. Super fast it didn’t notice as it almost became a blur.

@jackx4311

@Kevin Scott
That's why my (British) brass band conductor starts every rehearsal with two or three hymns. Even the slightest error - in pitch, note lengths or timing - sticks out like a sore thumb.

@vegaphoneprofessiona

@Jack X Great move.m

1 More Replies...

@ianstrange2771

Bix's final solo has to be one of the coolest (in the original jazz sense) and lyrical solos ever recorded. Perfect in every note.

@jhb134

Ian Strange - True, and Bill Rank precedes Bix, with one of his better (trombone) solos. Rank is virtually forgotten, by now, but he & Bix were great, together.

@mlodger42

+Ian Strange, You sir, are absolutely correct. Well said. Still my favorite Bix recording.

@jorgealbertopitari6351

Yes... Bill Rank is great...!!!

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