The Rhythm
Gold Lyrics


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Somebody's playing the rhythm rag now
I listen and try to learn myself how
It is a most peculiar thing
Bound to rule your swing
Hear them going
Doo doo doo doodle doodle doo

I've never heard such syncopation before
Each little bit sounds like a little bit more
For when you hear them give them
Hot shot charleston rhythm
Oh lead em and keep on playing that rhythm rag

Somebody's playing the rhythm rag now
I listen and try to learn myself how
It is a most peculiar thing
Bound to rule your swing
Hear them going
Doo doo doo doodle doodle doo

I've never heard such syncopation before
Each little bit sounds like a little bit more
For when you hear them playing




You soon will be saying
Oh lead em and keep on playing that rhythm rag

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Gold's song The Rhythm capture the experience of hearing an unfamiliar musical style and feeling compelled to learn it. The opening line establishes that someone is playing the "rhythm rag," a term which likely refers to the syncopated ragtime music popularized in the early 20th century. The singer listens intently, trying to understand the rhythms and internalize them for themselves. They describe the syncopation as "most peculiar," suggesting that it's an unfamiliar style to them.


The singer recognizes that this style of music has a powerful effect on how people move and feel, as it is "bound to rule your swing." They describe the rhythm using a series of nonsensical syllables, "doo doo doo doodle doodle doo," which serves to recreate the sound of the music itself for the listener.


The chorus reinforces the idea that this music is irresistible, with the syncopation sounding like "a little bit more" with each repetition. The singer is captivated by the "hot shot charleston rhythm" and urges whoever is playing it to continue, to "lead em and keep on playing that rhythm rag."


Overall, the song expresses a sense of awe and admiration for this new musical style, and the desire to become a part of it, to "learn myself how."


Line by Line Meaning

Somebody's playing the rhythm rag now
There is someone currently playing a syncopated rhythm that is catchy and enjoyable.


I listen and try to learn myself how
I am attempting to understand the intricacies of this rhythm in order to replicate it myself.


It is a most peculiar thing
This rhythm is unique and stands out in its deviation from traditional rhythms.


Bound to rule your swing
This rhythm has the power to take over and influence the way a person moves or dances.


Hear them going Doo doo doo doodle doodle doo
The rhythm is characterized by specific beats and sounds that are repeated throughout the song.


I've never heard such syncopation before
I have never heard such a rhythm that is so offbeat and unexpected.


Each little bit sounds like a little bit more
As the rhythm progresses, each new segment builds upon the last to create a more complex sound.


For when you hear them give them Hot shot charleston rhythm
When you hear this rhythm, it will evoke thoughts of the lively and playful Charleston dance.


Oh lead em and keep on playing that rhythm rag
Take charge and keep playing this catchy rhythm to keep the energy and enjoyment going.


You soon will be saying
Once you hear this rhythm, you will want to join in and sing along with it.


Oh lead em and keep on playing that rhythm rag
Continue to play this captivating rhythm and lead others to join in on the fun.




Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ROBINSON, WILLARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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