Take the A Train
Harry Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You must take the "A" train
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-thrumming
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Harry Carney's song, Take the A Train, were penned by Billy Strayhorn, a jazz pianist and composer. The song is an ode to the fastest and most convenient way to get to Harlem; by taking the A train. The first line of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics as it strongly urges listeners to hop on the subway train to Sugar Hill. The mention of Sugar Hill, a famous African-American neighborhood in Harlem, evokes a sense of community and pride in the cultural hub of New York City.


The next line of the song is a warning of sorts, emphasizing that if one misses the A train, they will miss the quickest route to Harlem. This phrase can be interpreted in a broader sense as well. It could refer to the need for people to seize opportunities in their lives when they present themselves; otherwise, they might lose their chance to reach their desired destination.


The final few lines of the song describe the inviting sounds of the train as it arrives and urges listeners to board, promising that soon they will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem. The lyrics evoke a sense of urgency, excitement, and community spirit, making the song a classic example of swing-era jazz.


Line by Line Meaning

You must take the "A" train
In order to reach Sugar Hill in Harlem, it is necessary to take the train labeled "A"


To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
The destination being referred to is Sugar Hill, which is located far in the uptown area of Harlem.


If you miss the "A" train
If the "A" train is not boarded on time, it will be a missed opportunity to get to Sugar Hill quickly.


You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
By failing to catch the "A" train, one would forfeit the fastest route possible to get to Harlem.


Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Act quickly and board the train because it is arriving imminently.


Listen to those rails a-thrumming
Notice the rhythmic vibrations made by the train's tracks, indicating that it is ready to depart.


All aboard, get on the "A" train
Passengers are invited to board the train labeled "A".


Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
After getting on the "A" train, the destination of Sugar Hill in the Harlem area will be reached shortly thereafter.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Strayhorn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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