Strike Up the Band
John Williams; Boston Pops Orchestra Lyrics
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Let the trumpet call
While the people shout, "strike up the band"
Hear the cymbals ring
Calling one and all
To the martial swing, strike up the band
Let's have fun, fun, fun
You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand
Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let's go
Hey, leader, strike up the band!
There is work to be done, to be done
Let's have fun, fun, fun
Come on, son of a gun of a gun, take your stand
Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let's go
Hey, Mr. Leader,
Hey, Mr. Leader,
Please strike up the band!
The lyrics to "Strike Up The Band" exude a sense of celebration and excitement. The opening lines, "Let the drums roll out, let the trumpet call," immediately set the tone for a vibrant and energetic performance. The call to action is directed at the band leader, requesting that they "strike up the band" while the throngs of people cheer.
The song emphasizes the importance of having fun while working hard, as the lyrics state, "there is work to be done, let's have fun, fun, fun." The song includes specific musical directions, such as "hear the cymbals ring, calling one and all," and "to the martial swing, strike up the band." These directives give the sense that the band is swinging into action and delivering lively, upbeat music.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea of standing up and taking action, "come on, son of a gun of a gun, take your stand. Form a line, oh, oh, come on, let's go." Overall, the lyrics inspire a sense of unity and excitement, as people join together to celebrate and have fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Let the drums roll out
Begin the music with a loud, rolling drum sound
Let the trumpet call
Start the music with a signal from the trumpet
While the people shout, "strike up the band"
The audience cheers and requests the band to begin playing
Hear the cymbals ring
Listen to the metallic cymbals resonating
Calling one and all
Inviting everyone to come and join in the fun
To the martial swing, strike up the band
Start the music with a lively, marching beat
There is work to be done, to be done
We have duties to fulfill, but we can also have fun
Let's have fun, fun, fun
We should enjoy ourselves and make the most of our time
You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand
Get ready to perform, you energetic and enthusiastic person
Form a line, oh, oh
Position yourself in an orderly line
Come on, let's go
Get moving, it's time to get started
Hey, leader, strike up the band!
Addressing the band's conductor or main performer to begin the show
Hey, Mr. Leader,
Continuing to address the band's conductor or main performer
Please strike up the band!
Requesting the band's conductor or performer to start the music
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind