Tiger Rag
Larry Adler 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 of the song "Tiger Rag" by Larry Adler are expressive and full of energy. The repeated questioning of "Where's that tiger!" and the declaration of "Hold that tiger! Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!" implies a sense of excitement and urgency. The Tiger Rag is a classic jazz instrumental that often featured in swing and big band music. Therefore the lyrics seem to refer to the wild and energetic nature of the ragtime music and the audience's desire to hear more of it.
The repeated call and response between the lyrics and instruments creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. The lyrics reflect the audience's enthusiasm for the music and the performer's willingness to please them. There is a sense of unity between the performer and the audience, with the performer eagerly giving the "low or highbrow" crowd what they want. The phrase "Please play that Tiger Rag for me" indicates that the song is well-known and popular, and people are constantly requesting it.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is that energetic spirit or personality that we all want to see and experience?
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Keep that fiery and lively spirit alive and engaged!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Let's put all our efforts into keeping that spirit going and never letting it fade!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Again, where is that vivacious energy that we all seek and long for?
Where oh where can he be?
Where can we find that spark, that vigor that we all require?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Regardless of social status or background, everyone now agrees on one thing:
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
"We all want to experience that lively and spirited energy that Tiger Rag embodies."
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Dimasi
A true legend who completely mastered his instrument. I had the pleasure of seeing him interviewed when he was in his 80's. His mind was still razor sharp and he could easily recall events that occured half a century ago.
Harmonicando
You can consider yourself a lucky man, saw and heard live, the Maestro.
François Goudreau
These old Hollywood numbers were just the best. And of course, The only, the great, the immortal, Larry Adler. What a great video. Thanks a million times. You've MADE MY DAY!
Harmonicando
Thanks François for your nice coment.
SvendBosanvovski
This displays Larry's dazzling technique. It's a kind of masterclass that could accompany is booklet "How I play Harmonica", which is still in print.
Cliff Works
besides his superb playing i always marveled at the flexibility of his right hand the way he held his instrument
Shirley Cranstoun
The man was a musical genius. We will not see his like again.
curleyteeth
There are many fantastic harmonica players around today and have been throughout the years and with the likes of Tommy Reilly for example who was probably, technically a better player than Larry Adler, but it was the tone and richness of his interpretation that won through for me.The recording of the Genevieve Waltz will always epitomize the real sound of the chromatic harmonica and no player has ever been able,though many have tried,to replicate that sound.Jim.Liverpool.
Hermenegildo Mendes
curleyteeth Both excellent, different techniques. What is the best? I don't know.
Margot Darby
I have this early recollection of him playing a number while people are sitting around a campfire. Maybe I just dreamed it. But he wrote about it in the autobio where he's bicycling past Westminster Palace on the cover. Used to turn up in The Oldie a lot.