Tiger Rag
Les Paul;Mary Ford Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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"

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"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Les Paul & Mary Ford's "Tiger Rag" indicate a desire to hear the iconic song played. The repeated phrases "Where's that tiger?" and "Hold that tiger!" demonstrate a sense of urgency and excitement, while the instructions to "choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him" give a playful and mischievous tone to the lyrics. The line "Low or highbrow, they all cry now" suggests that the song has wide appeal, regardless of one's social standing or taste in music.


The repeated refrain of "Please play that Tiger Rag for me" emphasizes the desire to hear the song and its power to bring people together. The song's catchy melody and fast-paced tempo make it an ideal tune for dancing and having a good time. The lyrics itself do not contribute much to the interpretation of the song, but they serve to generate energy and excitement for the listener and encourage the audience to engage actively with the music.


Line by Line Meaning

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the lively and exciting tiger!


Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
We must catch the tiger and keep it contained for all to enjoy!


Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
We will use forceful and aggressive tactics to subdue the tiger and bring it under our control!


Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
We cannot contain our excitement as we eagerly search for the elusive and captivating tiger!


Where oh where can he be?
We are filled with anticipation and wonder as we search for the elusive and magical tiger!


Low or highbrow, they all cry now
People of all backgrounds and social classes are united in their desire for the Tiger Rag to be played!


"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
We implore you to treat us to the joyous and thrilling experience of hearing the Tiger Rag performed!




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@Kirke182

Incredible vocal performance by Mary.

@TheJPZ75

les pauls ovedubing invention /mutitrack recording techniques were amazing , ur actually hearing possibly 4 or 5 of her at once ,his gtr aswell , the layering is unreal

@mrsdigz3718

Just picked up a booklet of old 45s and just randomly picked a track to search and I'm so glad I picked this gem up. Can't wait to see what else I got.

@Shred_The_Weapon

Anyone who was alive when these two were together and making records should know what a good thing they had when they had it. Born in 1980, shortly after Mary Ford passed away, I missed out on that good fortune by default.

@Kim-uo2tg

I'm originally from Boston, but we lived in the Chicago burbs for 12 years. Every summer we would go back to New England for vacation. When we hit Ohio, we'd start searching the radio stations for Les Paul & Mary Ford. I was the radio tuner & keeper-awaker while Dad drove That was an annual event for me from age 4 to age 16. This song brings back so many happy memories! Especially now that Dad's gone, it makes me miss him sooo much!

@schrodingersgat4344

This is wonderful! Thank you!

@thomascollins4325

I loved this song when I was a kid!!!

@patrickmichaellangan576

This is one of my FAVs from the 1950s (AKA the Golden Years of early rock and roll)!

@footsteps115

Hi Patrick Langan, you're welcome and thanks for the comment.

@patrickmichaellangan576

You got it.

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