Take The 'A' Train
Marian McPartland & Oscar Peterson Lyrics


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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 Marian McPartland & Oscar Peterson's song "Take the 'A' Train" convey the importance of taking the "A" train to reach Sugar Hill, a neighborhood in Harlem. The "A" train is portrayed as the quickest and most efficient way to get to Harlem, emphasizing its significance for those wanting to experience the vibrant culture and energy of the area. The urgency to catch the train is evident in the lyrics, as missing it would mean missing out on the opportunity to immerse oneself in the soul of Harlem.


The use of imagery in the lyrics transports the listener to the train station, with the description of the "rails a-thrumming" creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. The repetition of the phrase "get on" emphasizes the necessity to take action and board the train promptly. Once on the "A" train, the song promises a journey that will lead to Sugar Hill, an area renowned for its rich history and contributions to music and art.


Overall, the lyrics of "Take the 'A' Train" encourage listeners to embrace the experience of venturing to Harlem by emphasizing the importance of the "A" train and the rewards that await on Sugar Hill.


Line by Line Meaning

You must take the "A" train
In order to reach Sugar Hill in Harlem, you have to board the "A" train


To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
In order to reach the neighborhood of Sugar Hill located high up in Harlem, you need to take the "A" train


If you miss the "A" train
If you fail to catch the "A" train


You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
You will realize that you have missed the fastest and most efficient route to Harlem


Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Quickly, hurry and board the train because it is approaching


Listen to those rails a-thrumming
Pay attention to the rhythmic sound of the train tracks


All aboard, get on the "A" train
Everyone should get inside the "A" train


Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
Before long, you will arrive at Sugar Hill located in Harlem




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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