Tiger Rag
Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio Lyrics


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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 of Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio's song "Tiger Rag" vividly portray a sense of excitement and anticipation for the arrival of the titular "tiger." The repetition of "Where's that tiger!" effectively sets the tone of a search party, seeking out the elusive and mysterious animal. The ensuing line "Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!" suggests a level of danger and anxiety in catching the tiger without it escaping.


The playful violence in "Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!" adds a humorous tone to the lyrics while subtly fueling the thrill of the chase. The repeated inquiries of "Where oh where can he be?" heighten the suspense and keep the listener hooked in anticipation of the tiger's arrival. The final line "Low or highbrow, they all cry now 'Please play that Tiger Rag for me'" embodies the universal appeal of the song, regardless of social class or background. The song's unique mix of jazz, swing, and bluegrass, coupled with its iconic title, resonates with music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.


Line by Line Meaning

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Expressing excitement while wondering where the subject of the song, the tiger, is located.


Where oh where can he be?
Asking the question of where the tiger could possibly be, emphasizing the mystery around finding him.


Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Every person, regardless of social status, is moved by the desire to hear the Tiger Rag.


"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Requesting the performance of the Tiger Rag, a beloved and well-known song.


Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Encouraging the capture and restraint of the elusive tiger, playing off the song's title.


Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Offering a series of harsh but ultimately playful commands directed at the tiger, urging him to be more present in the song.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY TIERNEY, JOSEPH JOE MC CARTHY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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