Matt Monro (December 1, 1930 - February 7, 1985) was a ballad singer of th… Read Full Bio ↴Matt Monro (December 1, 1930 - February 7, 1985) was a ballad singer of the 1960s and one of great international postwar entertainers. Throughout his 30-year career he filled cabarets, nightclubs, music halls and stadiums across the globe, from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong to Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. He sold more than 25 million records during his lifetime (most of those sales however didn't come until after his death), imbuing each one with his elegant blend of majesty, sincerity, and superior technique.

Strike Up The Band
Matt Monro Lyrics

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Let the drums roll out
Let the trumpet call
While the people shout
"Strike up the band"

Hear the cymbals ring
Callin' one and all
To the martial swing

Strike up the band

There is work to be done, to be done
Let's have fun, fun, fun
Come on you son of a son, of a gun
Take your stand

Fall in line, yea a bow
Come along, 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 you son of a gun, of a gun
Take your stand

Fall in line, yea a bow
Come on, let's go
Hey, Leader, strike up

Hey, Leader, strike up
Hey, Leader, strike up the band!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Matt Monro's song "Strike Up The Band" are a call to action and a rallying cry for unity and celebration. The opening lines, "Let the drums roll out, Let the trumpet call, While the people shout 'Strike up the band,'" set the upbeat and energetic tone of the song. This is a moment of excitement and anticipation as the band prepares to play.

As the cymbals ring and the call goes out, everyone is invited to join in the lively and spirited swing of the music. The line "There is work to be done, to be done, Let's have fun, fun, fun" suggests that despite the tasks at hand, it is important to find joy and pleasure in life. The phrase "son of a son, of a gun" is an idiomatic expression that adds a playful and energetic touch to the lyrics.

The repetition of the line "Strike up the band" serves as a chant, encouraging everyone to come together and participate. The leader is called upon to take charge and initiate the music, creating a sense of leadership and camaraderie.

Overall, "Strike Up The Band" is a spirited anthem that encourages unity, joy, and the power of music to bring people together.

Line by Line Meaning

Let the drums roll out
The drums should begin playing loudly and energetically

Let the trumpet call
The trumpet should play its distinct and attention-grabbing sound

While the people shout
As the music plays, the crowd enthusiastically cheers and expresses their excitement

Strike up the band
Start playing music together as a group

Hear the cymbals ring
Listen to the loud, crashing sound of the cymbals

Callin' one and all
Inviting everyone to join in the festivities

To the martial swing
To the lively and rhythmic movement of the military-style music

Strike up the band
Begin playing music together as a group

There is work to be done, to be done
There are tasks and responsibilities that need to be accomplished

Let's have fun, fun, fun
Let's enjoy ourselves and have a great time

Come on you son of a son, of a gun
Encouraging someone, perhaps playfully, to join in and participate

Take your stand
Assert your presence and readiness

Fall in line, yea a bow
Get in line and show respect or obedience

Come along, let's go
Join us and embark on this musical journey

Hey, Leader, strike up the band
Addressing the designated leader to initiate the musical performance

Hey, Leader, strike up
Hey, Leader, begin playing the music

Hey, Leader, strike up the band
Hey, Leader, start the band's musical performance

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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