The Call
Metronomes Lyrics


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You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Shake their shoulders bold.
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.





Overall Meaning

The opening line of the Metronome All Stars' song "Bugle Call Rag" is a foreshadowing of the infectious nature of the tune, that once you hear it, you're "bound to fall" for its catchy rhythms and memorable melodies. The Bugle Call Rag was originally composed in 1922 by Jack Pettis, Billy Meyers and Elmer Schoebel and was popularized during the 1930s big band era by jazz musicians such as Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong. The lyrics of "Bugle Call Rag" celebrate the alluring power of music in general and the Bugle Call Rag in particular. It boasts of the commingling of various demographics who will be moved to shake their shoulders boldly and dance to its syncopated rhythms.


The line "Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody" implies a romantic aspect of the song, that it is a tune that inspires couples to dance together and get lost in the music. The song's bridge section emphasizes the importance of keeping up the lively pace of the dance, instructing the listener to "step lively don't lag". The song overall conveys the exuberance and joy of swing era music and its ability to bring people together on the dance floor.


Line by Line Meaning

You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
The bugle call is so irresistible that you will inevitably be drawn to it.


You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
You will be so enamored with the Bugle Call Rag that you will want to boast about it to others.


Thin or fat, young or old;
It does not matter what your physical appearance or age may be.


Shake their shoulders bold.
Everyone should dance with confidence and enthusiasm.


Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Let's dance together and move to the rhythm of the bluesy music.


Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
Take a brief pause while the music stops momentarily.


While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
When we dance, keep a firm grip on me and move quickly and energetically to the beat.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Billy Meyers, Elmer Schoebel, Jack Pettis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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