Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Michelle Creber Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

He was a famous trumpet man from out Chicago way
He had a boogie style that no one else could play
He was the top man at his craft
But then his number came up, and he was gone with the draft
He's in the Army now, a-blowin' Reveille
He's the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B

They made him blow a bugle for his Uncle Sam
It really brought him down because he could not jam
The Captain seemed to understand
Because the next day the Cap' went out and drafted a band
And now the Company jumps when he plays Reveille
He's the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B

A-root, a-toot, a-toot-diddely-ada-toot
He blows it eight-to-the-bar, in boogie rhythm
He can't blow a note unless the bass and guitar is playin' with 'im
A-ha-ha-hand the company jumps when he plays Reveille
He's the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B

He was some boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B
And when he plays boogie-woogie bugle he was busy as a "bzzzy" bee
And when he plays he makes the company jump eight-to-the-bar
He's the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B

A toot-diddelyada, toot-diddelyada, toot-toot
He blows it eight-to-the-bar
Can't blow a note if the bass and guitar isn't with 'im
A-ha-ha-hand the Company jumps when he plays Reveille
He's the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B

He puts the boys to sleep with boogie every night
And wakes 'em up the same way in the early bright
They clap their hands, and stamp their feet
'Cause they know how he blows when someone gives him a beat
Whoa-whoa he breaks it up when he plays Reveille
The boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B

A-root, a toot, a-toot-diddely-ada-doot to-to-toot
He blows, eight to the bar
He can blow a note if the bass and guitar isn't, whoa, with him




And the company jumps when he plays Reveille
He's the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B!

Overall Meaning

The song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” is a tribute to the famed Chicago-style trumpet player, who could play the boogie-woogie style that no one else could. The song narrates the tale of the “boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B” and his life story as a skilled and famous trumpet player who got drafted for the army. Though it was devastating for the bugle boy to leave his music career behind, he was provided with an instrument in the Army to help him cope up. His talent eventually leads to the creation of a regimental band, which ultimately helps in entertaining the troops and lifts up their morale.


The lyrics are full of musical references, with a lot of vague and complex vocabulary related to the language of music. The song is a story about the power and the importance of music in the lives of individuals and the way in which it can bring a group of people together. It demonstrates how music can create a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose.


Line by Line Meaning

He was a famous trumpet man from out Chicago way
The trumpet player was well-known from Chicago for his music talent


He had a boogie style that no one else could play
He had a unique style of playing boogie music that nobody else could match


He was the top man at his craft
He was the best in his profession


But then his number came up, and he was gone with the draft
Unfortunately, he was drafted into the army because of the compulsory military service


He's in the Army now, a-blowin' Reveille
Now, he is in the army and playing Reveille


He's the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B
He is the most skilled trumpet bugler in Company B


They made him blow a bugle for his Uncle Sam
He was ordered to play the bugle for Uncle Sam (US Government)


It really brought him down because he could not jam
He felt helpless since he couldn't play his kind of music


The Captain seemed to understand
The captain seemed to have empathy for him


Because the next day the Cap' went out and drafted a band
To help the trumpet player cope, the captain arranged to have a music band


And now the Company jumps when he plays Reveille
Thanks to the new band, the company soldiers dance and celebrate when he plays Reveille.


A-root, a-toot, a-toot-diddely-ada-toot
The trumpet player is playing his instrument in rhythm


He blows it eight-to-the-bar, in boogie rhythm
He is playing in boogie rhythm with eight notes to one bar


He can't blow a note unless the bass and guitar is playin' with 'im
His performance can only happen if the bass and guitar are playing with him


A-ha-ha-hand the company jumps when he plays Reveille
Whenever he plays Reveille, everyone jumps around and dances with joy


He was some boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B
He was an incredible boogie-woogie bugle boy in Company B


And when he plays boogie-woogie bugle he was busy as a 'bzzzy' bee
He's very active when playing boogie-woogie bugle, just like a busy bee


And when he plays he makes the company jump eight-to-the-bar
Whenever he plays, everyone moves their bodies in boogie rhythm


He puts the boys to sleep with boogie every night
He plays boogie music every night to calm the soldiers down and make them sleep


And wakes 'em up the same way in the early bright
In the morning, he wakes the soldiers up with his boogie music


They clap their hands, and stamp their feet
Soldiers show their excitement by clapping and stamping their feet


'Cause they know how he blows when someone gives him a beat
They know how skillful he is when someone provides a beat for him


Whoa-whoa he breaks it up when he plays Reveille
He always brings excitement to the camp when he plays Reveille


The boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B
He is recognized as the amazing boogie-woogie bugle boy in Company B




Writer(s): Don Raye, Hughie Prince

Contributed by Jordan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@Splinter48708

Michelle, I am really impressed here. Just by yourself, you captured the original Andrew Sisters version. In fact, you introduced today's generation to a classic WWII song and I hope that your career continues down this path of great song covers as well as original music.

@waynegarland2991

Dan Trigona We are doing a remake of your video I’m a ventriloquist and we are using our dog to represent the Frontline fighters. I’m looking to implement your trumpet songs and the last group in the video. To be pie bad video we are scratching we are wrapping MA using all dummies to represent the front nine singers I would love for your input will you please give me feedback we shouldn’t be out this weekend love to have your input we may get some dolls as in military dress

@arielbalangue6489

Thanks for making my Christmas Michelle your awesome

@arielbalangue6489

She’s beautiful angel as well

@arielbalangue6489

Dude your a really nice guy as well i just trying to make friends on YouTube

@justintimeforfun2392

Man, I could just listen to you sing everyday. I just love how you can sound so jazzy to changing your voice to sound so bold and serious. i could just listen to your songs everyday..

@DnDRteam14j

I'm listening to this with my buddy's while we are waiting to leave for 8 months overseas. And I love it, great job.

@MichelleCreber

Thank you so much for your message! I wish you all a safe journey and thank you for your service :)

@jokelethkurueisner9229

Powernote Brony I wish you, your buddies, and all of those who are serving in the armed forces a Happy Independence Day! Thank you so much for your services to our beautiful nation! May the Lord bless you all!

@noahjohnson5201

Michelle Creber the Andrews sisters

More Comments

More Versions