Tiger Rag
Mills Brothers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?




Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mills Brothers's song Tiger Rag seem simple and repetitive, but they are actually meant to be an energetic and exciting call to the dance floor. The repetition of "Hold that tiger" and "Where's that tiger" is meant to build up anticipation and excitement before the band picks up the pace with their catchy jazz tune. The tiger in question is likely a metaphor for the wild and untamed energy that the song is designed to produce in its listeners. The idea of "holding" the tiger is meant to convey a sense of control over this powerful energy, as well as a willingness to take risks and live in the moment.


Line by Line Meaning

Hold that tiger
Maintain control over the situation and keep the tiger at bay


Where's that tiger?
Where is the unpredictable and uncontrollable force that can disrupt the peace?




Lyrics © PAUL RODRIGUEZ MUSIC LTD.
Written by: ANTONIO SBARRO (DP), EDWIN EDWARDS (DP), HENRY RAGAS (DP), LARRY SHIELDS (DP), SIDNEY BECHET

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Tony LaVorgna

This is a great rendition of an old favorite. Too bad not that many people know about it. What a wonderful group.

MTN - A Rainbow Pastures Company

This song was featured in “The Big Broadcast” in 1932 with newcomer Bing Crosby in his film debut. The Mills Brothers was the very first male vocal group to brought into new heights, and doo-wop was long years away. To be honest, as a doo-wop fan, the Mills Brothers were great during that time. There was no rock & roll in 1932, it has four guys and a guitar. And that’s it. And of course, street corner harmonies didn’t exist in 1932, remember the barbershop quartet? That was a big deal back in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Cynthia Pickett

Absolutely 🤗🤗! They also were a huge influence on the vocal groups who followed to the present. Their horn imitations are a direct precursor to beat boxing (hip hop).

The 1 Rough Customer Greaser

They didn't need a "swing" band the could sound just like one without the instruments , just amazing talent

Michael Myers

This is just amazing. Remember when musicians had this kind of talent and ability?

There are many great artists, but the best can stand in front of a microphone with auto tune, filters, and sound engineers, and create things like this.

noobguitarist

Yep technology make artists lazy now new pop sucks (not all)

Greg P

Know I don't. This was 1931, Wilford Brimley. And it stinks.

TakeCareYoself

there's always comments like this 😂

Greg P

@RL R
"Just like" isn't the same as "exactly like".

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Bernadette Scott

This is my mom song. She's currently in a nursing home. She said "hold that tiger," in the street once at The Apollo Theatre. 6/29-6/30/19. 5:30 a.m 👑💒🌟🙌👸😊📹📷🎥🌈💎❤💍🔥🐞🌟🙌🙌🙌🙌💃🙌🙌🙌🚘🙌🙌🙌

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