1) Nathan Bell resides in … Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name.
1) Nathan Bell resides in Baltimore, Maryland. He currently plays in the project Human Bell with Dave Heumann of Arbouretum, who are set to release their first official full-length via Thrill Jockey in early 2008. Nathan is perhaps most commonly-known, however, as former bassist for Baltimore underground legends Lungfish from 1998-2003ish. He played on the Artificial Horizon through Necrophones albums. In addition to collaborating with some lesser-known artists and bands, Nathan has also worked on more personal home recordings under his own name. The compositions usually feature banjo and other instruments of a stringed nature; the genres in which he plays are not categorizable, as he touches upon many different types of music with his unusual style. These entirely instrumental recordings are not put out by any label, but you can download and/or purchase some of Nathan's humble offerings at http://www.myspace.com/nathanosmobell.
Strike Up the Band
Nathan Bell Lyrics
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Let the trumpet call
While the people shout, "strike up the band"
Hear the cymbals ring
Calling one and all
To the martial swing, strike up the band
Let's have fun, fun, fun
You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand
Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, 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, son of a gun of a gun, take your stand
Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let's go
Hey, Mr. Leader,
Hey, Mr. Leader,
Please strike up the band!
In Nathan Bell's song "Strike Up the Band," the lyrics express an urge for action and celebration. The song begins with a call to attention: "Let the drums roll out, let the trumpet call," emphasizing the prospect of a big event on the horizon. A "martial swing" is being summoned, which suggests a military-style parade or celebration. The following lines illustrate that there is work to be done, but they also call for fun and excitement. The phrase "you son of a gun of a gun" is a playful way of addressing the listener, as if to say "you rascal - get ready for this!" The repeated line "form a line, oh, oh, come on, let's go" serves as a rallying cry, urging everyone to join in the festivities. Finally, the song concludes with a plea addressed to the "leader" - "hey, Mr. leader, please strike up the band!" - suggesting that it's time to start the show.
The lyrics of "Strike Up the Band" express a joyful and motivational energy, but they also demonstrate the power of music to bring people together. Whether it's a military parade or a celebration of some other kind, in the context of this song, the band's performance becomes a unifying force that brings people into line and creates a sense of shared purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Let the drums roll out
Begin the music by playing the drums
Let the trumpet call
Start the show with the sounds of the trumpet
While the people shout, "strike up the band"
The audience is eagerly waiting for the performance to begin and encourages the musicians to start playing
Hear the cymbals ring
Listen to the sound of the cymbals as they are played
Calling one and all
Inviting everyone present to listen and enjoy the music
To the martial swing, strike up the band
Play the music with a military style and rhythm
There is work to be done, to be done
We have a task ahead and must complete it
Let's have fun, fun, fun
While working, let's enjoy and have a great time
You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand
Referring to the person in charge, indicating that they should take the lead and give orders
Form a line, oh, oh
Line up in an orderly way
Come on, let's go
Encouraging everyone to move and commence with the task
Hey, leader, strike up the band!
The leader should initiate and start the execution of a plan
Please strike up the band!
Requesting the leader to start the performance
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind