Harriet Nelson (July 18, 1909 – October 2, 1994) was an American singer and actress. By 1932, she was still performing in vaudeville when she met the saxophone-playing bandleader Ozzie Nelson. Nelson hired her to sing with the band, under the name Harriet Hilliard. They married three years later.
In the early 1930s, a booking at the Glen Island Casino gained national network radio exposure for Ozzie Nelson's orchestra. After three years together with the orchestra, Ozzie and Harriet signed to appear regularly on The Baker's Broadcast (1933–1938), hosted first by Joe Penner, then by Robert L. Ripley, and finally by cartoonist Feg Murray. The couple married on October 8, 1935 during this series run, and realized working together in radio would keep them together more than continuing their musical careers separately. In 1941, the Nelsons joined the cast of The Red Skelton Show, also providing much of the show's music. The couple stayed with the series for three years. They also built their radio experience by guest appearances, together and individually, on many top radio shows, from comedies such as The Fred Allen Show, to the mystery titan Suspense, in a 1947 episode called "Too Little to Live On".
When Red Skelton was drafted in March 1944, Ozzie Nelson was prompted to create his own family situation comedy. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet launched October 8, 1944 on CBS, it moved to NBC in October 1948, then made a late-season switch back to CBS in April 1949. The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949 to June 18, 1954. In total 402 radio episodes were produced. In an arrangement that amplified the growing pains of American broadcasting, as radio "grew up" into television, the Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network the option to move their program to television. The struggling network needed proven talent that was not about to defect to the more established and wealthier networks like CBS or NBC.
The Nelsons' sons, David and Ricky, did not join the cast until the radio show's fifth year (initially appearing on the February 20, 1949 episode, ages 12 and 8, respectively). The two boys were played by professional actors prior to their joining because both were too young to perform. The role of David was played by Joel Davis from 1944 until 1945 when he was replaced by Tommy Bernard. Henry Blair appeared as Ricky. Other cast members included John Brown as Syd "Thorny" Thornberry, Lurene Tuttle as Harriet's mother, Bea Benaderet as Gloria, Janet Waldo as Emmy Lou, and Francis "Dink" Trout as Roger. Vocalists included Harriet Nelson, The King Sisters, and Ozzie Nelson. The announcers were Jack Bailey and Verne Smith. The music was by Billy May and Ozzie Nelson. The producers were Dave Elton and Ozzie Nelson. The show's sponsors included International Silver Company (1944–49), H.J. Heinz Company (1949–52) and Lambert Pharmacal's Listerine (1952–54).
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet is an American sitcom, airing on ABC from October 3, 1952 through March 26, 1966, starring the real life Nelson family. After a long run on radio, the show was brought to television where it continued its success, running on both radio and television for a few years.
Tiger Rag
Ozzie & Harriet Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
The song "Tiger Rag" by Ozzie & Harriet Nelson is a rousing tribute to the classic jazz tune of the same name. The lyrics repeatedly ask, "Where's that tiger?" in reference to the powerful, energetic spirit of the song. The chorus encourages listeners to "hold that tiger," "choke him, poke him, kick him, and soak him" - all playful expressions of the intensity and rawness that the Tiger Rag evokes.
The second half of the chorus emphasizes the universality of the Tiger Rag's appeal, as it asks, "where oh where can he be? Low or highbrow, they all cry now, 'please play that Tiger Rag for me'." This highlights the fact that the Tiger Rag transcends social class divisions and has become a beloved piece of music for people of all backgrounds.
The repetition of the chorus and the energetic call-and-response of the verses make the song an infectious and fun tribute to the classic jazz standard. The Nelsons' version of the song is a testament to the enduring power and popularity of the Tiger Rag.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the person or thing that is causing excitement or trouble and needs to be dealt with?
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the person or thing that is causing excitement or trouble and needs to be dealt with?
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Get a grip on the situation and don't let it get out of control.
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Do whatever it takes to subdue the tiger and bring it under control.
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where is the person or thing that is causing excitement or trouble and needs to be dealt with?
Where oh where can he be?
I am eagerly searching for the person or thing that is causing excitement or trouble and needs to be dealt with.
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Regardless of social status, everyone is now excited and eager for the same thing.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
I am asking for that exciting and energetic music that will bring everyone together and liven up the atmosphere.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY TIERNEY, JOSEPH JOE MC CARTHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind