Raymond Scott (born Harry Warnow, 10 September 1908 – 8 February 1994), was… Read Full Bio ↴Raymond Scott (born Harry Warnow, 10 September 1908 – 8 February 1994), was an American composer, orchestra leader, pianist, engineer, electronic instrument inventor and electronic music pioneer. He was born in Brooklyn to a family of Russian-Jewish immigrants. Though Scott never scored cartoon soundtracks, his music is familiar to millions because of its adaptation by Warner Bros. In 1936, Scott formed the "Raymond Scott Quintette", hoping to revitalise swing music through tight, busy arrangements and reduced reliance on improvisation. He called this musical style "descriptive jazz," and gave his works titles like "New Year's Eve in a Haunted House," and "Dinner Music for a Pack of Hungry Cannibals" (recorded by the Kronos Quartet in 1993). It was these compositions that were sold to Warner Bros. in 1943.

Scott was an early experimenter with electronic music. In 1946 he established Manhattan Research, Inc. The lab developed some of the first devices capable of producing electronic tones automatically in sequence. Using such instruments, Scott recorded three ground-breaking albums designed to lull infants to sleep, Soothing Sounds for Baby, in 1964. The music, anticipating the ambient work of Tangerine Dream and Brian Eno, did not find much favour with the record-buying public of the day. Scott's electronic music for radio and television commercials was released posthumously as "Manhattan Research, Inc." in 2000.

bugle call rag
Raymond Scott Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 above lyrics from Raymond Scott's song "Bugle Call Rag" describe the infectious nature of a tune that is bound to make everyone dance. The bugle call is the signal that is played on a bugle or trumpet to signify a daily routine in the military. The song suggests that the bugle call rhythm is so exhilarating that it makes people lose control and start bragging about the song. The lyrics go on to describe how people of all ages and sizes can't resist the beat and start dancing by shaking their shoulders boldly. The song has a bluesy melody that is perfect for syncopating and it makes the dancers hold each other tightly while trying to keep up with the fast tempo.

Line by Line Meaning

You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
Resistance is futile, you will succumb to the irresistible lure of the bugle call.

You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
You will proudly boast about your love for the Bugle Call Rag.

Thin or fat, young or old;
No matter your physical appearance or age, everyone will enjoy it.

Shake their shoulders bold.
The boldness in people's shoulder movements will be a testament to the infectious rhythm and energy of the song.

Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Embrace me as we dance and synchronize our movements to the rhythm of the captivating blue melody.

Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
Pausing momentarily during a musical break and remaining silent, eagerly anticipating the continuation of the lively tune.

While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
In the midst of our passionate dancing, maintain a tight hold on me and move energetically without any lag.

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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