Tiger Rag
Raymond Scott And His Orchestra Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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"

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"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Raymond Scott's "Tiger Rag" express a sense of anticipation and excitement as the search is on for the elusive "tiger". The repeated questioning of "Where's that tiger?" creates a sense of urgency and longing, as the singer is desperate to locate this elusive creature. The use of imperatives such as "hold that tiger", "choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him" convey a sense of aggression and physicality, suggesting that the search for the tiger is not a gentle or passive activity.


The repeated refrain in the lyrics "Where oh where can he be? Low or highbrow, they all cry now 'Please play that Tiger Rag for me'" indicates that the tiger is not just a literal animal, but a symbol of something that is sought after and desired. The idea that "low or highbrow" individuals, regardless of class or social status, all want to hear this song suggests the universality of this desire, and the power that music can have in bringing people together.


Line by Line Meaning

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is that ferocious animal, known for its strength and power?


Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is that ferocious animal, known for its strength and power?


Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Capture that tiger and hold it tight!


Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Use any means necessary to subdue the tiger and make it obedient.


Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where is that ferocious animal, known for its strength and power?


Where oh where can he be?
Where could the tiger possibly be hiding?


Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Regardless of social status, everyone is eager to hear...


"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
"Please perform that energetic and popular jazz composition called Tiger Rag for my enjoyment"




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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