The group featured drummer Bill Bateman (The Blasters), Paul "The Kid" Size on lead guitar, pianist Gene Taylor and blues harmonica player and singer Lester Butler.
The Red Devils were known for backing Mick Jagger on the Rubin produced sessions for the album Wandering Spirit, though those tracks were not issued at the time (they have since cropped up on various bootlegs, and one track was officially released on a Mick Jagger compilation on Rhino Records in 2007). The band also backed actor and sometime musician Bruce Willis, when the action star performed at his Planet Hollywood clubs. The Devils also backed Johnny Cash on music that was not released until the country singer's death, on the boxed set Unearthed.
After the break up of The Red Devils, Butler also fronted the band 13 featuring Lester Butler, releasing one self-titled record on Hightone Records in 1997.
He achieved his greatest fame in Europe and especially The Netherlands, where the Lester Butler Tribute Band still performs.
Butler died of a drug overdose on 10 May 1998, at the age of 38; two people went to prison for putting cocaine in his body when he was out.
Tiger Rag
Red Devils 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"
At first glance, Red Devils's song "Tiger Rag" may seem like a call for violence against a tiger. However, it is actually a reference to an instrumental jazz standard that originated in the early 20th century. The "Tiger Rag" became popular during the Jazz Age and was often played by marching bands at sporting events. The lyrics of Red Devils's song are actually an invitation to play the "Tiger Rag," which is often associated with energy, excitement, and good times.
The repeated calls of "Where's that tiger!" and "Hold that tiger!" are meant to emulate the sound of a sports crowd whooping and hollering for their team. The lines "Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!" may sound violent, but they are actually a playful way of encouraging musicians to really let loose and give an energetic performance of the "Tiger Rag."
The final lines of the song, "Low or highbrow, they all cry now / 'Please play that Tiger Rag for me'" further emphasize the universality of the song's appeal. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, the upbeat and catchy tune of the "Tiger Rag" is sure to get everyone dancing and having a good time.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the exciting energy and fierce competition that we seek?
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger!
Capture that spirit and enthusiasm and maintain it!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Take on any challenge or obstacle, no matter how difficult!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
We continue to search for that unbeatable energy and passion!
Where oh where can he be?
We are determined to find that spirit and never give up!
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
All kinds of people are eager to experience this exhilarating spirit!
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
We long to hear and feel that intense and exciting energy once again!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind