Strike Up the Band
Red Nichols (The Tao Of Groove Remix) Lyrics


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Let the drums roll out. 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.

There is work to be done,to be done.
There's a war to be won, to be won.
Come you son of son of a gun. Take your stand.
Fall in line, yea bo. Come along, let's go.




Hey, leader. Strike up the band.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Red Nichols and His Orchestra's song Strike Up the Band are a call to action. The opening lines, "Let the drums roll out. Let the trumpet call," sets the tone for a grand and urgent occasion. The uplifting and energetic tone of "Strike up the band" is more of a command than an invitation, calling on everyone to come together and celebrate, but also to focus on the task at hand. The song encourages people to join the fight, reminding them that there is work to be done and a war to be won. The call is extended to everyone, regardless of their background or status, as reflected in the lyrics "Come you son of son of a gun. Take your stand. Fall in line, yea bo. Come along, let's go."


Overall, the song is an attempt to rally people together, to mobilize resources and unify individuals around a shared goal. The lyrics celebrate unity and togetherness, and the lively rhythm of the melody reinforces this theme. The song was written at a time when the country was facing great uncertainties, and the call to "strike up the band" was a potent symbol of hope for a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

Let the drums roll out. Let the trumpet call.
The orchestra begins with the powerful beats of the drums and the brassy notes of the trumpets announcing the start of the music.


While the people shout, Strike up the band.
The audience cheers as the orchestra starts playing.


Hear the cymbals ring. Calling one and all.
The clash of the cymbals attracts everyone's attention to the lively rhythm of the music.


To the martial swing, Strike up the band.
The orchestra plays in the style of the military, emphasizing precision, cadence, and percussive sounds.


There is work to be done,to be done.
Despite the celebratory mood, there are challenges and obstacles to overcome.


There's a war to be won, to be won.
The orchestra alludes to the ongoing struggle and hardships faced by the nation and its people.


Come you son of son of a gun. Take your stand.
The orchestra invites brave and determined individuals to join the fight and make a difference.


Fall in line, yea bo. Come along, let's go.
The orchestra urges everyone to unite, cooperate, and work together towards a common goal.


Hey, leader. Strike up the band.
The orchestra addresses the conductor as the leader who sets the pace, rhythm, and mood for the entire musical performance.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTOINE DOMINO, DAVE BARTHOLOMEW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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