Roy David Eldridge (January 30, 1911 – February 26, 1989) was a jazz trumpe… Read Full Bio ↴Roy David Eldridge (January 30, 1911 – February 26, 1989) was a jazz trumpet player in the Swing era. His sophisticated use of harmony, including the use of tritone substitutions, resulted in him sometimes being seen as the link between Louis Armstrong-era swing music and Dizzy Gillespie-era bebop. Roy's rhythmic power to swing a band was a dynamic trademark of the Swing Era.

Eldridge was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His nickname was Little Jazz. Eldridge played in the bands of Fletcher Henderson, Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw before making records under his own name. He also played in Benny Goodman's and Count Basie's Orchestras, and co-led a band with Coleman Hawkins.

Ja Da
Roy Eldridge Lyrics

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If it's pleasure you're about
And you feel like steppin' out
All you've got to shout is
Let me off uptown

If it's rhythm that you feel
Then it's nothing to conceal
Oh, you've got to spiel it

Let me off uptown

Rib joints, juke joints, hep joints
Where could a fella go to top it

If you want to pitch a ball
And you can't afford a hall

All you've got to call is
Let me off uptown

Overall Meaning

The song "Ja-Da" by Roy Eldridge is an upbeat, swing jazz tune that encourages listeners to let loose and have a good time. The lyrics suggest that if one is in the mood for pleasure or rhythm, they should head to the diverse and lively area of uptown where there are rib joints, juke joints, and hep joints to enjoy. The chorus repeats the phrase "Let me off uptown," emphasizing the desire to indulge in the energy and excitement of the city.

The underlying message of the song is to have fun and live in the moment, to let go of stresses and constraints and allow oneself to be swept up in the movement and rhythm of the music. The lyrics imply that there is no need to hide or hold back one's feelings of joy and excitement, but rather to express them openly and enthusiastically.

Overall, "Ja-Da" is a playful, optimistic song that celebrates the vitality and allure of urban life, highlighting the pleasures and possibilities that are available to those who are open to them.

Line by Line Meaning

If it's pleasure you're about
If you are seeking pleasure

And you feel like steppin' out
And you have the urge to go out

All you've got to shout is
All you need to say is

Let me off uptown
Take me to the uptown area

If it's rhythm that you feel
If you have a desire for rhythm

Then it's nothing to conceal
There is no need to hide it

Oh, you've got to spiel it
You have to express it freely

Let me off uptown
Take me to the uptown area

Rib joints, juke joints, hep joints
Places with lively music, food, and energy

Where could a fella go to top it
Where else can a guy find such fun

If you want to pitch a ball
If you want to play a game of baseball