Tiger Rag
Smeck Roy 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"
The lyrics to Smeck Roy's "Tiger Rag" are playful and energetic, inviting listeners to join in the hunt for the elusive tiger. The repetition of the lines, "Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!" creates a sense of urgency as the search continues. The subsequent lines, "Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger!" add to the urgency, suggesting that the tiger has been found and must be restrained. This feeling is further emphasized by the commands to "choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!"
The second half of the lyrics shifts focus from the hunt to the music. The question "Where's that tiger?" now becomes a request for the song "Tiger Rag" to be played. The line "Low or highbrow, they all cry now 'Please play that Tiger Rag for me'" suggests that everyone, regardless of their background or social status, can appreciate the song and join in the fun.
Overall, the lyrics to "Tiger Rag" create a lively atmosphere that encourages participation and celebrates the joy of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
We are excited and eagerly looking for the Tiger in order to enjoy and have fun with it.
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
We want to capture and keep the Tiger around so that we can continue to enjoy and have fun with it.
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
We want to play rough with the Tiger, treating it like a toy or an object that we can manipulate for our enjoyment.
Where oh where can he be?
We are still eagerly searching for the Tiger and wondering where it could be hiding.
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
It doesn't matter what social class or background someone comes from, everyone wants to enjoy the Tiger and its playfulness.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
We are requesting for the music to play that will accompany our fun with the Tiger, as it brings us great joy and entertainment.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Son Brimmer
I meet so many people who play the Uke and it's crazy that most of them have never heard of Roy Smeck or know anything about this style. not only does this kick ass, but its part of our musical heritage as Americans!
matthew1906
Roy Smeck, the Wizard of the Strings, is largely forgotten today. The multi-instrumentalist was equal in talent to Django Reinhardt. Having a comedic act likely cost him the respect he deserves as an artist.
Jerry Topinka
I find it hard to believe that anyone in there right mind would not see the talent in Roy Smeck. Any musician that's made a name for themselves should be respected for their accomplishments. By comparing one player to another doesn't do anyone any good. Most of all you will miss what's really going on. Everyone has something to offer. Here's a quote for ya. "A genius can always learn from a fool, but a fool will never learn from a genius" Great Playing Roy Smeck.
Naiwi Teruya
Watched this video clip for years never gets old, Roy smeck= wizard of strings
f.w.
How can anyone be so precise on such a small instrument?!!!!
clockguy2
Born Leroy Smeck, 6 February 1900 – 5 April 1994. I read that he practiced all the time. He even got fired from a job because they caught him playing uke in the bathroom when he was supposed to be working. He sometimes would even practice after he was in bed.
Cloud Monkey
Died the Same day as cobain.
Nate Stein
@Cloud Monkey I thought the same thing.
thesicilianguitarist
I just don't get it... seriously...how could anyone hit the dislike button?!? Those idiots must have done it by mistake. Mr. Smeck has made over 500 recordings, played for Franklin D. Roosevelt, and invented the Vita-Uke. There shouldn't even BE a dislike button up in here!
DC S
horrible quality, looks like it was filmed in 1920's!