Take The "A" Train
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Lyrics
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To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
If you miss the "A" train
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
The lyrics to Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra's song Take the "A" Train are a nostalgic reminder of the New York City subway system's "A" train that runs through Harlem, a predominantly African-American neighborhood. The song's title is a reference to composer Billy Strayhorn's instructions on how to get to Duke Ellington's house. Strayhorn was a pianist, composer, and arranger who worked with Ellington for many years. His contribution to jazz is immeasurable, and this song is one of his most well-known and timeless tunes.
The lyrics encourage listeners to take the "A" train to reach Sugar Hill, a neighborhood in Harlem that was known for its affluent black community in the 1930s and 1940s. The song is a celebration of the vibrancy and energy of Harlem, as represented by the train and its passengers. The beat and rhythm of the song are infectious and make listeners want to dance.
One interpretation of the lyrics is that they represent a call to action for African-Americans to take control of their own destiny, to ride the "A" train to success and prosperity. The song reflects the optimism of the time and is a source of inspiration for generations of jazz musicians and listeners alike.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the "A" train
The means of transportation required to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem is solely the "A" train
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
Sugar Hill is located in the Upper Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem
If you miss the "A" train
Failure to catch the "A" train will result in not using the fastest transportation method to reach Harlem
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Missing the "A" train will lead to no alternatives to get to Sugar Hill in Harlem as quickly
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Act quickly and board the train as it is approaching the station
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
Hear and feel the vibrations of the train on the tracks as it approaches the station
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Everyone should board the "A" train in order to reach Harlem
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
In a short amount of time, passengers will arrive at the Sugar Hill stop located in Harlem
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir One Music
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind