Stanley Newcomb Kenton was born in Wichita, KS, and raised first in Colorad… Read Full Bio ↴Stanley Newcomb Kenton was born in Wichita, KS, and raised first in Colorado and then in California. He learned piano as a child and while a teenager toured with various bands. He attended Bell High School in Bell, California, where he graduated in 1930. In June 1941 he formed his first band, which developed into one of the best-known West Coast ensembles of the forties. In the mid-forties Kenton Band and style became known as "The Wall Of Sound", a tag later used by Phil Spector. He was a competent pianist that had been influenced by Earl Hines. Stan Kenton died August 25, 1979 at age 67. Important in his early days as an arrranger and inspiration for his sidemen. For a more thorough biography and discography, see Wikipedia, the free encyclpedia.

Tiger Rag
Stan Kenton & His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger

Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?

Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Tiger Rag" by Stan Kenton & His Orchestra essentially repeat the two phrases of "hold that tiger" and "where's that tiger" multiple times throughout the song. The phrase "hold that tiger" likely refers to a request to figuratively contain the ferocious energy and excitement of a tiger. This could be interpreted as the request for the musicians to hold onto their own energy and enthusiasm as they play the music. The phrase "where's that tiger" could be interpreted as a challenge or question to the audience, as if asking if they are also able to match the intense energy of the tiger.

Overall, the lyrics of "Tiger Rag" are not particularly complex or poetic. However, they do serve as a type of rallying cry or call-and-response between the band and audience, as they work together to create a high-energy, exciting atmosphere.

Line by Line Meaning

Hold that tiger
Maintain control of the exciting energy, power and liveliness of the performance.

Where's that tiger?
Where is that feeling of wildness, unpredictability and spontaneity that previously existed in the music?

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS