Tiger Rag
Steven Mayer Lyrics


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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"

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"

Overall Meaning

The song "Tiger Rag" by Steven Mayer is a classic and catchy tune that has been loved and played by generations of music enthusiasts. The song starts with an upbeat repetition of the question "Where's that tiger?" followed by a series of commands to 'hold', 'choke', 'poke', 'kick' and 'soak' the elusive animal. The lyrics continue to express that the tiger is nowhere to be found and all types of people, from low to highbrows, are eager to hear the "Tiger Rag" played for them.


While the lyrics may seem light-hearted and playful, the song also has a deeper cultural significance. "Tiger Rag" dates back to the early 20th century and was originally recorded by the Original Dixieland Jass Band in 1917. The song is considered to be a classic and iconic of early jazz music, and has been interpreted by numerous artists over the years. The catchy melody, fast tempo, and use of instruments like the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet helped establish jazz as a popular genre of music at the time.


Overall, "Tiger Rag" is a fun and catchy song that has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic in the world of jazz and music as a whole.


Line by Line Meaning

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Expressing a yearning for the tiger to appear


Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Urging to control the tiger


Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Advocating for rough treatment of the tiger


Where oh where can he be?
Expressing wonder about the tiger's whereabouts


Low or highbrow, they all cry now
All kinds of people are requesting the song


"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Making a request for the song to be played




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY TIERNEY, JOSEPH JOE MC CARTHY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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