Sugar Beats are Birmingham-based Octet - Leo Altarelli (trumpet, vocals), M… Read Full Bio ↴Sugar Beats are Birmingham-based Octet - Leo Altarelli (trumpet, vocals), Mike Adlington (trumpet), Mike Fletcher (alto), Alan Gardiner (drums and percussion), Lewis Hornsby (drums), Chris Mapp (upright and electric bass), Colin Mills (Baritone) and Rob Norman (keys), with occasional, very special guest Ed Johnston (tenor). The band came about through a desire to make good quality music using real musicians whilst, at the same time, moving jazz forwards.

After putting on a series of club nights at Birmingham's Medicine Bar, which consisted of a set by a live "jazz" band with DJs playing Sun Ra and Roy Ayers alongside Madlib and Bugz in the Attic, Chris and Leo put a band together to combine these diverse influences into a single live unit.

3 years of refining and gigging later, and the second album is on the way. Recent highlights include gigs in Edinburgh, London, Oxford and Birmingham playing alongside the likes of Dom Servini, Phil Asher and Dego (4 Hero). The band has also recently been awarded a Musicians Benevolent Fund development award.

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All Together Now
Sugar Beats Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

One two three four
Can I have a little more
Five six seven eight nine ten
I love you

A B C D
Can I bring my friend to tea
E F G H I J

I love you

Bom bom bom bompa bom
Sail the ship Bompa bom
Chop the tree bompa bom
Skip the rope bompa bom
Look at me

All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now

Black white green red
Can I take my friend to bed
Pink brown yellow orange and blue
I love you

All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
Bom bom bom bompa bom
Sail the ship Bompa bom
Chop the tree bompa bom
Skip the rope bompa bom
Look at me

All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now
All together now

All together now
All together now

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics of Sugar Beats' "All Together Now" highlight the simplicity and joy of counting, as well as expressing love. The counting suggests a child's innocence and playfulness, with no specific reason or purpose other than to enjoy the act of counting itself. The addition of the phrase "I love you" emphasizes the message of the song, which is to express love and affection to others.

The second verse of the song introduces the concept of inviting a friend over, further emphasizing the theme of togetherness and companionship. The nonsensical syllables "bompa bom" are used in the chorus as an instrument in the song's upbeat and energetic rhythm, adding to the overall playful and fun atmosphere of the song.

The song's message of love and camaraderie in the lyrics is mirrored in the song's music video, which features a diverse group of children of varying ages, races, and dispositions dancing and playing an array of instruments together. The song and video promote unity and connection, encouraging viewers to join in and celebrate life together.

Line by Line Meaning

One two three four
Counting up, starting from "one"

Can I have a little more
Asking for more of something

Five six seven eight nine ten
Continuing the count up to "ten"

I love you
Expressing affection to someone

A B C D
Reciting the first few letters of the alphabet

Can I bring my friend to tea
Asking for permission to bring a friend to a social gathering

E F G H I J
Continuing the recitation of the alphabet

Bom bom bom bompa bom
Making a drum-like sound

Sail the ship Bompa bom
Imagining sailing a ship

Chop the tree bompa bom
Imagining chopping down a tree

Skip the rope bompa bom
Imagining skipping rope