Ted Heath (1902-1969) was the top UK bandleader of the 40s, 50s and early 6… Read Full Bio ↴Ted Heath (1902-1969) was the top UK bandleader of the 40s, 50s and early 60s. Born in Wandsworth, S. London, he started playing trombone at the age of 14 and played with Jack Hylton, Ambrose, Sid Lipton and Geraldo. He brought his own orchestra together in 1944 for the BBC and his career took off, including many hit records, the biggest success being "Swinging Shepherd Blues". During the 1950s his orchestra frequently performed at the Hammersmith Palais de Dance and from 1956 Heath and his orchestra were regular visitors to the United States. He employed many of the big-name British jazz musicians and his vocalists included Denis Lotus, Lita Rosa and the top British vocalists of the early to mid-50s, Dickie Valentine who went on to have a very successful solo career. The orchestra was disbanded in 1964 when Heath's health started faltering.

Tiger Rag
Ted Heath Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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"

Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ted Heath and His Orchestra's song "Tiger Rag" are a playful and lively call and response between the musicians and the audience, urging the band to play the titular song. The repeated refrain "Where's that tiger?" is a nod to the energy and excitement that the song brings, with the tiger symbolizing the wild and untamed spirit of jazz music. The following lines, "Hold that tiger! Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!" speak to the frenzied and intense nature of the music, encouraging the musicians to play with passion and vigor.

The final lines, "Low or highbrow, they all cry now / 'Please play that Tiger Rag for me'" highlight the universality of jazz music and its appeal across all levels of society. The song speaks to the joy and excitement of the genre, capturing the infectious energy and spirit that has made it beloved for generations.

Line by Line Meaning

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the exciting aspect or element of the situation we were just in?

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where can we find the energy and excitement that we need?

Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Keep the giddy, irritable and unpredictable energy at bay.

Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Use every means at our disposal to control the energy.

Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
What approach can we use to make sure the energy is in check?

Where oh where can he be?
What can we do to bring the excitement back to the situation?

Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Regardless of social status, everyone wants to experience the energy.

"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
We want to hear or be a part of something that ignites energy and excitement.

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Patricia Ilges

5y↑1

My mom had this album and other albums by Heath and Ros and she played them a lot, but I remember this song "Tiger Rag" the most and I absolutely love it!! It brings back so many wonderful memories!!

I remember my mom danced to this song when she did her housework. It was her favorite song and she played it so loud that in the summer I'd hear it blaring out the front screen door lol!!

So, whenever I play this song I blare it as well, because, after all, that's the ONLY way to listen to it lol!!