Tiger Rag
The Firehouse Five Lyrics

The lyrics of The Firehouse Five's song Tiger Rag are straightforward and repetitive, essentially consisting of only two lines - "Hold that tiger" and "Where's that tiger?" - which are sung in quick succession several times throughout the track. The main interpretation of these lyrics is that they are meant to capture the excitement and energy of a live performance, with the band urging the audience to join in and "hold" the music while also asking for more.

The phrase "hold that tiger" is often used in jazz and swing music as a call-and-response to get the crowd pumped up and engaged. It is meant to signal to the audience to hold onto the exciting and dynamic rhythms of the music, and to not let go of that energy until the song is over. Similarly, the repeated question "where's that tiger?" is used to build anticipation and excitement, as the band encourages the crowd to keep searching for that elusive "tiger" (i.e. the climax of the song) and to keep the energy level high until it arrives.

Overall, the lyrics to Tiger Rag are less about telling a specific story or conveying a deep message, and more about getting the audience involved in the performance and creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy. It is a song that celebrates the raw power and energy of traditional jazz and swing music, and encourages listeners to fully embrace that spirit and let loose on the dance floor.