Tiger Rag
The Original Capitol Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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"
The lyrics of The Original Capitol Orchestra's song "Tiger Rag" suggest a playful and enthusiastic desire to hear the titular tiger, with exhortations to "hold" and "choke" him, as well as indications of the expectation that the tiger will be found at some point. This repetition of the phrase "Where's that tiger" intensifies the anticipation of the audience as they wait for the climax of the song.
The second half of each stanza affirms the universality of the desire to hear the Tiger Rag, with the assurance that "low or highbrow, they all cry now" for it. The song thus becomes an anthem of sorts, with its upbeat rhythm and catchy tune appealing to all sections of society. The lyrics are less about the tiger as an actual animal and more about the energy and excitement that the Tiger Rag brings to its listeners.
Overall, "Tiger Rag" is a fun and lively song that remains popular today, particularly as an anthem for sports teams such as the Clemson Tigers. Its lyrics capture the anticipation and excitement of the audience as they wait for the climax of the song, the arrival of the elusive tiger, with its signature riff and upbeat rhythm.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Looking for the excitement and thrill that only comes when the tiger is present.
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Get ready to control the wildness of the tiger for the entertainment of the masses.
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Use every possible means to bring out the tiger's aggression and ferocity.
Where oh where can he be?
Where can we find the elusive tiger that captivates us all?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
Everyone, regardless of social status or background, is united in their desire for the Tiger Rag.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Let us revel in the wildness of the tiger as it is expressed through the captivating melody of the Tiger Rag.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY TIERNEY, JOSEPH JOE MC CARTHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
bob boscarato
Very spirited version of Tiger Rag!
Andy LeMaitre
Never heard this before but then I am getting on a bit. Thoroughly wonderful!
maxindetroit
Superb transfer!
These guys did due diligence on new Orleans rhythm kings rec.
Nick Dellow
Many thanks for your kind words about the transfer. Glad you like it.
Alco
The ending is very reminiscent of odjb and nork as after the solo the band just goes wild and just blends all the different instruments melody's into a single one which carries enough momentum to knock you down if you stand there for too long. Great playing on the bands part.
John Llewlyn Davies
Wow! REAL jazz - great to get an insight into what was happening here after the ODJB's long stay.
Nick Dellow
Many thanks John, glad you like it. Thanks too for your comment about the info.
Jazzguy1927
The clarinet solo is a lot like Roppolo’s on the NORK Gennett. Thanks for this spirited rendition. There is the trumpet player on this record playing Paul Mares break too. What is surprising to me is this band is playing swinging jazz just like the NORK. They don’t play some rigid sounding copy but have the real jazz feeling in this remarkable recording.
Jazzguy1927
@Nick Dellow Thanks very much for that information Nick. When solos from records are copied almost note for note it makes me wonder how many of these early jazzmen.improvised solos. But with a musician like Jack Teagarden I doubt if he ever copied another trombone players solo on any record. I just uploaded a recording of the Pollack band recording of Sweetheart We Need Each Other from the film Rio Rita. That record comes alive when Teagarden plays his solo. I never was impressed too much with the melody until I heard Teagarden improvise on it on that record.
Nick Dellow
Very true, Tim - in fact, Tracy Mumma's solo is almost a note for note copy of Roppolo's solo on the NORK side.