Tiger Rag
The Rhythm Rascals 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 lyrics to The Rhythm Rascals' "Tiger Rag" are about the excitement and anticipation of hearing a great jazz song. It is almost as if the tiger is a metaphor for the energy and power of the music itself, and the repeated refrain of "hold that tiger" serves as a call to action for the musicians to really bring their all to the performance. The line "choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him" may be seen as a request for the musicians to really push themselves to the limit and give everything they have to the song.


The second half of the verse speaks to the universal appeal of jazz music, regardless of one's social status or background. The language of "low or highbrow" suggests that jazz can be appreciated by anyone, and the repetition of the phrase "where oh where can he be?" seems to reflect the longing that people of all backgrounds have for great music.


Overall, the lyrics to "Tiger Rag" are a spirited call to action and celebration of the joy that can be found in great jazz music.


Line by Line Meaning

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where is the energetic and exciting music that we are anticipating?


Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger!
Maintain the energy and excitement throughout the performance.


Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Use any means necessary to keep the energy going and the audience engaged.


Where oh where can he be?
Where is the source of the music that we are eagerly anticipating?


Low or highbrow, they all cry now
No matter one's social status, everyone is craving the energetic music.


"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
We implore the musicians to perform the energetic and exciting Tiger Rag for us.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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