Tiger Rag
Vance Dixon 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 of Vance Dixon's catchy tune "Tiger Rag" express a desire to find a tiger and then to hold, choke, poke, kick, and soak him. However, the song quickly shifts from a literal search to a more metaphorical one, as the chorus urges someone to play the "Tiger Rag" for the listeners. The lyrics suggest that the "Tiger Rag" is a powerful force, capable of riling up listeners of all classes and backgrounds.


The repetition of the phrase "Where's that tiger?" creates a sense of urgency and anticipation. When the chorus switches to "Hold that tiger," the tone becomes more forceful and aggressive. However, the violence implicit in the lyrics is immediately undercut by the "Tiger Rag" itself, which is portrayed as a unifying force that brings people together regardless of their social standing. The chorus's final line, "Low or highbrow, they all cry now / 'Please play that Tiger Rag for me'", highlights the democratic appeal of the song.


Overall, "Tiger Rag" is a playful and energetic song that invites listeners to join in the search for the elusive tiger while also celebrating the power of music to unite people of different backgrounds.


Line by Line Meaning

Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Looking for the elusive and captivating tiger.


Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Controlling the tiger and not letting go.


Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Asserting dominance over the tiger through physical actions.


Where oh where can he be?
Expressing frustration and confusion over the tiger's whereabouts.


Low or highbrow, they all cry now
People of all social classes and backgrounds are now in unison.


"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Requesting the upbeat and energetic song that accompanies the image of the tiger.




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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