Strike Up The Band

George Gershwin, Ralph Burns Orchestra

About Strike Up The Band

"Strike Up the Band" is a 1927 song composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin with the collaboration of Millie Raush. It was written for the 1927 musical Strike Up the Band, where it formed part of a satire on war and militaristic music. Although the musical was not successful, the instrumental version of the song, titled the "March from Strike Up the Band", has become quite well known. The song was also used in the Judy Garland-Mickey Rooney 1940 film Strike Up the Band.  


Year:
2006
4:26
38 

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Let the drums roll out
Let the trumpet call 
While the people shout 
"Strike up the band"

Hear the cymbals ring 
Callin' one and all 
To the martial swing
Strike up the band

There is work to be done, to be done 
Let's have fun, fun, fun
Come on you son of a son, of a gun 
Take your stand

Fall in line, yea a bow
Come along, let's go 
Hey, Leader, strike up the band!

There is work to be done, to be done 
Let's have fun, fun, fun
Come on you son of a gun, of a gun 
Take your stand

Fall in line, yea a bow
Come on, let's go 
Hey, Leader, strike up 
Hey, Leader, strike up 
Hey, Leader, strike up the band!

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George Gershwin

George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known. Among his best known works are the orchestral compositions Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, as well as the opera Porgy and Bess. more »

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Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Composer and Background
"Strike Up the Band" is a spirited march song composed by George Gershwin, a renowned American composer. Gershwin originally composed the song for a 1927 musical with the same title.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song were written by Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin's brother. The two often collaborated, setting a benchmark for composers and lyricists in American music history.
Social Commentary
Known for its peppy tune and patriotic flavor, "Strike Up the Band" is actually a satirical commentary on the often unethical reality of war and its perpetrators. It suggests that war is merely a profit-making business for those in charge.
Inspiration
"Strike Up the Band" was originally written for the unsuccessful satire on the war business, the 1927 musical "Strike Up the Band," bearing the same name. The musical was about a cheese manufacturer who sponsors a war against Switzerland because they had protested a tariff on imported cheese.
Success and Revival
The song and the musical gained immense success only when revived in 1930. The musical was rewritten by Morrie Ryskind who left out the satire, leaving the peppy, energetic march song to become famous.
Jazz Standard
"Strike Up the Band" is now considered a jazz standard. Many musicians have performed and recorded this song, making it a part of standard jazz repertoire.
Different Interpretations
Over the years after its 1930 revival, several acclaimed artists, including jazz musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett, have recorded their own interpretations of "Strike Up the Band."
Use in Media
In 1940, a film bearing the same name "Strike Up the Band," starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, was released, which featured a faithful rendition of this triumphant song.
Band Theme Song
Several big bands have used Gershwin's "Strike Up the Band" as their theme song, most notably Artie Shaw’s Gramercy Five and Stan Kenton's Orchestra.
Emblematic
The energetic, marching rhythm of "Strike Up the Band" has made it an emblem of the American spirit of resilience and determination. It's widely regarded as one of George Gershwin's most recognizable pieces and continues to be popular at various festive and patriotic affairs.

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