That’s a fascinating juxtaposition — Duke Ellington’s “Take the A Train” and Jesus instructing his disciples to get the colt (Matthew 21:1–7, Mark 11:1–7, Luke 19:28–35, John 12:14–15). On the surface, they’re worlds apart — jazz vs. scripture, swing vs. prophecy — but let’s explore the parallels:
🎷 “Take the A Train”
Written by Billy Strayhorn and popularized by Duke Ellington, the song is an invitation — a directive, really — to take a specific train uptown to Harlem. It’s upbeat, practical, almost coded:
“You must take the A train / To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem…”
It’s a message for someone seeking connection — possibly romance, possibly community. It’s about knowing the route, taking action, and moving toward a destination where something special is waiting.
✝️ Jesus & the Colt
In the Gospels, Jesus tells two disciples to go into a village and untie a young donkey (a colt) they will find. If anyone asks why, they are to say:
“The Lord has need of it.”
It’s a cryptic command — but precise. The disciples follow the instruction without fully knowing how it will unfold, and the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 is fulfilled. It is an entrance, a movement toward destiny — and a public one at that.
🎺 Parallel Themes
| Theme | “Take the A Train” | Jesus and the Colt |
|---|---|---|
| Movement Toward Destiny | Uptown to Harlem, the heart of Black cultural life | Into Jerusalem, the climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry |
| Precise Direction | “Take the A train…” | “Go into the village… find a colt…” |
| Trust in the Route | You get on the train — no questions | They untie the colt — no hesitation |
| Something Waiting at the End | Romance, music, life, purpose | Betrayal, death, resurrection — and salvation |
| Hidden Authority | The singer knows the way | Jesus knows the prophecy and orchestrates its fulfillment |
| Urban Setting | NYC subway, Harlem | Jerusalem, the crowded city at Passover |
🕊️ Jazz & Scripture?
Both moments rely on rhythm — musical or narrative — and both involve calling someone into movement. Strayhorn’s lyrics are cool, inviting, but carry urgency. Jesus’ command is plain, prophetic, and subversive.
The “A Train” is about navigating a world shaped by history and racial struggle — it’s the lifeline of a city, like a hidden gospel of survival and joy. The colt is about navigating divine timing and submission — the road to the cross begins with something as humble as a borrowed donkey.
🎶 Final Thought
In both, there’s a kind of knowing — a voice saying:
“You don’t have to understand everything. Just follow the directions. Something holy is about to happen.”
Boyd Camak 