I’d rather lead a band /1936 "FOLLOW
THE FLEET"/Irving Berlin .
I haven't ambitions for lofty positions that wind up with the wealth of the land.
I'd give you the throne that a king
sat on for just a small
baton –
Providing you included a band.
If I could be the wealthy owner of a large industry,
I would say "Not for me" - I'd rather lead a band.
If I could be a politician with a chance to dictate, I would say
"Let it wait" - I'd rather lead a band.
My ev'ry care ceases,
I'm rich as old Croesus when I've got ten pieces in hand.
If I could have a millionairess with a whole flock of banks,
I would just whisper "No thanks" - I'd rather lead a band.
Give me a band, yes sir!
And not a thing lesser; to be that professor is grand.
If Josephine had left Napoleon and climbed in my lap
I'd say "go back to Nap" -
I'd rather lead a band.
A saxophone, a slide trombone, a bass, fiddle and a drum;
a guy at the piano who makes it hum.
A violin, a clarinet, a hot trumpet and guitar; and me with the baton –
And there you are!
