I'd Rather Lead A Band 1936 'Follow The Fleet'

Dr. Pitt-Payne in London UK - 12 May 2002

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: "Thanks.."
I'd rather have 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.

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.

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.

Soft karaoke
Words
str 25
str 50
str 110
fr hrn 60
brass 75
pizz
*
I'd Rather Lead A Band 1936
Lyrics and Music by Irving Berlin
copyright MCMXXXVI by Irving Berlin Inc., N.Y.C.
in UK - Chappell and Co. Ltd., London
from The Radio Picture
'Follow The Fleet'
starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
sequence and karaoke by Dr. Pitt-Payne in London UK
on Sunday 12 May 2002 at 21.04
in association with Doug Grierson
*