I'd Rather Lead a Band
I haven't ambitions
For lofty positions
That wind up with
The wealth of the land
I'll 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
I'm rich as old Croesus
My every care ceases
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 lead a band
Oh, a saxophone, a slide trombone
A bass fiddle and a drum
A guy at the piano
Who makes it hum
A violin, yeah a clarinet
A hot trumpet and guitar
And me with the baton
And there you are
I'm touched like King Midas
You don't dare deny us
We've rhythm inside us
This Band
If Josephine had left Napoleon
And climbed in my lap
I'd say go back to Nap
I'd rather lead a band
Writer/s: IRVING BERLIN
