I'D RATHER LEAD A BAND
From the film "Follow The Fleet" (1936)
(Irving Berlin)

Fred Astaire - 1936
Susannah McCorkle - 1996
Paul Bacon - 2002
John Lithgow With Bill Elliott & His Orch. - 2002
Also recorded by: Bunny Berigan; Tony Burgos; 
Bobby Short, Dorothy Loudon & Blossom Dearie.


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

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 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