I LOVE A PARADE
From the Cotton Club show "Rhythmania" (1931)
(Music: Harold Arlen / Lyrics: Ted Koehler)


Arden-Ohman Orch. (vocal: Frank Luther) - 1932
Harry Richman (feat. in the short film "I Love A Parade") - 1932

Also recorded by:
Bessie Smith; Boston Pops Orch.; Maxine Sullivan.


As recorded by Harry Richman, Aug 15th 1932, New York:


I walk every step o' the mile,
And think it was really worthwhile
To see a parade come marching down the line.
I don't know a son of a gun
Who wouldn't be willing to run
To see a parade come marching down the line.
Perhaps I'm what you'd call a patriot,
But one thing's certain, whether I am or not!

I love a parade;
The tramping of feet,
I love ever beat
I hear of a drum.
I love a parade;
When I hear a band
I just wanna stand
And cheer as they come!

That rat-a-tat-tat!
The flair of a horn!
That rat-a-tat-tat!
A bright uniform!
The sight of a drill
Will give me a thrill!
I thrill at the skill
Of anything military!

I love a parade;
A handful of vets,
A line of cadets,
Or any brigade,
For I love a parade!

Look, here they come!
Oh what a sight!
Listen to the crowd!
They're cheering, hip hip hooray!
Oh, everybody loves a parade!
And look at those teams,
Tramp tramp tramp, never missing a beat!
And here comes the band, they'll be here soon!
Listen to what they're playing,
Sousa's "Stars And Stripes For Ever!".
Oh boy, that's what I call a tune!
And look at that drum major,
Watch him with that stick,
I'll wager he doesn't miss a trick!
The captain is yelling,
It's the command,
They're going to drill,
Here's where I get a thrill!
Oh by jove, that's it!
Excuse me, lady!
Oh, quit shoving!
Say, who do you think you are?
Oh yeah?
Thanks!
Get out of the way, you mug!
Hallo Charlie!
Hallo Lou!

I love a parade;
The tramping of feet,
I love ever beat
I hear of a drum.
I love a parade;
When I hear a band
I just wanna stand
And cheer as they come!

That rat-a-tat-tat!
The flair of a horn!
That rat-a-tat-tat!
A bright uniform!
The sight of a drill
Will give me a thrill!
I thrill at the skill
Of anything military!

I love a parade;
A handful of vets,
A line of cadets,
Or any brigade,
For I love a parade!



(Transcribed by Peter Akers - March 2012)